Occupational Therapy

Name	Title	Credits	School
OCTH-601	Community Health	3.0	Health Professions
This course is designed to introduce the student to basic community health concepts while developing fluency with medical terminology. Major topics include fundamentals of epidemiology, primary, secondary and tertiary prevention, chronic disease, maternal and child health, communicable disease, delivery systems, the medically underserved, healthcare shortage areas, health planning, and health personnel. Students carry out a simple community health project and present the project for class review. Periodic quizzes are used to evaluate progress in the mastery of medical terminology.
OCTH-602	Gross Anatomy	5.0	Health Professions
The overall objective of this course is the investigation of all major anatomical areas by region. The focus of the course is on musculoskeletal and neurological anatomy of the extremities, back, neck, and head. Lectures cover the anatomical structures to be dissected in the laboratory and address the organization, histological, and embryological development of the various regions. The functional anatomy of the musculoskeletal structures is emphasized. Specific instructions are provided to the student to encourage an efficient dissection.
OCTH-602L	Gross Anatomy Laboratory	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. The overall objective of this course is the investigation of all major anatomical areas by region. The focus of the course is on musculoskeletal and neurological anatomy of the extremities, back, neck, and head. Lectures cover the anatomical structures to be dissected in the laboratory and address the organization, histological, and embryological development of the various regions. The functional anatomy of the musculoskeletal structures is emphasized. Specific instructions are provided to the student to encourage an efficient dissection.
OCTH-605	Occupational Therapy Theory I	3.0	Health Professions
The student explores the history of occupational therapy and is introduced to theories of practice. The roles of the occupational therapist in practice are examined through readings, lectures, demonstrations, and classroom exercises that focus on professional communication, observation, and chart-reading skills. Laboratory sessions are designed to teach the student therapeutic application and analysis of activities. This course is for occupational therapy majors only.
OCTH-605L	Occupational Therapy Theory I Laboratory	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. The student explores the history of occupational therapy and is introduced to theories of practice. The roles of the occupational therapist in practice are examined through readings, lectures, demonstrations, and classroom exercises that focus on professional communication, observation, and chart-reading skills. Laboratory sessions are designed to teach the student therapeutic application and analysis of activities. This course is for occupational therapy majors only.
OCTH-610	Psychosocial Studies I	3.0	Health Professions
The student explores the history and basic concepts of occupational therapy practice in mental health. Emphasis is on the development of an understanding of the impact of psychopathology on functional status throughout the life span. Client interaction is examined as the students share their clinical experiences in Fieldwork I assignments. Group discussions, logs, and clinical exercises are focused on introductory case material. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-602
OCTH-613	Neuroscience	3.0	Health Professions
This is an introduction to the science of the nervous system for the physical and occupational therapist that provides the basic understanding of the anatomy of the nervous system and its function. A review of the histology and embryology of the major divisions of the nervous system is followed by a systems approach to the study of the special senses, cognition, and psychological and motor functions. Functional aspects of neuroscience are explored through examples of common neurological clinical problems in order to provide a solid foundation for planning therapeutic interventions.
OCTH-615	Kinesiology	4.0	Health Professions
Kinesiology is the study of human motion as applied to evaluation of joint motion and muscle function. Palpation of joints, bony prominences, and muscles as well as manual muscle testing, range of motion, and goniometry skills will be addressed.
OCTH-615L	Kinesiology Laboratory	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. Kinesiology is the study of human motion as applied to evaluation of joint motion and muscle function. Palpation of joints, bony prominences, and muscles as well as manual muscle testing, range of motion, and goniometry skills will be addressed.
OCTH-620	Human Growth and Development for Occupational Therapists I	3.0	Health Professions
Through classroom exercises, lectures, and readings, the student explores theories and factors that influence normal growth and development in order to understand the role these factors play in occupational therapy practice. Topics include pre-natal development, reflexes, and extinction of reflexes, as well as musculoskeletal, cognitive and perceptual development. Exercises are focused on the development of the normal child from conception through age five.
OCTH-625	Group Process	2.0	Health Professions
Through lectures, demonstrations, and classroom exercises, the student explores the structure, function, and theories of group process as used by the occupational therapist. Major topics include theories of group leadership, functional roles, cohesion, goals and norms, group development, and skills required for therapeutic use of group dynamics. Students will design a group protocol and conduct a session for classroom critique and analysis. For occupational therapy majors only.
