Doctor of Occupational Therapy Courses

OTD 500 Psychosocial Interventions in Occupational Therapy (4). Students focus on the diagnosis, assessment, intervention and documentation processes that pertain particularly to psychosocial occupational therapy practice. This course will offer laboratory and clinical experiences that will introduce the student to the roles and functions of the occupational therapy practitioner in this area of practice. This course is offered in conjunction with OTD 505.

OTD 501 Conceptual Foundations in Occupational Therapy (2). Students will critically analyze the historical foundation, philosophical assumptions, ethical issues, core concepts, theories, models and frames of reference that have shaped the profession of occupational therapy.

OTD 502 Human Development I (3). Study of normal sequences of development from a physical, psychological, socio-cultural, and diversity perspective and to study their relationship to behavior across the lifespan.

OTD 503 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.

OTD 504 Critical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy (2). 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 proficiency, argument analysis and professional writing skills 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.

OTD 505 Psychosocial Fieldwork Ð Level I (2). Students are exposed to the practice of intervention processes associated with psychosocial occupational therapy. This practicum allows the student to observe a practitioner applying his/her clinical expertise and affords the students the opportunity to dialogue about this process. This fieldwork experience includes a weekly fieldwork seminar that will emphasize clinical reasoning and documentation. This course must be taken with OTD 500.

OTD 510 Biomechanical and Musculoskeletal Interventions in Occupational Therapy (4). Students focus on the diagnosis, assessment, intervention and documentation processes that pertain particularly to biomechanical and musculoskeletal disorders in occupational therapy practice. This course will include laboratory and clinical experiences. This course is offered in conjunction with OTD 515.

OTD 511 Assessing Human Performance – Kinesiology (4). Students will study human motion, including the anatomical foundation of the skeletal and muscle systems, mechanics and principles of human motion, analysis and application relative to form and function. Through 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 can affect human function.

OTD 512 Assistive Technologies for Human Performance I (2). 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. During this course assistive technologies for musculoskeletal disorders will be emphasized.

OTD 513 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, health and wellness. The consequences of impairments, disabilities and handicapping conditions are explored. Students will demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology at the completion of this course.

OTD 514 Quantitative Research Processes (2). This course explores research in occupational therapy and related fields and develops the students' quantitative research skill as applied to this profession. This course will study statistical models used in the research process and will include topics such as data 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 the ability to recognize and interpret statistical procedures in articles from current literature.

OTD 515 Musculoskeletal Interventions Fieldwork Ð Level I (2). Students are exposed to the practice of intervention processes associated with musculoskeletal and biomechanical problems. This practicum will allow the student to observe a practitioner applying his/her trade and affords the students the opportunity to dialogue about this process. This fieldwork experience includes a weekly fieldwork seminar that will emphasize clinical reasoning and documentation. This course must be taken with OTD 510.

OTD 520 Rehabilitation Interventions in Occupational Therapy (4). Students focus on the diagnosis, assessment, intervention and documentation processes that pertain particularly to rehabilitation in occupational therapy practice. This course will focus on the rehabilitation intervention strategies in occupational therapy intervention for acquired, congenital or degenerative disorders. This course is offered in conjunction with OTD 525.

OTD 521 Assessing Human Performance – Neuroscience (4). This course examines the central, autonomic and peripheral nervous system from an anatomical and physiological perspective as it relates to human performance. Through 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 can affect human function.

OTD 522 Human Development II (2). Study of normal sequences of neuromuscular, perceptual, socio-cultural development, diversity and their relationship to behavior from adulthood through old age. In this course, students will explore human development and life tasks from a psychosocial perspective, and sensorimotor components as well as the affective components that can affect human function.

OTD 523 Assistive Technologies for Human Performance II (2). 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. During this course assistive technologies used in physical rehabilitation will be emphasized.

OTD 524 Qualitative Research Processes (2). This course will present the principles and processes involved in qualitative research. It will include principles of research design, review and critique of occupational therapy research, recognition of ethical practices, and use of appropriate analyses. Qualitative 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.

OTD 525 Adult Rehabilitation Fieldwork – Level I (2). Students are exposed to the practice of intervention processes associated with adult rehabilitation and issues in gerontology. This practicum will allow the student to observe a practitioner applying his/her trade and affords the students the opportunity to dialogue about this process. This fieldwork experience includes a weekly fieldwork seminar that will emphasize clinical reasoning and documentation. This course must be taken with OTD 520.

OTD 530 Early Childhood and School Based Therapy (4). Students focus on the diagnosis, assessment, intervention and documentation processes that pertain particularly to early childhood problems and school based therapy in occupational therapy practice. This course will offer clinical and laboratory experiences that will introduce the student to the roles and functions of the occupational therapy practitioner in this area of practice. This course is offered in conjunction with OTD 535.

