Course Descriptions
Foundations of Occupational Therapy
5000
Credits: 4
This course provides students with foundational knowledge in occupation-based practice through reflection on curricular themes and participation in lecture and lab experiences. Course content emphasizes occupation-centered factors as students learn activity analysis and occupation-based concepts that are central to doingand define our scope of practice.
Physiology
5001
Credits: 3
Provides occupational therapy students with an understanding of the body functions that support health or can underlie disease processes, including inflammatory aspects, infectious conditions and genetic mechanisms in health and disease. There is an emphasis on neurological functions and the structures that support these functions. Lectures proceed through organized systems with presentations emphasizing normal physiology of that system, followed by a brief introduction to pathophysiology of diseases important to that system.
Biopsychosocial Development Across the Lifespan
5002
Credits: 2
Focuses on individual development from the pre-natal period through older adulthood. Interaction of physical, psychological, cultural and social systems on the individual's adaptation will be examined. The interface of normative developmental issues and impairment will be explored. Changes in occupational engagement and impact of lifestyle choice, disability and chronic illness over the life-span will be included. The course uses lecture and small group format to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for the understanding of, communication with clients and their families.
Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology
5003
Credits: 3
Provides occupational therapy students with intensive instruction in gross human anatomy and functional kinesiology. Through lecture and guided experiential learning, this course has an emphasis on body structures supporting neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related structures. Laboratory instruction provides small group, instructor-guided experiences, including human cadaver dissection, manual muscle testing and goniometry.
Applied Tenets 1
5030
Credits: 2
Introduces the first rotation of supervised Fieldwork Level I where students demonstrate beginning competency in application of critical analysis within the context of scholarship, humanism, and occupation-based practice. In all three Level I fieldwork rotations students build on their understandings of the curricular theme of occupation. In addition, the focus of this fieldwork experience will be to reinforce understandings of interdisciplinary teams. Students will be able to clearly define the scope of practice for OT's while learning more about how to work with other professionals in clinical settings.
Applied Tenets 2
5031
Credits: 2
Applied Tenets 2 continues to develop competency in application of critical analysis within the context of scholarship, humanism, and occupation-based practice. In all three Level I fieldwork rotations students build on their understandings of the curricular theme of occupation. In addition, the focus of this fieldwork experience will be to reinforce critical reasoning as it relates to practice. Clinical reasoning skills will be challenged this semester by increasing complexity of cases used in didactic teaching, as well as application within the clinic setting.
Applied Tenets 3
5032
Credits: 2
Applied Tenets 3 is the third and final level I fieldwork experience. It continues to develop competency in application of critical analysis within the context of scholarship, humanism, and occupation-based practice. In all three Level I fieldwork rotations students build on their understandings of the curricular theme of occupation. In addition, the focus of this fieldwork experience will center on professional development and leadership in the field. Students will learn to identify ways to advocate for clients and understand how to take on professional development and leadership roles in a clinical setting.
Research Methods
5100
Credits: 3
This course introduces the student to foundational components of occupational therapy research, including both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The quantitative research part of this course will include searching, evaluating and synthesizing relevant research literature, identifying and developing a research question, exposure to the range of outcomes and measurements utilized in occupational therapy, sampling methods, research designs, and basic statistical analyses and interpretation. The course will provide skills and experience with systematically developing a quantitative research design proposal. The qualitative research part of this course will introduce the student to the major approaches used in conducting qualitative research and the application of these methods to problems and phenomena in occupational therapy. Students will have an opportunity to participate in a qualitative research experience, culminating in a final project.
Ethics in Occupational Therapy
5101
Credits: 1
This course provides students with an understanding of ethical dimensions related to practice in occupational therapy. Key official and legal documents that affect professional practice will be examined. Students will consider the interrelation between personal (moral), legal (public) and ethical decision-making and learn several conceptual approaches to understanding and resolving ethical dilemmas. Ethical dimensions of patient-caregiver-professional relationships, social contexts of healthcare, professional roles, professional documentation and communication, clinical research involving human subjects, and other ethical issues in scholarly inquiry.
Occupational Therapy Orthotics and Modalities
5102
Credits: 1
This course will provide basic knowledge and skills in assessment and intervention techniques as they apply to orthotics and other modalities used in OT treatment. The student will have the opportunity to develop hands-on skills in an interactive laboratory with learning based in case study experiences.
Leadership and Management
5103
Credits: 2
This course prepares students for varied roles within the healthcare delivery system including manager/program director, supervisor, advocate and entrepreneur. It includes an exploration of healthcare delivery systems and the regulatory and reimbursement mechanisms that affect delivery of OT services throughout the continuum of care. Through development of a professional portfolio, students demonstrate knowledge and personal awareness of resources that support leadership in practice, education, and health policy.
Emerging & Innovative Practice in Occupational Therapy
5200
Credits: 2
Emerging and Innovative Practice in OT provides students with an overview of assistive technology devices and services, including but not limited to evaluation and assessment, selection, procurement, and training. Legislation and funding related to assistive technology will be discussed. Students will also explore emerging practice areas with a focus on health and wellness.
OT Theory and Practice in Mental Health and Community
5202
Credits: 3
This course presents the theory and practice of community-based practice and prevention/transition services for the well population and populations at risk for specific mental, social, and/or environmental problems. Course material includes community context, multicultural competence, and principles of prevention, use of evidence to plan and evaluate services, and consultation and collaboration. Utilizing a life-span developmental perspective, information is presented on the needs of each target group and settings to access the population. The program development process is described in depth, with special emphasis on needs assessment and outcome evaluation.