OCTH-655	Occupational Therapy Theory II: Introduction to Clinical Skills in Occupational Therapy	3.0	Health Professions
In this course, which is a continuation of Occupational Therapy Theory I, the student is introduced to clinical skills as they relate to theories of practice. The student examines tools of practice, including therapeutic use of self, problem identification, and problem solving. Laboratory exercises focus on more complex activities, as well as on therapeutic and environmental adaptations as applied to more advanced case material. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-605 and OCTH-625
OCTH-655L	Occupational Theory II Laboratory	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. In this course, which is a continuation of Occupational Therapy Theory I, the student is introduced to clinical skills as they relate to theories of practice. The student examines tools of practice, including therapeutic use of self, problem identification, and problem solving. Laboratory exercises focus on more complex activities, as well as on therapeutic and environmental adaptations as applied to more advanced case material. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-605 and OCTH-625
OCTH-660	Psychosocial Studies II	3.0	Health Professions
The course is a continuation of OCTH 610 Psychosocial Studies I and focuses on frames of reference as they influence evaluation and intervention with clients whose psychosocial deficits impact performance. The students become familiar with evaluation strategies and intervention planning with more complex clinical material. Fieldwork I assignments are the setting for exploration of clinical skills and of the ethical and social issues associated with mental health practice. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-610
OCTH-665	Pathophysiology	3.0	Health Professions
Basic physiological mechanisms and principles involved in the development of illness are related to the origins of specific lesions, dysfunctions, and specific diseases. Topics include the role of microbial infections in disorders of the immune system, nutritional factors to disorders of the vascular system and heart, the origin and effect of tumors, and the study of genetic dysfunctions. Pathogenic mechanisms involved in the common diseases of organs and organ systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hematopoietic, etc.) are reviewed.
OCTH-670	Human Growth and Development for Occupational Therapists II	3.0	Health Professions
This course, which is a continuation of OCTH 620, introduces the student to theories and factors that influence human growth and development from age five through old age, and explores how these factors are embedded in the occupational therapist's intervention plans. The student, through lectures, readings, observations, and classroom exercises, examines the elements that influence the normal human life span. Topics include peer groups, school, family separation, the world of work, and the physical and cognitive decline associated with aging. Death and dying are reviewed as part of human development. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-620
OCTH-690	Fieldwork II: Psychosocial	3.0	Health Professions
This is the first of two 12-week, full-time clinical experiences that guide the student in meeting increasingly complex challenges at community sites that meet the selection criteria of the American Occupational Therapy Association. These challenges are designed to provide learning experiences that foster professional competence and personal growth in the transition from student to clinician. The populations in these settings are persons with psychosocial impairments or deficits who are in need of occupational therapy intervention.
OCTH-705	Occupational Therapy Theory III: Physical Disabilities	3.0	Health Professions
The student is guided in an exploration of the professional literature relating to intervention for persons with physical disabilities in order to become familiar with frames of reference that guide the occupational therapist in practice. Laboratory sessions are devoted to advanced activity analysis and the application of activity to intervention. Students are introduced to practice guidelines that relate to applications and precautions associated with the clinical application and fabrication of simple static orthotic devices. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-655
OCTH-705L	Occupational Theory III Laboratory	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. The student is guided in an exploration of the professional literature relating to intervention for persons with physical disabilities in order to become familiar with frames of reference that guide the occupational therapist in practice. Laboratory sessions are devoted to advanced activity analysis and the application of activity to intervention. Students are introduced to practice guidelines that relate to applications and precautions associated with the clinical application and fabrication of simple static orthotic devices. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-655
OCTH-710	Pediatric Occupational Therapy	3.0	Health Professions
Through lectures, readings, classroom exercises, and level I fieldwork experiences, the student explores the impact of abnormal development, pathology, trauma, abuse, and neglect on the child's functional status. There is a review of pediatric disorders, with an emphasis on central nervous system and musculoskeletal development, cognition and perception. Prevention and early intervention strategies are reviewed. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-690
OCTH-715	Pharmacology	3.0	Health Professions
