Occupational Therapy (OTH)

Human Anatomy with emphasis on musculoskeletal, articular, and neurovascular structures of the trunk, head, neck, and extremities. Pre-dissected cadavers, radiographs, bone sets, models, and electronic media are utilized.

Structural organization of human central nervous system, major features of brain and spinal cord, and functional relationships between these structures are identified in depth, to form the basis for clinical application. Prosected specimens and models are used.

History, philosophy, evolution, and core values of occupational therapy. The Occupational Therapy Framework, professional behaviors, ethical issues, and roles of occupational therapists and certified occupational therapy assistants are introduced.

Comprehensive study of theory underpinning current occupational therapy practice; clinical reasoning; application of theory in context.

Introduction to skills for management of client's physical and occupational needs. Includes analysis of activity, therapeutic use of activity, therapeutic use of self, and basics of documentation.

Theory and practice of group dynamics; development of self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills necessary for successful management of therapeutic groups.

Examination of assistive technology and applications to enhance performance and prevent injury; analysis of need for assistive devices or environmental modification; application of technology in context; exploration of computer technology to enhance occupational therapy intervention.

Comprehensive study of evaluation processes in occupational therapy using a top-down approach; assessments of occupational performance within developmentally appropriate contexts; assessment of performance skills and patterns.

Selection and implementation of therapeutic interventions consistent with occupational therapy theory as applied in specific context. Evaluation of client outcomes, review of occupational performance process, and ethical decision- making are emphasized.

Occupational therapy interventions focusing on functional performance outcomes for clients with psychosocial problems; evidence-based and client-centered methods for use in community, hospital, or rehabilitation-based programs are emphasized.

Analysis of human movement incorporating mechanical, biological, developmental and environmental factors. Basic skills in assessment of motor performance are developed.

Continuation of OTH 6226C and OTH 6235C. Evidence-based evaluation and interventions for individuals with acute and chronic injuries or conditions of the upper extremity. Emphasis on splinting skill development.

Continuation of OTH 6226C and OTH 6235C. Evidence-based evaluation and interventions for children and their families; school-based traditional hospital or rehabilitation based, or community-based practice settings. Outcomes assessment and ethical decision-making are emphasized.

Examination of infant through adolescent development of motor, process and interaction skills; occupational performance issues and patterns related to atypical development or disease; impact of an individual's developmental and occupational performance needs on the family.

Examination of typical changes in motor, process and interaction skills due to aging and disease processes, relationships to successful occupational performance patterns throughout adulthood, implications for changes in occupational performance and impact of changes on family.

Program planning, budgeting and evaluation; supervision of occupational therapy personnel; engagement in professional associations and promotion of occupational therapy.

Explores the role of occupational therapy in community settings. Students develop proposals for occupation-based or occupational therapy services that support desired outcomes of service agencies the community. Field experience included.

Applied research in occupational therapy. Critical analysis of published research, development of a research proposal, and planning for the implementation of a research project.

Twelve-week, full-time fieldwork placement in a clinical or community setting under the direct supervision of a licensed and/or registered occupational therapist. Includes pre-fieldwork seminars and requires web board discussions.

Twelve-weeks of full-time fieldwork placement in a setting different from level IIA in service delivery context or population; under the direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. The course includes web board discussions.

An integrated component of the curriculum design, introduces students to the fieldwork experience. Students begin developing clinical skills, working directly with clients, and actively participating under the supervision of qualified personnel.

Continues the students' integration of practice. Students further develop skills by working directly with clients whose psychological and social factors impair their ability to engage in meaningful occupations; under the supervision of qualified personnel.

Further integrates curriculum and practice through demonstration of clinical skills and professional behaviors when working directly with clients, and actively participating under the supervision of qualified personnel.

Culmination of research planned and implemented under the supervision of a faculty advisor, through writing an article of publishable quality according to manuscript guidelines of an occupational therapy publication appropriate for research.

Current issues, selected problems, or specialized areas of practice in occupational therapy are examined. Topics vary according to practice trends and study/faculty interest; may be repeated for different topics.

Continuation course to implement research protocols in OTH 6751C, Outcomes Research; students will participate at selected community sites under the supervision of a faculty mentor and a designated member of the community agency staff; schedule and site varies with the project assignment.