Occupational Therapy (OTD

This course is designed to help students establish a foundational understanding of the neuromusculoskeletal systems of the human body for the practice of occupational therapy. Using a regional approach, students will explore the head and neck, trunk, upper extremities, and lower extremities. At the conclusion of the course, students will have an understanding of how body structures contribute to occupational performance. Prerequisites: Admission to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 4 hours (Fall)

This course provides education on general pathophysiological principles of disease and disorders that affect organ systems of the body, with an emphasis on integrating the interrelationship between different organ systems in the context of clinical correlations relevant to occupational therapy practice. Topics include but are not limited to the effects of heritable diseases, genetic conditions, disability, trauma, and injury to the physical and mental factors that may influence occupational performance. Prerequisites: Admission to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Fall)

This course focuses on instruction in joint kinematics, applying the physical laws of motion. Special emphasis is placed on body surface palpation and measurements of goniometry, dexterity, and strength. Prerequisites: Admission to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 4 hours (Fall)

This course is designed to introduce students to the profession of occupational therapy. Topics include but are not limited to the history and philosophy of the profession, foundations of occupational science, occupational and psychological development across the lifespan, the domain of occupational therapy, occupational therapy theory, concepts of human behavior, and Vision 2025. Additionally, students will analyze the trends in models of service delivery, including but not limited to medical, educational, community, and social models, and their potential effect on the practice of OT. This course also facilitates discussion of the varied roles of the OT as a practitioner, educator, researcher, policy developer, program developer, advocate, administrator, consultant, and entrepreneur. Prerequisites: Admission to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Fall)

This course focuses upon the foundations of neuroanatomy and neuropathophysiology with emphasis on both typical and atypical human function following damage to the nervous system. This course will introduce the principles of neuroscience and describe their clinical application; it will begin with an introduction to the nervous system (micro and macro), then address the major functions of the central, autonomic, and peripheral nervous systems. Moreover, the consequences of damage to each system in relation to occupational performance will be integrated throughout the course through case-based application. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 4 hours (Spring)

Drawing upon undergraduate coursework in psychology, abnormal psychology, and/or sociology, this course addresses the occupational performance of clients with mental health and/or psychosocial challenges and the models of practice and frameworks used in mental health practice. Additionally, the psychosocial implications of practice across all practice settings are analyzed and students learn the process of occupational therapy including screening; evaluation; intervention planning, monitoring, and modification; referral; and discharge planning for clients with psychosocial or mental health challenges. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 4 hours (Spring)

This course introduces students to information necessary for socialization to the profession and entry-level clinical practice. Topics include but are not limited to: practice settings for occupational therapists, official documents of the American Occupational Therapy Association, professional accountability and professional development, the distinct value of OT, interprofessional practice, task analysis, clinical reasoning, and skills for reflective practice. Additionally, this course addresses clinical leadership including the collaborative roles and responsibilities of the OT and OTA and how the role of a professional is enhanced by knowledge of and involvement in international, national, state, and local OT associations and related professional organizations. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Spring)

This course continues to lay the foundation for entry-level clinical practice through education on topics including but not limited to: therapeutic use of self in both individual and group interaction, group theory and process, graded activity, skilled observation, blood borne pathogens, universal precautions, vital signs, HIPAA, safety regulations, physical transfers, wheelchair management, use of mobility devices, and clinical documentation. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Spring)

This course provides an introduction to research methodology and critical appraisal relevant to clinical practice and/or research applications. Students will learn to develop clinical questions, locate, understand, critique, and evaluate information to assess the validity and trustworthiness of quantitative and qualitative research, and integrate evidence into clinical practice. Additionally, students will learn to articulate the importance of how scholarly activities contribute to the development of a body of knowledge relevant to the profession. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Spring)

This course allows students to begin developing professional behaviors and apply what they have learned about psychosocial and mental health occupational therapy theory and practice in a clinical setting through supervised observation and participation. The didactic portion of this course allows students to engage in critical reflection regarding clients and interventions observed in the clinical setting. The course also emphasizes the importance of continuing professional development with the initiation of a reflective professional portfolio that students will develop over the course of their studies. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 1 hour (Spring)