The fundamentals of medical pharmacology, with implications for the practice of occupational and physical therapy, are reviewed through lectures and readings. Presentations include the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Specifically stressed are drugs affecting the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, renal, nervous, respiratory, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems. Medical reasons for drug treatment, specific actions, therapeutic, side effects, and adverse reactions are reviewed in the context of clinical practice. Problems related to polypharmacy, especially in the geriatric and psychiatric populations, will be emphasized. Particular attention will be given to those prescription drugs affecting motor control, movement function, cardiovascular function, psychopharmacotherapeutics, and neurological impairments. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-665 or PHTH-665
OCTH-720	Occupational Therapy Research I	2.0	Health Professions
Through lectures,assigned journal and textbook readings, computer research technology, and individual and group projects, the student is introduced to scientific research as a process, beginning with a thorough understanding of basic inferential statistics and their relationship to research. Concepts related to critical inquiry, problem solving, hypothesis formation, and the importance of research in evidence-based physical and occupational therapy practice are explored. Focus is on the development of a research question and a critical review of the literature related to the question.(Cross-listed as PHTH 690.) Corequisite Course(s): OCTH-705
OCTH-725	Assistive Technology, Environmental Modifications	3.0	Health Professions
The student, through lectures, assigned readings, and laboratory sessions, will learn to define adaptive and assistive technology, to identify adaptive equipment, and to describe adaptive and assistive equipment options for a variety of deficits and populations. The student will be guided in the selection of technology applications to assist clients in mobility, communication, personal care, work, play, and educational pursuits. Sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychological components are considered in terms of their impact on the utilization of assistive technology. Corequisite Course(s): OCTH-705
OCTH-725L	Assistive Technology, Environmental Modifications Laboratory	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. The student, through lectures, assigned readings, and laboratory sessions, will learn to define adaptive and assistive technology, to identify adaptive equipment, and to describe adaptive and assistive equipment options for a variety of deficits and populations. The student will be guided in the selection of technology applications to assist clients in mobility, communication, personal care, work, play, and educational pursuits. Sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychological components are considered in terms of their impact on the utilization of assistive technology. Corequisite Course(s): OCTH-705
OCTH-736	Administration/Health Promotion	4.0	Health Professions
Basic administration skills, health care legislation, regulations, standards, and marketing strategies are reviewed against the background of management theory and structural organization. The roles of the occupational therapist as administrator, manager, and patient educator are explored with an emphasis on the impact of the occupational therapist in health promotion and disease prevention. Lectures, readings, and classroom and community exercises are used to familiarize the student with techniques used for needs assessment, intervention strategies, and program evaluation.
OCTH-755	Occupational Therapy Theory IV: Clinical Skills for Physical Dysfunction	4.0	Health Professions
The student, through lectures, assigned readings of clinical papers and texts, and laboratory exercises, explores the scientific rationale for the selection of strategies used by the occupational therapist in working with the physically disabled adult. Areas of focus include a review of the tools of practice (i.e., therapeutic use of self, group dynamics, activities, problem solving, and therapeutic adaptations). The student practices clinical writing skills, including assessments, planning, progress notes, and discharge plans. In laboratory sessions, the student learns various methods for fabrication and the mechanical principles of design and construction of complex, dynamic splints as well as advanced environmental adaptations. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-705
OCTH-755L	Occupational Theory IV Laboratory	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. The student, through lectures, assigned readings of clinical papers and texts, and laboratory exercises, explores the scientific rationale for the selection of strategies used by the occupational therapist in working with the physically disabled adult. Areas of focus include a review of the tools of practice (i.e., therapeutic use of self, group dynamics, activities, problem solving, and therapeutic adaptations). The student practices clinical writing skills, including assessments, planning, progress notes, and discharge plans. In laboratory sessions, the student learns various methods for fabrication and the mechanical principles of design and construction of complex, dynamic splints as well as advanced environmental adaptations. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-705
OCTH-760	Gerontology-Occupational Therapy Intervention With the Elderly	3.0	Health Professions
The student, through lectures, assigned readings, and Level I Fieldwork experiences, becomes familiar with the significance of physical, social, and psychological aspects of aging on therapeutic intervention in occupational therapy practice. Goals of the course include mastery of occupational therapy theories of geriatric rehabilitation and an understanding of intervention contexts, including home care, day care, hospice, acute and long-term care centers, and community living. Assessment and intervention strategies are reviewed in the classroom and applied in fieldwork settings under professional supervision.