OTD 531 Interventions for Cognitive and Perceptual Disorders (2). This course examines cognitive and perceptual disorders, congenital or acquired, that can affect individuals across the lifespan. The emphasis will be on advanced intervention skills that are available through occupational therapy. OTD 532 Human Development III (2). Study of normal sequences of neuromuscular, perceptual, socio-cultural development, diversity and their relationship to behavior from infancy through old age. In this course, students will explore human development and life tasks from birth through adolescence.

OTD 533 Assistive Technologies for Human Performance III (2). 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. During this course assistive technologies used in early childhood and school based therapy will be emphasized.

OCT 534 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 completion of an acceptable research proposal that can be submitted to the University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review.

OTD 535 Early Childhood and School Based Therapy Fieldwork – Level I (2). Students are exposed to the practice of intervention processes associated with early childhood and school based therapy. This practicum will allow the student to observe a practitioner applying his/her trade and affords the students the opportunity to dialogue about this process. This fieldwork experience includes a weekly fieldwork seminar that will emphasize clinical reasoning and documentation. This course must be taken with OTD 520.

OTD 540 Management of Occupational Therapy Services (4). 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. This course involves a practical experience arranged with approval from course instructor that will emphasize clinical reasoning and documentation. This course must be taken with OTD 545.

OTD 541 Ethics and Occupational Therapy (3). This course introduces 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 complements and/or conflicts with current policies and will become aware of how they influence change at both the local and national levels.

OCT 542 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 presentation of the thesis project to the occupational therapy faculty.

OTD 543 Instructional Methods in Occupational Therapy (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 course delivery strategies will be presented.

OTD 545 Management Fieldwork – Level I (2). Students are exposed to the principles and practice of management. This practicum will allow the student to participate in the management of a traditional and non-traditional settings. This course must be taken with OTD 540.

OTD 550 Fieldwork Level II (9). 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.

OTD 551 Fieldwork Level II (9). 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.

Occupational Therapy Courses (OCT)

OTW 500. Physiology and Clinical Pathophysiology (3). This course involves the study of human physiological system. contemporary issues related to wellness as well as clinical conditions commonly requiring occupational therapy intervention are presented. The content will focus on the physical, sexual, intellectual, emotional, cultural, psychological, spiritual, occupational and recreational aspects of wellness. Diseases are approached by organ system, with a review of the anatomy & physiology involved, epidemiology of each disease, pathologic and clinical manifestations. Clinical cases are used to promote the application of information relative to human performance.

OTW 501. Neuroscience in Occupational Therapy (4). The focus of this course involves a study of the development, structure and function of the human nervous system. This course examines the central, autonomic and peripheral nervous system from an anatomical and physiological perspective as it relates to human performance.

OTW 502. Critical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy (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 proficiency argument analysis and professional writing skills are introduced. This course also introduces strategies for conducting literature review searches. Specific skills for engaging in on-line instruction are also covered.

OTW 503. Kinesiology in Occupational Therapy (4). This course involves the study of the anatomical, structural and functional properties of human connective, muscular, and nervous tissues, asa well as skeletal structures. Emphasis is on the mechanics and principles of human notion, analysis and application that influence normal and pathological form and function affecting human performance.

OTW 510. Psychosocial Theory, assessment and Intervention (3). This course involves the study of psychiatric diagnoses, and relevant Assessment & Intervention psychopharmacology, commonly requiring occupational therapy intervention. Relevant theories, models and frames of reference associated with psychosocial practice are discussed and applied. Appropriate interpersonal skills and group dynamic principles are applied to the assessment, treatment planning, intervention, documentation, and discharge planning processes associated with psychosocial practice.

OTW 511. Clinical Studies in Psychosocial Practice (2) Through the use of case studies and discussions, this course explores the relevant issues related to psychosocial practice. This is a companion course to OTW 510.

OTW 512. Legal Issues and Ethics (3). This course prepares students to resolve ethical dilemmas commonly associated with the practice of occupational therapy. This course explores personal morals, professional ethics, and relevant state and federal laws impacting the practice of occupational therapy. The Official documents of the American Occupational Therapy Association and requirements for credentialing are reviewed. Students will explore their professional responsibility to engage in the development and revision of policies at the local and national level.

OTW 513. Research Methods (3). This course will present the principles and processes involved in developing and conducting a research project. Qualitative and quantitative approaches will be reviewed and analyzed relative to their strengths, limitations, and practical uses.

OTW 514. Psychosocial Level I Fieldwork and Seminar (1). Students are placed in community practice settings where they can begin to apply the occupational therapy concepts and intervention skills relevant to psychosocial practice under supervision. Students participate in on-line discussions with faculty and each other to compare and contrast their various learning experiences.