This course addresses the developmental milestones and occupational performance of infants, children, and youth. Emphasis is placed on models of practice and frameworks used in pediatric practice. Additionally, pediatric considerations across all practice settings are analyzed and students learn the process of occupational therapy including screening; evaluation; intervention planning, monitoring, and modification; clinical reasoning with compensatory techniques; referral; and discharge planning for pediatric clients. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 2 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 4 hours (Summer)

This course explores the concept of ethical dilemmas and decisions. Topics include but are not limited to: the use of the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics as a foundation for addressing social injustice, occupational deprivation, and disparity in the receipt of health care services; professional responsibilities related to liability issues under current models of service provision; and strategies for analyzing issues and making decisions to resolve personal and organizational ethical conflicts. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 2 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 2 hours (Summer)

This course introduces the use of technology to facilitate occupational performance. Students will learn to evaluate and adapt processes or environments (e.g., home, work, school, community), apply ergonomic principles and principles of environmental modification, provide recommendations and training in strategies for enhancing functional and community mobility, and select and teach compensatory techniques including the use of assistive technology, seating and positioning considerations, contextual modifications and adaptations, ergonomics, driver rehabilitation, telehealth, virtual environments/gaming, distance communication, and the use of electronic medical records to document therapeutic intervention. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 2 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 4 hours (Summer)

This course introduces students to the theory and skills necessary for selecting and utilizing preparatory methods and tasks including but not limited to therapeutic exercise, wound care, physical agent modalities, and prosthetics to prepare clients for occupational performance. Additionally, students will learn to select, design, fabricate, and apply orthotics for upper extremity conditions. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 2 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Summer)

This course introduces the principles of study design, literature review, methodology, data analysis, and synthesis for both quantitative and qualitative studies. Emphasis will be placed on strategies for ensuring validity and reliability of quantitative studies and trustworthiness of qualitative studies. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 2 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Summer)

This course facilitates the continuing development of professional behaviors and application of material learned about pediatric occupational therapy theory and practice in a clinical setting through supervised observation and participation. The didactic portion of this course focuses upon completion of the occupational profile/client interview and skilled documentation supporting the rationale for occupational therapy intervention. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 2 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 1 hour (Summer)

This course addresses the occupational performance adult clients with emphasis on models of practice and frameworks used in clinical practice. Additionally, considerations across all practice settings are analyzed and students learn the process of occupational therapy including screening; evaluation; intervention planning, monitoring, and modification; clinical reasoning with compensatory techniques; referral; and discharge planning for adult clients. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 3 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 4 hours (Fall)

This course introduces the doctoral capstone process. In this course, students will develop their capstone ideas and identify their capstone experiential sites. Additionally, students will complete all documentation required to finalize their doctoral capstone experiential sites. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 3 courses for Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 1 hour (Fall)

This course provides a historical overview of community and population health in the OT profession from past to present. Social determinants of health that impact marginalized populations and communities are explored to prepare students to be servant leaders who are confident in advocating and developing programs for those at risk for social injustice, occupational deprivation, and disparities. The fundamentals of policy and the implications and effects on OT practice for provision of services will be explored given the current sociopolitical climate. Students will learn how to clearly articulate the variety of roles of an OT in community and primary care settings including, but not limited to, consultant, care coordinator, case manager, and facilitator. Students will also learn about the business aspects and practices of developing a sustainable community public health program. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 3 courses for Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Fall)

Drawing upon undergraduate coursework in sociology and/or anthropology, this course explores the influence of culture on occupational performance. Students will learn skills for cultural sensitivity and responsiveness, while global social issues and prevailing health/welfare needs of populations with or at risk for disabilities and chronic health conditions will be addressed. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 3 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Fall)

This course provides students with the tools required for professional and scholarly writing. Focus will be on writing scholarly reports for presentation or publication in journals, magazines, newsletters, or white papers; writing letters of insurance appeal; locating and securing grants; effectively and professionally communicating in writing with clients, families, significant others, communities, colleagues, other health providers, and the public; and using the written word to promote occupational therapy. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 3 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 2 hours (Fall)

