SMOKEY POINT — Hilary Noe of Cascade Rehabilitation Associates recently earned a certified hand therapist designation, after completing all required examinations and clinical studies by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission.

Noe and her three fellow hand therapists at Cascade Rehab, who have all received this certification, are among the approximately 5,200 individuals worldwide who hold this marked designation.

Certified hand therapist requirements include at least five years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist or physical therapist, a minimum of 4,000 hours in direct practice in hand therapy, and the successful completion of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. The designation allows hand therapists to evaluate and establish appropriate treatment plans for any problem related to upper extremities.

The certified hand therapist credential is considered the highest recognition of competency in the profession of upper quarter therapy.

Noe graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1995 with a bachelor’s of science in occupational therapy, and following several years of work in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation, she elected to specialize in hand therapy. She focuses on the rehabilitation of hand and upper extremity injuries, with a special interest in wrist fractures and custom splinting.

“The best part of my job is the broad spectrum of people I meet,” said Noe, whose patients’ issues range from carpal tunnel syndrome to regaining the use of temporarily amputated fingers. “I’m exposed to the community at large.”