Course Descriptions

This course provides fundamental knowledge of normal human structure and function. The emerging theme will be the interrelationships between structural design and functional capabilities. During this course, basic components including tissues, muscles, nerves, bones and joints will be covered. The musculoskeletal system in particular will be highlighted in both lecture and laboratory formats.

Credits: 4

This course is designed to introduce students to issues pertaining to clients with psychiatric disorders, to techniques used in psychiatry to evaluate and diagnose clients, and finally to present an overview of psychiatric conditions within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV-TR classification system. Implications for occupational therapy practice are introduced.

Credits: 3

This course is the first of a two course series that introduces the philosophical assumptions, theories, models of practice, and frames of reference within occupational therapy practice. Applications to one's life and previous exposure to occupational therapy will be incorporated.

Credits: 3

This course addresses the risk factors, clinical signs and symptoms, pathogenesis, medical tests and treatments, and differential diagnosis of selected diseases/problems most common to the adult population. The impact on function is addressed. Prevention of the diseases/problems is emphasized, and current research in etiology and treatment will be discussed.

Credits: 3

This introductory course emphasizes the value and use of purposeful activities in occupational therapy. The development of occupational performance skills in work, self-care, and play/leisure is highlighted. Activity analysis, problem solving and teaching processes are emphasized.

Credits: 2

This course introduces the student to the clinical education program, including its goals and objectives, the types of clinical education experiences provided, and the expectations for student participation. Students will also begin to focus on increasing self-awareness through reflective exercises to foster development of professional behaviors.

Credits: 0.5

This course provides students with an in-depth inquiry into the essential principle of the profession – occupation – and the ways in which everyday occupation provides meaning, continuity, and perspective to our lives. Occupational engagement, experience, and performance will be addressed, and ways in which occupation contributes to well-being and participation in daily life will be highlighted.

Credits: 2

Basic biomechanical concepts are addressed in this course and their application to occupational therapy treatment in relation to force analysis and its implications on functional movement and activity. The structure and function of joints, connective tissue and muscle are addressed. Components of normal movement in the trunk and extremities are discussed in relation to static and dynamic movement and activity. The influence of task and pathology on function of the musculoskeletal system is discussed.

Credits: 3

This course continues to develop the students' knowledge base of neuroscience to a level required for clinical practice. It provides opportunities to apply neuroscience principles to the evaluation and treatment of occupational performance. Throughout the two neuroscience courses, there is an integration of information about principal structural components, corresponding functions of the nervous system and the impact of neurological dysfunction upon human occupation.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

OTHE 0583 Neuroscience I

This course focuses on the synthesis and evaluation of specific models of practice and frames of reference as related to occupational therapy practice and education. Application to fieldwork and experiential learning opportunities will be highlighted.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

OTHE 0520 Theoretical Constructs I

This course provides content foundational to understanding and applying current research that affects practice and the provision of occupational therapy services. The importance of research, analysis of current professional literature, understanding and interpreting basic research methodologies/designs will be highlighted. The process of choosing an area of research focus, developing appropriate questions, and beginning the literature review will be emphasized.

Credits: 3

Self-directed learning builds upon work completed in prerequisite courses to carry out research studies that evaluate clinical practice and/or service delivery. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval initiates the processes of subject recruitment, data collection, and the initial analysis of results.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

OTHE 0630 Research II

Fieldwork experience consists of guided learning experiences in various healthcare and/or community settings that provides students with direct opportunities to observe and interact with clients engaged in functional living activities that are appropriate for their respective cognitive, psychosocial, and physical stage of development. Observational and documentation skills are emphasized.

Credits: 1

This course will introduce the fundamental principles involved in the application of basic orthotic devices within the practice of occupational therapy. Emphasis will be placed on anatomical and biomechanical principles as they pertain to orthotic design and utilization, principles of orthotic selection/application and the fabrication process of three basic orthoses.

Credits: 2

This course focuses on the clinical education program, including the types of clinical education experiences recently provided, and the outcomes of student participation. The focus of this course is to facilitate student development of a "therapeutic attitude" witnessed during fieldwork, and to increase self-awareness through self-reflective and experiential exercises to foster development of professional behaviors.

Credits: 0.5

This course focuses on advanced evaluation and intervention strategies for the remediation of physical limitations that are primarily musculoskeletal in nature. Emphasis will be placed on impairments of the upper extremity and their effect on functional performance.

Credits: 4

The focus of this course is on the application of occupational therapy evaluation and intervention to practice with children in various settings. Problem-based and case-based methodologies are utilized to facilitate students' ability to generate applications to occupational therapy practice.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

OTHE 0655 Evaluation and Treatment II: Children

This course provides an in-depth analysis of the use of occupational therapy in psychosocial settings. Analysis of current models of practice, philosophical and theoretical frameworks, and occupational therapy practice are critiqued. Analytical thought, clinical reasoning, logic, and critical thinking are emphasized.

Credits: 3

Basic administrative skills are emphasized, including strategic planning, business plans, legal issues, fiscal management, reimbursement, organization, and personnel management. These applications will provide the tools for the development of occupational therapy service delivery. Leadership is addressed from organizational and professional perspectives.

Credits: 3

The focus of this course is on the application of occupational therapy evaluation and intervention to practice with adults in various settings. Problem-based and case-based methodologies are utilized to facilitate student's ability to generate advanced applications to occupational therapy practice.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

OTHE 0675 Evaluation and Treatment III: Adult

Using skills from the previous administration course, and developing skills in grant-writing, students work in small groups to develop a realistic model for occupational therapy service provision within an agency or institution, private clinic, or community setting. Emerging and non-traditional areas of practice are emphasized.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites

OTHE 0678 Administration & Leadership

This three month internship is comprised of supervised field experience with clients and/or client groups who exhibit a variety of medical conditions, which include physical and/or psychosocial disabilities. This internship emphasizes the development of disciplined, higher-level critical thinking skills necessary to plan and provide high-quality client care. Students are supervised by registered occupational therapists with a minimum of one year of experience.

Credits: 12

Prerequisites

Successful completion of all prior courses