Graduate Studies in Occupational Therapy
Debra B. Wollaber, Dean, College of Health Sciences
Scott D. McPhee, Associate Dean, School of Occupational Therapy
Lorry Liotta-Kleinfeld, Coordinator, Post-Professional Graduate Degree Programs

Scott D. McPhee (associate dean), Anne K. Brown, Roxie Brunetti*, Debra M. Gibbs, Yvette C. Hachtel, Lorry Liotta-Kleinfeld, Anne Lammers*, Susan Masie*, Peggy Newsham, Heather Patton*, Teressa Plummer*, Gayle Sloan*, Tara Teitjen-Smith*.

*Part-time

Vision:

The School of Occupational Therapy's vision is to offer a comprehensive education to graduate students in a Christian environment, preparing them to become and continue to be occupational therapy practitioners who are committed to life-long learning.

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. AOTA's phone number is (301) 652-AOTA.

Graduates are able to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR). Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Admission Policies Applicable to all Occupational Therapy

Graduate Students

Repeating Courses - If a student must repeat a course, it must be done the next semester the course is offered. The last grade will be the permanent grade recorded, and the student's GPA will be recomputed accordingly. No course may be repeated more than once.

Limitation on Completion of Requirements - A graduate student in the master's program must complete all degree requirements within a six-year period. Time limits shall be computed from and will include the first semester of credit applied to the degree program.

Readmission - Students who fail to register for courses during a given semester are required to apply for readmission in the subsequent semester in which they are eligible to enroll for courses.

Thesis Committees

The adoption of the thesis committee system for graduate study assumes the personalization of the program of study for each individual student and may be adapted to the specifications in each specialty area. Each committee includes: one chair who will serve as the student's advisor and one additional faculty member. The Chair of the Thesis Committee must have a terminal degree and one member of the committee must be an occupational therapist.

Student Organization

The Belmont Student Occupational Therapy Association promotes increased awareness of the profession and assists occupational therapy students in their development as young professionals by encouraging participation in research projects and working with legislators to impact health care at the local and national levels. Membership is open to all students enrolled in the occupational therapy program.

Professional Entry Level Master of Science Degree Program

Purpose:

The Occupational Therapy curriculum is designed in such a way as to reflect the values and intent of the profession. Based upon the profession's philosophy, the university's vision, and the program's mission, the curriculum, which includes both didactic and clinical fieldwork components, provides a learning experience that will prepare Belmont University graduates to enter various service delivery arenas. Students follow a structured, integrated sequence of learning experiences that prepares them for entry level practice as occupational therapists. Building upon a student's liberal arts education, the School of Occupational Therapy's main objective is to provide a professional entry level master's program that meets the following goals:

1. To provide a graduate level education in conjunction with a professional occupational therapy course of study.
2. To provide a solid knowledge base to prepare the professional occupational therapist to competently fulfill the health service responsibilities and roles of the profession.
3. To teach and promote skills of inquiry and critical reasoning.
4. To instill and nurture those attitudes, values and behaviors that exemplify professional leadership, integrity and social consciousness.
5. To embrace the vision and values of the university and integrate the concepts of excellence, caring, honesty and respect in all aspects of the education process.

Requirements for Admission to Graduate Program Admission to the Occupational Therapy entry level Master of Science degree is based on qualifications and space availability. Admission is awarded without regard to sex, race, color, age, religion, national origin, or handicap. Application to the graduate program should be made to the Associate Dean, School of Occupational Therapy.

Admission to Entry Level Master's Program

Requirements for admission to the entry level Master of Science degree program are as follows.

Applicants to the professional entry level masters program in occupational therapy must have completed or shown evidence of substantial work toward the following in order to be considered for admission:

1. A completed application form.
2. A $50 non-refundable application fee.
3. The applicant must have at least a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade-point average on a 4.0 point scale for full admission.
4. An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the past five years. A combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE is recommended.
5. Three letters of reference with one letter from an occupational therapist or other health care provider.
6. Demonstrations of familiarity with occupational therapy in the form of a minimum of 50 hours of observational or volunteer experiences or prior work experience.
7. A one-page, hand-written statement explaining what becoming an occupational therapist means to you, as a result of volunteer or work experiences in occupational therapy.
8. Students are required to complete a minimum number of courses before their admission to the occupational therapy program. Applicants must complete a minimum combination of coursework in each of the following areas: a. 9-12 credits in Math/Science courses (statistics, human anatomy, human physiology, physics, chemistry, etc.) b. 9 credits in Social Science courses (human growth and develop- ment, psychology, sociology, abnormal psychology, etc.) c. 6 credits in communication skills (effective writing, public speak- ing, communications, etc.) d. 3 credits in computer literacy skills (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)
9. After an initial review of applications, selected individuals will be invited to continue in the admission procedure by participating in the on-site portion of the admission process.