Occupational Therapy Theoretical Perspectives
5300
Credits: 2
This course provides students with professional knowledge in historical and current occupational theories, models of practice, and frames of reference. Comparing, contrasting and integrating a variety of occupation-based models and frames of reference is emphasized, as well as the development of therapeutic reasoning. Group theory and process are introduced and group leadership skills developed.
OT Theory and Practice for Children and Youth
5301
Credits: 4
A lecture and lab format focuses on occupational performance in infancy, childhood, and adolescence. This course is a part of the professional and service delivery components of the curriculum and introduces occupational therapy theory, evaluation and intervention specifically relating to the pediatric population. Students will apply relevant theoretical constructs in problem based learning across a wide range of performance skill deficits and stages of pediatric development, emphasizing client and family centered care.
OT Theory and Practice for Adults
5302
Credits: 4
This course presents an overview of the planning and implementation of occupational therapy services for adults while providing a continuation of the exploration and study of selected theories and frames of reference as applied to adults. Students will gain experiences in the practice of integrating occupational therapy frames of reference, activity analysis, theories of human development and human occupation and the process of clinical reasoning with the observation, evaluation, delivery and documentation of occupational therapy services for adults. Emphasis will be given to theoretical constructs as applied through occupation-based practice in adults.
OT Theory & Practice in Geriatrics
5303
Credits: 3
A lecture and lab format requires students to demonstrate synthesis of key curricular elements applied to a traditional or emerging area of occupational therapy practice with older adults. Lectures proceed through the AOTA Practice Framework in an organized fashion with presentations emphasizing the dynamic intersection of the client, the context, and the client’s occupations. Special attention is paid to the issues and concerns of older adults, especially those at risk for health decline and loss of independence.
Pediatric Clinical Conditions
5400
Credits: 2
This course provides students with an introduction to the most common health problems affecting the pediatric patient, from the newborn period through adolescence. Lectures focus on health promotion, disease prevention and screening, pathology identification and management, and patient education and counseling for the pediatric patient and his/her family.
Adult Clinical Conditions
5401
Credits: 2
Students will study selected diseases throughout the life span, including adult and older adult stages. Areas of focus include the fundamental facts, medical and surgical interventions in developmental, orthopedic, neurological and metabolic disorders. Disorders and medical and surgical interventions/treatments are discussed in addition to how they impact the client and their occupational roles and performances.
Behavioral Health Conditions
5402
Credits: 2
This course addresses the etiology and symptoms of behavioral health conditions throughout the adult life span, commonly referred for occupational therapy services. The effects of trauma and disease on the biological, psychological, and social domains of occupational behavior are introduced. The influence of culture and diversity, environmental context and psychological issues, as well as the impact of occupation and health promotion in practice are examined. Disorders, medical, pharmacological, and therapeutic interventions are discussed including procedures and precautions necessary to ensure client and caregiver safety.
Capstone Project
6000
Credits: 1
This course serves as a culminating experience in the occupational therapy program. Students are required to demonstrate critical thinking, leadership skills, and the ability to synthesize information gained through didactic and fieldwork components of the curriculum. This is accomplished through reflection papers and the development and presentation of a professional poster highlighting contributions of occupational therapy in addressing the health needs of individuals, families and communities. This course includes both didactic classroom time and a distance learning format.
Capstone Synthesis
6001
Credits: 1
This course completes a culminating experience in the occupational therapy program. Students are required to demonstrate critical thinking, leadership skills, and the ability to synthesize information gained throughout the curriculum. This course takes place in a distance learning format).
Fieldwork 2A
6030
Credits: 6
This course entails twelve weeks of full-time, supervised clinical experience with the opportunity to treat individuals with a variety of diagnoses across the life span. Fieldwork 2A is an in-depth experiential field experience that is critical to occupational therapy education. In supervised settings, students apply their academically acquired body of knowledge. This occurs in varied settings where occupational therapy services are provided. This includes institutions, outpatient clinics, community-based services and/or schools. These fieldwork sites deliver acute, sub-acute or chronic care. This course addresses the contextual application component of the curriculum; reflecting the educational themes of occupation, professional development and leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical reasoning.
Fieldwork 2B
6031
Credits: 3
This course entails six weeks of full time supervised clinical experience with the opportunity to treat individuals with a variety of diagnoses across the life span. Fieldwork 2B is an in-depth experiential field experience that is critical to occupational therapy education. In supervised settings, students apply their academically acquired body of knowledge. This occurs in varied settings where occupational therapy services are provided. This includes institutions, outpatient clinics, community-based services and or schools. These fieldwork sites deliver acute, sub-acute or chronic care. This course advances the contextual application component of the curriculum; reflecting the educational themes of occupation, professional development and leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical reasoning.
Fieldwork 2C
6032
Credits: 3
This course entails six weeks of full-time, supervised clinical experience with the opportunity to treat individuals with a variety of diagnoses across the life span. Fieldwork 2C is an in-depth experiential field experience that is critical to occupational therapy education. In supervised settings, students apply their academically acquired body of knowledge. This occurs in varied settings where occupational therapy services are provided. This includes institutions, outpatient clinics, community-based services and or schools. These fieldwork sites deliver acute, sub-acute or chronic care. This course further advances and solidifies the contextual application component of the curriculum; reflecting the educational themes of occupation, professional development and leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical reasoning.