In this course, students will identify a topic for research; conduct a needs analysis; design a study that evaluates professional practice, service delivery, and/or professional issues; and complete the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval process. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 3 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Fall)

This course facilitates the continuing development of professional behaviors and application of material learned about adult occupational therapy theory and practice in a clinical setting through supervised observation and participation. The didactic portion of this course focuses upon clinical reasoning, client education, and communication with clients/caregivers. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 3 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 1 hour (Fall)

This course addresses the occupational performance older adult clients with emphasis on models of practice and frameworks used in clinical practice. Additionally, considerations across all practice settings are analyzed and students learn the process of occupational therapy including screening; evaluation; intervention planning, monitoring, and modification; clinical reasoning with compensatory techniques; referral; and discharge planning for geriatric clients. Topics of productive aging and end of life issues are also addressed. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 4 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 4 hours (Spring)

In this course, students will learn the principles of teaching and learning for both clinical and academic higher education applications. Students will explore the topics of health literacy and the ability to educate and train the client, caregiver, family, significant others, communities, colleagues, other health providers, and the public; the ongoing professional responsibility for providing fieldwork education and the criteria for becoming a fieldwork educator; and basic foundations for transitioning to the role of academician for entry-level occupational therapy programs. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 4 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Spring)

This course provides an introduction to the practice of management and administration in occupational therapy. Emphasis is placed on the impact of contextual factors on occupational therapy services; business operations and marketing; budget development; supervision of clinical and support personnel; risk management, utilization review, and quality improvement; accreditation; reimbursement; staff development; and requirements for credentialing, licensure, certification, and registration. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 4 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Spring)

This course introduces students to leadership theories and strategies important for leading clients, colleagues, consumers, and the profession of occupational therapy. Emphasis will be placed on the distinction between leadership and management, the use of self-reflection for continuing leader development, the importance of leadership in the field of occupational therapy, servant leadership theory, and exploration of leadership positions in organizations or agencies promoting the profession. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 4 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Spring)

This course facilitates the continuing development of professional behaviors and application of material learned about geriatric occupational therapy theory and practice in a clinical setting through supervised observation and participation. The didactic portion of this course focuses upon interprofessional practice and interdisciplinary communication. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 4 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 1 hour (Spring)

This course allows students to demonstrate the skills, attitudes, and knowledge required for entry-level occupational therapy practice. Students will complete case-based mock client encounters demonstrating evidence-based practice and clinical skills, reflective practice, and the ability to apply theoretical constructs to evaluation and intervention with various types of clients in a variety of practice contexts and environments, including populationbased approaches, to analyze and effect meaningful occupation outcomes. Additionally, students will demonstrate knowledge of applicable national requirements for credentialing and requirements for licensure, certification, or registration under state laws and will pass a competency exam prior to initiation of Level II fieldwork experiences. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 4 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 2 hours (Spring)

In this course, students will collect data, complete data analysis, and compose a report for presentation or publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 4 courses for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Credit: 3 hours (Spring)

This course is the first 12-week, full-time experience in a clinical setting under the supervision of a qualified occupational therapy practitioner. It provides students with the hands-on opportunity to continue developing skills required to relate theory and evidence to practice through client evaluation, intervention, and discharge. Students will apply principles of clinical reasoning and reflective practice to establish entry-level competency in a traditional or non-traditional practice setting. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all coursework and competency evaluations Credit: 12 hours (Summer)

This course is the second 12-week, full-time experience in a clinical setting under the supervision of a qualified occupational therapy practitioner. It provides students with the hands-on opportunity to continue developing skills required to relate theory and evidence to practice through client evaluation, intervention, and discharge. Students will apply principles of clinical reasoning and reflective practice to establish entry-level competency in a traditional or non-traditional practice setting. Prerequisites: Successful completion of OTD 761 Level II Fieldwork Credit: 12 hours (Fall)

During this online course, students will design a scholarly proposal for a culminating project that relates theory to practice and demonstrates synthesis of advanced knowledge in their chosen practice area. Additionally, students will develop personal learning outcomes for their doctoral experiential in collaboration with a faculty mentor. Prerequisites: Successful completion of OTD 761 Level II Fieldwork Credit: 2 hours (Fall)