Decisions regarding the acceptability of applicants for this program will be made by the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee after evaluation of all pertinent application materials.

Post Professional Master of Science Degree Program

Purpose:

The School of Occupational Therapy is committed to provide continuing professional education, not to just Belmont graduates, but to all occupational therapists who have an interest or need. This is in keeping with Belmont University¹s vision of being a premier teaching university. The School of Occupational Therapy offers a post professional Master of Science degree program using alternative delivery formats (to include web-based instruction and teleconferencing). This is designed for occupational therapists who have an earned entry level bachelor¹s degree in occupational therapy. The goals for this occupational therapy education program are:

1. To provide a post-professional occupational therapy course of study.
2. To build upon the student¹s professional preparation and provide an advanced knowledge base that will enhance their level of practice and understanding.
3. To teach and promote skills of inquiry and critical reasoning.
4. To instill and nurture those attitudes, values and behaviors that exemplify professional leadership, integrity and social consciousness.
5. To embrace the vision and values of the university and integrate the concepts of excellence, caring, honesty and respect in all aspects of the education process.

Admission to Post Professional Master¹s Program

Admissions to the post-professional Master of Science degree program is competitive and is available to qualified applicants on a space available basis. Admission is awarded without regard to sex, race, color, age, religion, national origin, or handicap. Applications to the post professional Master of Science degree program should be forwarded to the Associate Dean, School of Occupational Therapy.

Requirements for admission to the post professional Master of Science degree program are as follows:

1. A completed application form.
2. A $50 non-refundable application fee.
3. A minimum of a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy and certification as an Occupational Therapist, Registered, by the NBCOT.
4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for full admission.
5. An acceptable score on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the past five years.
6. Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant¹s capabilities to pursue a post-professional course of study.

Decisions regarding the acceptability of applicants for this program will be made by the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee after evaluation of all pertinent application materials. Students can be admitted into the program either with full admission status or provisional status. Students admitted provisionally must petition for full admission status at the end of their first term.

Post Professional Degree Graduation Requirements

The School of Occupational Therapy is committed to provide professional graduate education to all occupational therapists who have an interest or need for further education. It offers programs in two areas of concentration: Early Childhood and School Based Therapy, or Higher Education.

All students entering into the post-professional Occupational Therapy Master of Science degree program will be required to take the following courses: OCT 600, OCT 601, OCT 603, and OCT 605. These 12 credits of core courses are required of all students regardless of the area of concentration they choose to follow. Students must complete 12-15 credits in their area of specialization and 6 thesis credits. A minimum of thirty credit hours are required to qualify for graduation.

Occupational Therapy Courses (OCT)

OCT 500. Foundations in Occupational Therapy (3). Study of the profession of occupational therapy including history, philosophies, organizations, roles and functions, standards, professional behaviors, ethics, legal issues and future directions of the profession.

OCT 501. Socio-cultural Implications in Human Development (3). Study of normal sequences of neuromuscular, perceptual, socio-cultural development, diversity and their relationship to behavior from infancy through old age. Students will explore human development and life tasks from a developmental continuum point of view.

OCT 506. Wellness (3). This course presents contemporary issues related to wellness. At the completion of this course, the student will be able to describe wellness and apply this understanding to everyday life. The content will focus on the physical, sexual, intellectual, emotional, cultural, psychological, spiritual, occupational and recreational aspects of wellness. Wellness will be viewed across the lifespan emphasizing culture and gender diversity aspects of individuals and their families.

OCT 510. Occupational Behaviors (4). Through a variety of experiences in purposeful activity, students will explore the dimensions and characteristics of human occupation. The relationship of purposeful activity (occupation) to the evolution of individuality, sense of competence and autonomy, social efficacy and motivation, and development of adaptational styles are explored. Through a series of laboratory and community experiential activities, students will enhance their personal activity repertoire as well as learn the process for activity analysis.

