OT504 Therapeutic Use of Self I (2 credits)
This first semester course is designed to promote reflection on the educational process and the individual students’ future occupational therapy practice. It is followed by OT532–Portfolio I, OT606–Therapeutic Use of Self II, and OT562–Portfolio II. Students will complete reflective self-assessments and analyze them to determine their values, ethical stance, professional behaviors, knowledge, and skills necessary for developing a professional identity. Understanding the nature of the therapeutic relationship as an intentional process will be taught for successfully managing client, family, and group dynamics. Examination of the occupational therapy profession’s core values, beliefs, mission, and vision will be accomplished through readings, journal assignments, and group discussions. Course formats will include seminars, discussions, and online course activities.
OT507 Foundations: Neuroscience and occupation (3 credits)
This course will cover the gross anatomy and organization of the nervous system including all components of the central, peripheral and visceral systems. Course activities will relate neuro-anatomy to the control of human behavior across the lifespan. Students will explore neuro-occupation through the study of neuroscience concepts as they relate to functional performance, meaning and intent. Course formats include seminar and in-class laboratories.
OT508 Foundations: Mental Health Conditions across the Life Span: Implications for Occupational Performance (2 credits)
This course will examine mental health diagnoses from psychiatry and the psychotropic medications that are used for the conditions which occupational therapists are most likely to treat in practice. Course format will include online learning, textbooks, journal readings, and videos that illustrate the integration of psychosocial and physical occupational therapy practices.
OT502 Human Occupation and Activity Analysis (2 credits)
In this course, students will explore the importance of occupational balance to wellness, quality of life, and the prevention of disease/disability in individuals, families, and societies. Students will evaluate their own occupational balance and time use patterns within their current lifestyles and examine the evidence that supports the primary role of occupation in human behavior. Students will compare the concepts of occupation and activity and review the historical development of activity analysis as a valuable tool of occupational therapy across all clients and contexts. Students will learn ways to evaluate and assess the activities and preferences of individuals. In addition, students will have multiple opportunities to teach, analyze, and adapt activities. Students will thereby gain critical occupational therapy skills of observation and task/environment adaptation, modification, and grading. Course formats include seminar, lecture and workshops.
OT503 Research I: Introduction to Research (3 credits)
Introduction to Research will provide the occupational therapy student with a thorough understanding of the importance of research to the profession of occupational therapy. Students will have the ability to read and critique the research of occupational therapy and other professions. Topics covered in this course include basic concepts of research, an overview of research designs and methods, and concepts of examining research evidence critically. Course formats include seminar, lecture, and workshops.
OT506 Foundations: Clinical Anatomy and Kinesiology in the Context of Occupation (3 credits)
This course will offer a study of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system of the human body. Specific structures along with their functions will be examined in regards to their impact on occupational performance across the lifespan. Seminar and laboratory experiences will include cadaver dissection, models, technology simulations, and clinical assessment techniques. This course will be devoted to the assessment of joints, muscles, and nerves and how movement is produced. Kinesiology concepts will be explained with regard to forces acting on the body. Course formats will include in-class labs, seminars, and online learning.
OT509 Foundations: Pathology- Implications for occupational performance (2 credits)
This course will explore the characteristics and implications of the major categories of pathologies that occupational therapists may encounter when working with clients throughout the lifespan. Pathology will be discussed as it relates to occupational performance and client participation in roles and meaningful activity. Epidemiology, prognosis, current research, medical and pharmacological treatment for a variety of common pathogenic processes will be explored. Course formats will include seminars and in class case-based experiences, and online learning.