OTW 520. Pediatric Theory, Assessment and Intervention (3). Focus is on the assessment, treatment planning, intervention, documentation, and discharge planning processes associated with pediatric and school-based practice. Relevant theories, models and frames of reference associated with pediatric practices are discussed and applied.

OTW 521. Clinical Studies in Pediatric Practice (2). Through the use of case studies and discussions, this course explores the relevant issues related to pediatric and school-based practice. This is a companion course to OTW 520.

OTW 523. Research Project I (2). Students will initiate a research project under the supervision of a faculty member that contributes to the knowledge of the occupational therapy process.

OTW 524. Pediatric Level I Fieldwork and Seminar (1). Students are placed in community and school-based practice settings where they can begin to apply the occupational therapy concepts and intervention skills relevant to pediatric and school-based practice under supervision. Students participate in on-line discussions with faculty and each other to compare and contrast their various learning experiences.

OTW 525. Occupational Behaviors I (4). Through a variety of experiences in purposeful activity, students will explore the dimensions and characteristics of human from a developmental perspective with particular influence placed on the occupations of early and meddle childhood. Occupation will be examined within the context of normal neuromuscular, perceptual, sociocultural, and bio-psychosocial development.

OTW 526. Assistive Technologies for Human Performance I (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. Emphasis will be placed on those technologies relevant to early and middle childhood.

OTW 530. Adult Rehabilitation Theory, assessment and Interventions (4). Focus is on the assessment, treatment planning, intervention, documentation, and discharge planning processes associated with adult orthopedic and neurorehabilitation. Relevant theories, models and frames of reference associated with adult rehabilitation are discussed and applied.

OTW 531. Clinical Studies in Adult Practice (2). Through the use of case studies and discussions, this course explores the relevant issues related to adult rehabilitation. This is a companion course to OTW 530.

OTW 532. 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, health care systems and managed care.

OTW 533. Research Project II (1). Students will complete a research project under the supervision of a faculty member that contributes to the knowledge of the occupational therapy process.

OTW 534. Adult Rehabilitation Level I Fieldwork and Seminar (1). Students are placed in community practice settings where they can begin to apply the occupational therapy concepts and intervention skills relevant to adult rehabilitation under supervision. Students participate in on-line discussions with faculty and each other to compare and contrast their various learning experiences.

OTW 535. Occupational Behaviors II (4). Through a variety of experiences in purposeful activity, students will explore the dimensions and characteristics of human form a developmental perspective with particular influence placed on the occupations of adulthood and senescence. Occupation will be examined within the context of normal neuromuscular, perceptual, sociocultural, and bio-psychosocial development.

OTW 536. Assistive Technologies for Human Performance II (4). Students will explore how the non-human environment impacts on sensory processing, cognitive functioning, perception, interpersonal processes and functional mobility, and how environment adaptations and assistive technologies help to compensate for disability and enhance functional performance. Emphasis will be placed on those technologies relevant to adulthood and senescence.

OTW 540. Fieldwork Level II (part 1) (9). . 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;demonstration of professional behaviors; development and expansion of a repertoire of occupational therapy assessment and intervention methodologies.

OTW 541.Fieldwork Level II (part 2) (9).. 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.

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. Students' 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 students' 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 university's 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 (3). The course will explore the impact of the non-human components of the environment on the functional performance of children with disabilities. Environmental adaptations (including assistive technologies) that allow a child with a disability to function more successfully in the environment will be examined. This course will examine the effect of sensory and physical aspects of the environment on the cognitive, physical, and emotional performance of children with disabilities. This course will examine how environmental factors influence control, independence, and freedom of the individual.

OCT 614. Clinical Neuroscience (3). In-depth study regarding the function of the nervous system relative to human performance. Neuroscience rationale for therapeutic interventions will be examined.

OCT 615. Cognition and Perception Interventions (3). This course examines cognitive and perceptual disorders, congenital or acquired, that can affect individuals across the life span. The emphasis will be on advanced intervention skills that are available through occupational therapy.

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 General Rehabilitation Courses

OCT 617. Musculoskeletal Assessment and Interventions in Occupational Therapy (3). Current issues and advanced application of theory and research relating to upper extremity musculoskeletal assessment and interventions in occupational therapy. Special emphasis will be placed on anatomy, proper differential diagnosis procedures and the use of various modalities available for interventions.

OCT 618. Advanced Methods in Adult Assessments and Interventions in OT (3). Current issues and advanced application of theory and research relating to adult rehabilitation assessment and intervention in occupational therapy. Advanced analysis and application of neurodevelopmental, motor control, ecological, and other frames of references will be examined.

OCT 619. Biopsychosocial Aspects of Aging (3). Current issues and advanced application of theory and research relating the aging process is explored in this course. Special emphasis will be placed on the interrelationship between the biological, psychological and sociological systems on human performance.

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 such 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.