OCT 515. Assessing Human Performance I (4). This course examines human performance from neuroscience and kinesiologic perspectives. Through lecture and laboratory experiences, students will learn various evaluation techniques that can be used to identify physical and sensorimotor components as well as the affective components that affect human function.

OCT 518. Critical Reasoning I (1). Critical reasoning processes, identification of assumptions, and development of an attitude of inquiry pursuant to optimal intellectual functioning are studied. Enhancement and development of reasoning skill and argument analysis are introduced. Topics include the concepts of truth, verification, and knowledge; the subjective/objective distinction; deductive/inductive reasoning; formal and informal arguments; awareness of common errors in informal reasoning.

OCT 520. Assessing Human Performance II (4). This course examines human performance from neuroscience and kinesiologic perspectives. Through lecture and laboratory experiences, students will learn various evaluation techniques that can be used to identify physical and sensorimotor components as well as the affective components that affect human function.

OCT 522. Clinical Pathophysiology (3). Clinical conditions commonly requiring occupational therapy intervention are presented by emphasizing concepts of normal and disrupted anatomy, physiology, cytology, and histology. Clinical cases are used to promote the application of information relative to human performance. The consequences of impairments, disabilities and handicapping conditions, are explored.

OCT 523. Conceptual Foundations in Occupational Therapy (3). Students will critically analyze the philosophical assumptions, ethical issues, core concepts, theories, models and frames of reference that have shaped the profession of occupational therapy.

OCT 525. Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics (3). Understanding and directing communication between people and therapeutic and supervisory functions. Concepts and theories of group formation, development and structure for application with client and staff. Relates systems theory to institution, social and cultural systems.

OCT 528. Occupational Performance Across the Lifespan (4). An exploration of the biologic, psychologic, social and cultural elements of occupational behavior are discussed. This course includes an analysis of occupation in the organization of life stages and activities. The development of observation, interview, data gathering, problem solving, and teaching/learning strategies using individual strengths are integrated with an analysis of activities to promote wellness and recovery from illness or trauma.

OCT 530. Environmental Dimensions of Human Performance (4). Students will explore how the non-human environment impacts on sensory processing, cognitive functioning, perception, interpersonal processes and mobility and how environmental adaptations and assistive technologies help to compensate for disability and enhance functional performance.

OCT 531. Clinical Studies I (2). Through the use of case studies and discussions, students explore the relevant issues related to the practice of occupational therapy. Issues will include, but not be limited to, ethics, diversity, multicultural implications in treatment planning, documentation and reimbursement in various service delivery settings. This seminar is offered concurrently with OCT 537.

OCT 535. Principles of Intervention Planning and Documentation (3). Students are introduced to the process of intervention planning and documentation in occupational therapy. Students will explore the differences in treatment planning and documentation within various delivery systems.

OCT 537. Early Childhood Intervention and School-Based Therapy (4). Students focus on the occupational therapy intervention processes that pertain particularly to early childhood problems and school-based therapy. This course will offer some laboratory experiences that will introduce the student to the roles and functions of the occupational therapy practitioner in this area of practice. This course must be taken with OCT 570, Fieldwork Level I Practicum I.

OCT 538. Level I Fieldwork Seminar I (1). Students are given the opportunity to discuss their Level I fieldwork experiences with occupational therapy faculty members. This seminar is offered during the same semester as OCT 570.

OCT 540. Occupational Performance Intervention I (4). This course will focus on the occupational therapy intervention processes across the life span; the examination of the continuum of impairment, disability and handicap as it relates to role performance; the effects of environment on performance; and the continuum of adaptation, coping and compensation as it relates to occupational therapy intervention. This course must be taken with OCT 571, Fieldwork Level I Practicum II.

OCT 541. Clinical Studies II (2). Through the use of case studies and discussions, students explore the relevant issues related to the practice of occupational therapy. Issues will include, but not be limited to, ethics, diversity, multicultural implications in treatment planning, documentation and reimbursement in various service delivery settings. This seminar is offered concurrently with the OCT 540 intervention course.

