Occupational Therapist - Hand Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Seattle, WA, 98101
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 50.1-67.4 HOUR
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
** Sign-on Bonus available**
We are currently seeking an experienced Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) to become a valued member of our dedicated hand therapy team at Virginia Mason Medical Center.
In this dynamic outpatient clinic, you will collaborate closely with hand surgeons, physician assistants specializing in hand conditions, and fellow CHTs. You will have the opportunity to treat a diverse range of upper extremity conditions, including both post-surgical cases and acute injuries. Common diagnoses you will encounter include fractures, Dupuytren's contracture, flexor and extensor tendon repairs, biceps repairs, carpal tunnel release, cubital tunnel syndrome and other nerve injuries, arthritis, ligament injuries, mallet and boutonniere deformities, and open wounds. Your role will involve providing individualized therapy services aimed at enhancing patients' occupational performance and functional outcomes. Strong skills in splinting and manual therapy techniques are essential for this position.
Job Requirements
We require the following qualifications:
* Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy with a 6-month clinical internship
* Current Washington State Occupational Therapy License
* CPR Certification
Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess a strong working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, wound healing, and disease progression. An understanding of the fundamental physical components of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), as well as the various levels of ADL independence, is also crucial. The ability to tailor treatment plans, adapt interventions to home or work environments, and effectively utilize treatment protocols and equipment is necessary. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills are also highly valued.
At Virginia Mason, we are not only committed to the well-being of our patients and our community but also to the professional and personal growth of our team members. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, along with the unique opportunity to live and work in the vibrant city of Seattle. We believe that a career with Team Medicine is an exceptional opportunity.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is a 336 bed non-profit facility providing quality health care to patients and communities in and around Seattle Washington. We are part of CommonSpirit Health which operates 139 hospitals and more than 1,000 care sites across 21 states, making our services accessible to nearly 1 in 4 U.S. residents.
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Frequently asked questions
Seattle's healthcare landscape emphasizes integrated outpatient care, with a strong focus on collaborative treatment alongside hand surgeons and specialists. This means hand therapists here often manage a wider variety of upper extremity conditions, reflecting local patient demographics and regional injury patterns compared to other areas.
Holding a current Washington state occupational therapy license is mandatory, while certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) significantly boosts employability. Local employers also value CPR certification and a thorough understanding of anatomy and kinesiology tailored to the upper extremity.
Mastery in splinting techniques and manual therapy is crucial, alongside the ability to customize treatment plans for varied environments like home or work. Strong organizational skills and effective time management are also key due to the dynamic outpatient setting prevalent in Seattle.
Catholic Health Initiatives fosters professional development by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and providing access to advanced treatment protocols. Working here offers exposure to diverse cases and continuous learning opportunities within an extensive healthcare network.
Virginia Mason's hand therapists benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach, focusing heavily on complex post-surgical rehabilitation. Compared to other sites, there’s a notable emphasis on treating acute injuries and chronic conditions with cutting-edge manual therapy and splinting methods.
Occupational Therapists specializing in hand therapy in Seattle typically earn between $85,000 and $105,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include certification level, clinical experience, and specific outpatient clinic demands within the region's competitive healthcare market.
Seattle’s traffic can be challenging during peak hours, so many therapists opt for flexible schedules or public transit routes. Virginia Mason’s central location offers accessibility via multiple transport options, helping minimize commute times for occupational therapy professionals.
Yes, the Seattle area shows strong demand for certified hand therapists due to an aging population and increased awareness of specialized upper extremity rehabilitation. Facilities like Virginia Mason actively seek experienced CHTs to address complex patient needs.
A Certified Hand Therapist possesses advanced credentials reflecting specialized expertise in upper extremity rehabilitation, often involving rigorous clinical experience and examination. This specialization enables them to manage intricate cases more effectively than general occupational therapists.
Seattle’s diverse patient base includes a range of post-surgical and acute injury cases, requiring therapists to adapt quickly and apply evidence-based interventions. Environmental factors like ergonomic work demands also influence therapy strategies, adding complexity to treatment planning.