Occupational Therapy Assistant

An asterisk (*) denotes a C is required to progress. A plus (+) denotes a C+ is required to progress.

This course provides an introduction to the occupational therapy profession and the guiding principles, history, theories, philosophy, and general safety considerations of occupational therapy. Fundamental concepts will be introduced including occupation, values, goals, ethics, frames of reference and models of practice. With a new understanding of occupational therapy, the different service delivery models and practice settings will be examined. Through lecture, discussion, group work and assignments, students will explore the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process and the Standards of Practice to learn fundamental concepts including the collaborative occupational therapy process (assessment to discontinuation of services), role delineations of occupational therapy practitioners, and therapeutic use of self. Terms Offered: FL, SP

This course is the first of two courses that will provide foundational skills for the applied occupational therapy treatment courses. Therapeutic Techniques I will provide an in-depth analysis of human occupation in all aspects of daily living from birth through death, guided by the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. Through lecture, lab activities, discussion and assignments students will learn the essential skills for activity analysis, observation and activity modification. The teaching and learning process will also be addressed in detail with an opportunity to demonstrate competency by the end of the term. Within the course, students will acquire the knowledge and skills to access and appraise all levels of professional literature as well as goal writing and modification techniques. Prerequisites: ALH120 and OTA100 Terms Offered: SU, WI

This course is the second of two courses that will provide foundational skills for the applied treatment courses. The course focus will be on the knowledge and application of biomechanics, movement-related function, kinesiology and assessment. It will also include instruction on the continuum of treatment from preparatory methods through occupationbased treatment. Assessment (including measurement) of movement, thermal modalities and strength will be addressed. Initial instruction in documentation will be expanded to include documenting the treatment session as well as taking and recording data. Students will also examine billing and reimbursement structures as well as further their analysis of professional literature and applied evidence-based practice strategies. Prerequisites: OTA108 and ALH130 Terms Offered: FL, SP

This is a comprehensive course that provides the Occupational Therapy Assistant with an understanding of the basic and advanced principles of pediatric habilitation and rehabilitation. It explores common conditions that impede normal development and threaten occupational performance. The course emphasizes developmental knowledge and skills for current occupational therapy screenings, assessments and intervention used with pediatric populations in a variety of service delivery systems. It includes 20 hours of required Level I Fieldwork experience outside of scheduled class time, which provides opportunities for students to observe and begin to apply the concepts learned in the classroom in actual pediatric and developmental therapy settings. The laboratory component of the Pediatric Occupational Therapy course provides structured opportunity for students to develop hands on

skills for implementing developmental Occupational Therapy services in a variety of settings. Students practice skills Prerequisites: BIO105 and OTA108 Terms Offered: FL, SP

This course explores the impact of mental illness on occupation. Theories and models of practice used in occupational therapy evaluation and intervention for adolescents and adults will be discussed. Observation skills, problem solving, critical thinking, treatment techniques will be learned and applied to different treatment settings. Case studies, laboratory activities, and competency examinations will be utilized to gain awareness and insight for practitioners working in mental health. Group dynamics and group interactions skills will be explored. This course includes 20 hours of Level I Fieldwork experience outside of the scheduled class time, which provides opportunities for students to observe and apply concepts learned in the classroom in actual mental health practice settings. The laboratory component provides structured opportunities for students to develop hands-on skills for implementing occupational therapy services with individuals who have psychosocial dysfunction. Students practice skills for conduction various therapeutic groups and use a variety of therapeutic media. Prerequisites: OTA110, OTA200 and PSY220 Terms Offered: SU, WI

This course explores the impact of physical disability and illness on human occupation. It analyzes the occupational therapy process with individuals who have physical dysfunction including assessment procedures and current occupational therapy interventions. A variety of physical conditions commonly encountered in physical rehabilitation practice settings are addressed including central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular system disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and orthopedic conditions. The course includes an additional 20 hours of required Level I Fieldwork Experience outside of scheduled class time which provides opportunities for students to observe and apply the concepts learned in the classroom in actual physical rehabilitation practice settings. Prerequisites: OTA200 and OTA205 and OTA230 Terms Offered: FL, SP

course provides a basis for developing essential professional skills needed to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in a variety of service delivery systems. Emphasis will be placed on ethics, practice standards, and related legislation. Healthcare reimbursement systems, quality improvement, and its impact on Occupational Therapy services delivery will be studied. Regulatory board requirements for certification, licensure, and on-going professional development are addressed. Students will understand the importance of promotion of health literacy and occupational therapy services for all populations. Prerequisite: OTA200 and OTA110 Terms Offered: SU, WI

This course explores the health and well-being of the older adult while examining common conditions that occur later in life. This course will focus on the integration of knowledge gained in previous courses regarding anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, activity analysis, and occupation, applying it directly to the older adult. Students will learn how to interpret the plan of care from an occupational therapist and apply it by devising appropriate treatment interventions for this population. Students will utilize the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process to guide evaluation, intervention and outcomes assessment with emphasis being placed on the rehabilitation/habilitation of the older adult using evidencebased practice. Health literacy and advocacy within the geriatric population will be examined and students will apply ethical decision making in all professional interactions. Prerequisite: OTA205 and OTA230 Terms Offered: FL, SP