OCT 543. Ethics in Health Care and Education Delivery Systems (3). This course examines personal and professional ethics as they relate to health care and educational systems. Students explore how current societal values are reflected in legal and ethical policies affecting both the public and the private sectors. Students will examine how the core values and attitudes of occupational therapy compliments and/or conflicts with current policies and will become aware of how they influence change at both the local and national levels.

OCT 545. Research Methods (3). This course will present the principles and processes involved in research. Qualitative and quantitative approaches will be reviewed and analyzed relative to their strengths, limitations and practical uses. The application of appropriate methods to problems worthy of study will be stressed.

OCT 547. Level I Fieldwork Seminar II (1). Students are given an opportunity to discuss their Level I fieldwork experiences with Occupational Therapy faculty members. This seminar is offered during the same semester as OCT 571.

OCT 550. Occupational Performance Intervention II (4). This course will focus on the occupational therapy intervention processes across the life span; the examination of the continuum of impairment, disability and handicap as it relates to role performance; the effects of environment on performance; and the continuum of adaptation, coping and compensation as it relates to occupational therapy intervention. This course will include a Level I fieldwork experience. This second course of the intervention series addresses occupational performance components.

OCT 551. Clinical Studies III (2). Through the use of case studies and discussions, students explore the relevant issues related to the practice of occupational therapy. Issues will include, but not be limited to, ethics, diversity, multicultural implications in treatment planning, documentation and reimbursement in various service delivery settings. This seminar is offered concurrently with the OCT 550 intervention course.

OCT 555. Management of Service Delivery (3). Financial management, human resource management, staff development, quality assurance, program management and evaluation are presented. Students explore, discuss and critically analyze issues affecting occupational therapy practice including reimbursement, role delineation, professional autonomy, legislation, health care systems and managed care.

OCT 557. Level I Fieldwork Seminar III (1). Students are given an opportunity to discuss their Level I fieldwork experiences with occupational therapy faculty members. This seminar is offered during the same semester as OCT 572.

OCT 570. Fieldwork Level I Practicum I (1). Prerequisite: Permission of the Fieldwork Coordinator. Students are exposed to the practice of intervention processes associated with early childhood and school-based therapy. These practicums allow the student to observe a practitioner applying his/her trade and affords the students the opportunity to dialogue about this process. This course must be taken with OCT 537.

OCT 571. Fieldwork Level I Practicum II (1). Prerequisite: Permission of the Fieldwork Coordinator. Students are exposed to the practice of intervention processes associated with occupational therapy. These practicums allow the student to observe a practitioner applying his/her trade and affords the students the opportunity to dialogue about this process. This course must be taken with OCT 540.

OCT 572. Fieldwork Level I Practicum III (1). Prerequisite: Permission of the Fieldwork Coordinator. Students are further exposed to the practice of intervention processes associated with occupational therapy. This fieldwork is a continuation of OCT 571 and must be taken with OCT 550.

OCT 575. Fieldwork Level II (9). Prerequisite: Permission of the Fieldwork Coordinator. Practical educational experience designed to integrate and apply an academically acquired body of knowledge. Particular emphasis is on the development of clinical reasoning; the transmission of the values, beliefs and ethical commitments of occupational therapy; communication of professional behaviors; development and expansion of a repertoire of occupational therapy assessment and intervention methodologies.

OCT 576. Fieldwork Level II (9). Prerequisite: By Permission of the Fieldwork Coordinator. This second internship emphasizes the integration and application of an academically acquired body of knowledge and research enabling the student to achieve a level of competence in direct care congruent with the standards of entry level practice of the profession of occupational therapy.

OCT 595. Research Thesis I (2). Students will complete a thesis research project that contributes to the knowledge of the occupational therapy process. The outcome of this course will be an acceptable research proposal that has been successfully reviewed by the university's Institutional Review Board (IRB).

OCT 596. Research Thesis II (1). Students will complete a thesis research project that contributes to the knowledge of the occupational therapy process. The outcome of this course will be the successful defense of the thesis project.

OCT 599. Special Studies in Occupational Therapy (1-3).

Post Professional Master of Science Degree Core Courses

OCT 600. Professional Issues (3). Analysis of social, legal, political, and economic issues influencing occupational therapy practice. Methods of proposing and implementing change for existing constraints will be explored. Specific skills needed for preparation of position papers, grant proposals, or public education materials will be presented. Students¹ potential for future professional leadership will be emphasized.

