02/16/2026
📘 A look at the history of HTCC
The Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) was founded through the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). ASHT was incorporated in 1977 to advance the specialty of hand therapy through education, research, communication, and the establishment of clinical standards.
In its early years, ASHT membership served as a way to recognize hand therapy expertise. As the profession evolved and antitrust laws required professional organizations to broaden access to membership, ASHT began exploring new ways to recognize advanced clinical expertise while remaining inclusive of therapists at all stages of their careers.
This work ultimately led to the creation of HTCC — establishing a fair, independent certification process that continues to uphold excellence in hand therapy today.