CHEROKEE, Iowa – Cherokee Regional Medical Center (Cherokee Regional) is proud to announce three (3) therapists at Cherokee Regional Therapy have received additional certifications.
Brooke Nielsen, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS, CLT has recently passed the rigorous Hand Therapy Certification Exam and is now officially a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). This achievement marks a significant milestone in Brooke’s career and further strengthens the clinic’s commitment to providing the highest level of specialized care for patients recovering from hand and upper extremity injuries.
“We are incredibly proud of Brooke for passing this challenging exam and achieving certification,” said Kayla Koch, Manager of Cherokee Regional Therapy. “This accomplishment reflects her dedication to providing the best care possible to our patients, helping them recover and regain functionality after injury or surgery. With her expertise, we are even better equipped to serve our community’s needs.”
As a Certified Hand Therapist, Brooke brings advanced knowledge and specialized skills to the clinic, providing expert care for individuals suffering from conditions and injuries that affect the hands, wrists, and arms. This certification, awarded by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC), requires extensive clinical experience, a deep understanding of anatomy, and a comprehensive exam focused on upper extremity rehabilitation. To become a Certified Hand Therapist, a therapist must demonstrate exceptional expertise in evaluating and treating hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries and conditions. The certification process includes a rigorous exam, which assesses the therapist’s knowledge in various areas such as anatomy, biomechanics, clinical evaluation, treatment techniques, and rehabilitation protocols.
Kayla Koch, DPT, OCS, COMT, and Benjamin Deubner, DPT, COMT, have recently earned the prestigious Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist in Spine (COMT-Spine) certification through the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (IAOM-US). This certification signifies their advanced expertise in manual therapy techniques specifically for spine rehabilitation.
“Kayla and Benjy’s achievement of the COMT-Spine certification is a testament to their commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients,” said Angela Friedrich, Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “Their specialized training ensures they have the advanced skills to effectively treat complex spinal disorders, helping our patients recover faster and achieve better long-term outcomes.”
The COMT-Spine certification is an advanced, post-graduate program designed for physical therapists who specialize in treating musculoskeletal and spinal conditions. The certification focuses on advanced clinical reasoning, evidence-based techniques, and patient-centered approaches, particularly for conditions affecting the spine. Professionals who earn this certification are recognized worldwide for their ability to provide precise spine care through accurate diagnostic techniques, surface anatomy knowledge, and effective treatment plans that include soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and therapeutic exercises.
To learn more about therapy services at Cherokee Regional Medical Center or to schedule an appointment, call 712.225.1502 or visit www.cherokeermc.org/therapy.
About Cherokee Regional Medical Center
A leader in rural healthcare for over 100 years, Cherokee Regional Medical Center (Cherokee Regional) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit health care organization with a mission to provide seamless, quality health care services to its communities. Services include a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital; 24-hour Emergency Medical Services; Ambulance services; regional medical clinics in Cherokee, Aurelia, Holstein, Marcus, Sutherland, and Primghar; Cherokee Regional Physical Therapy of Marcus, Cherokee Regional Physical Therapy of Holstein, The Beck, a 32-unit independent senior living complex; Heartland Assisted Living, Cherokee Regional Home Health; Cherokee Regional Hospice; retail pharmacies in Cherokee and Holstein; Cherokee County Public Health; and the Cherokee Fitness Center. Cherokee Regional is your place for exceptional care. For more information, visit www.cherokeermc.org.
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