OCT 601. Occupation and Mechanisms of Therapeutic Change (3). Presentation of theories and research related to mechanisms of therapeutic change in occupational therapy (e.g., interpersonal influence, motivation, learning, and purposeful activity/occupation). Examines these mechanisms and their study in light of our understanding of activity and occupation.

OCT 603. Scientific Inquiry in Occupational Therapy (3). This course explores research in occupational therapy and related fields and develops the students¹ research skill as applied to this profession. It will include principles of research design, review and critique of occupational therapy research, recognition of ethical practices, and use of the computer in statistical analysis. Additional topics to include: the collection, classification, and presentation of descriptive data; the rationale of hypothesis testing; t-tests; simple correlation analysis; analysis of contingency tables; and analysis of variance. Special attention is directed to analysis, analysis of contingency tables, and analysis of variance. Special attention is directed to the ability to recognize and interpret statistical procedures in articles from current literature.

OCT 605. Graduate Seminar (3). This course examines topics relevant to new developments in environmental adaptations, treatment techniques, and/or innovations in the delivery of occupational therapy services.

OCT 695. Research Thesis I (3). Students will complete a thesis research project that contributes to the knowledge of the occupational therapy process. The outcome of this course will be an acceptable research proposal that has been successfully reviewed by the university¹s Institutional Review Board (IRB).

OCT 696. Research Thesis II (3). Students will complete a thesis research project that contributes to the knowledge of the occupational therapy process. The outcome of this course will be the successful defense of the thesis project.

Post Professional Early Childhood and School-Based Therapy Courses

OCT 610. Critical Management Issues in Traditional and Non-Traditional Settings (3). Problem solving management issues facing occupational therapists. Seminar discussion of: consultation, supervision, advocacy, and documentation of services. Management issues related to emerging areas of practice will be analyzed.

OCT 612. Environmental Dimensions of Human Performance for Pediatric Populations (3). The course addresses the pediatric population and will explore the impact of the non-human components of the environment on the functional performance of individuals with disabilities, and environmental adaptations (including assistive technologies) that allow a person with a disability to function more successfully in their environment. This course will examine the effect of lighting, temperature, visual and auditory stimuli, and physical structure of the cognitive, physical, and emotional performance of individuals with disabilities, and how these factors influence control, independence, and freedom of the individual.

OCT 614. Clinical Neuroscience for Pediatric Populations (3). In-depth study regarding the function of the central nervous system relative to performance in the pediatric population. Neuroscience rationale for pediatric interventions will be examined.

OCT 616. Advanced Methods in Pediatric Assessments and Intervention (3). Current issues and advanced application of theory and research relating to pediatric occupational therapy assessment. Advanced analysis and application of neurodevelopmental, sensory integrative, motor control and other frames of reference will be examined. Computer-assisted methods of measurement and program planning will be examined.

OCT 629. Independent Study in Occupational Therapy (1-3). This course provides students an opportunity to pursue study in pediatrics that meets individual needs.

Post Professional Higher Education Courses

OCT 620. Professional Development (3). This course provides an overview of professional conduct, ethics, roles and responsibilities associated with teaching. It explores the planning and implementing instruction to stimulate complex thinking in various learning styles. This course will use advanced technology and evaluation strategies to enhance learning and teaching.

OCT 622. Curriculum and Program Planning in Occupational Therapy (3). This course provides an exploration of the major influences on curriculum formation, and the issues and trends impacting curricula. The process of curriculum development is examined, including the roles and responsibilities of the faculty and students in higher education. Both traditional and non-traditional (web-based instruction) curriculum delivery methods will be presented.

OCT 624. Instructional Delivery of Occupational Therapy Education (3). This course provides an extensive exploration and analysis of instructional delivery strategies for both classroom and clinical environments. It will cover topics as teaching theories, needs assessment, scope and sequence of course topics, and selection of appropriate instructional materials and evaluation strategies. Both traditional and non-traditional (web-based instruction) curriculum delivery methods will be presented.

OCT 625. Adult Learning Methods in Occupational Therapy Education (3). Students explore the various methods associated with adult learning to include problem-based and cooperative learning styles. This course examines strategies of implementing appropriate learning strategies to achieve curriculum goals and objectives.

OCT 629. Independent Study in Occupational Therapy (1-3). This course provides students an opportunity to pursue study in pediatrics that meets individual needs.