OCTH-770	Occupational Therapy Research II	2.0	Health Professions
Lectures, classroom discussion, and assigned text and journal readings guide the student in the development of an understanding of the application of advanced statistical techniques to occupational and physical therapy research. Specific application of research methodology is employed in the completion of a research proposal of a significant problem to be investigated. Informed consent, treatment of human subjects, the Institutional Review Board, and proper reference citations are reviewed. (Cross-listed as PHTH 710.) Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-720
OCTH-790	Fieldwork II: Physical Disabilities	3.0	Health Professions
This is the second of two 12-week full-time clinical experiences designed to foster professional clinical competence and growth. Under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, the student works with clients whose primary problems are in the area of physical disabilities. Responsibility for evaluation, assessment and intervention is gradually increased as the student demonstrates professional growth in the application of theory to practice.
OCTH-805	Occupational Therapy Theory V: Advanced Clinical Practice	4.0	Health Professions
Lectures, assigned textbook and journal readings, and seminar sessions are designed to guide the student in an exploration of advanced clinical topics, including attitudinal and communication issues in clinical practice, professional behavior, self-assessment, practice in the medical marketplace, and sub-specialty areas for the occupational therapist, including role of complementary and alternative medicine. Classroom exercises assist the student in developing strategies for professional conflict resolution, time management, and problem solving. Laboratory sessions focus on the analysis and application of complex activities designed for goal attainment. The student is introduced to information regarding licensure procedures and the certification examination. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-790
OCTH-805L	Occupational Theory V Laboratory	0.0	Health Professions
This course is a laboratory component of the lecture course. Lectures, assigned textbook and journal readings, and seminar sessions are designed to guide the student in an exploration of advanced clinical topics, including attitudinal and communication issues in clinical practice, professional behavior, self-assessment, practice in the medical marketplace, and sub-specialty areas for the occupational therapist, including role of complementary and alternative medicine. Classroom exercises assist the student in developing strategies for professional conflict resolution, time management, and problem solving. Laboratory sessions focus on the analysis and application of complex activities designed for goal attainment. The student is introduced to information regarding licensure procedures and the certification examination. Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-790
OCTH-820	Occupational Therapy Research III	3.0	Health Professions
This course is designed as a follow-up to OCTH 735 Occupational Therapy Research Design II. In class sessions, the student explores current research issues in occupational therapy, including the ethics of the use of human subjects, institutional review boards, current research trends, funding sources, and the skills required for preparation, presentation, and sharing of research material to a group. The student, working with a faculty mentor, organizes, prepares, and presents an original research project. (Required thesis binding is at the student's expense.) Prerequisite Course(s): OCTH-770
OCTH-825	Occupational Science	3.0	Health Professions
Lectures, classroom discussion, and textbook and journal readings are designed to develop an in-depth understanding of occupational science as a foundation for practice. Topics covered include historical roots of occupational science in the practice of occupational therapy, various definitions of occupation, and the application of systems theory to practice. The impact of the seminal works of Bateson, Kielhofner, Christiansen, and Clark are reviewed to explore their influence on occupational therapy practice. Corequisite Course(s): OCTH-805
OCTH-830	Motor Learning and Development	2.0	Health Professions
The student reviews current theories of learning as they relate to motor skills by tracing normal development from embryo to old age. Topics covered through lectures and assigned readings include research, theory, and evaluation of gross and fine motor development as influenced by perception, vision, auditory, kinesthetic, and cognition. The impact of motor dysfunction on growth, and development, and learning is explored in the context of the clinical setting. (Cross­listed as PHTH 630.)
OCTH-835	Occupational Therapy for Cognitive and Perceptual Deficits	2.0	Health Professions
Classroom lectures, discussions, and assigned text book and journal readings are planned to develop theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in the practice of occupational therapy with populations who present with cognitive and/or perceptual deficits. Theoretical approaches, clinical reasoning, evaluation, and intervention strategies are reviewed. Perceptual/cognitive topics covered include memory, learning, executive functions, the apraxias, agnosias, and unilateral neglect. Corequisite Course(s): OCTH-805
OCTH-890	Fieldwork II: Specialization	2.0	Health Professions
This is the third of three professionally supervised full-time fieldwork assignments. Students are assigned to selected practice settings for eight weeks, full-time, in a specialized area. The student selects an area of interest from among a number of specialties, including, but not limited to, hand therapy, spinal cord injury, environmental adaptations, ergonomics, neurology, developmental disabilities, acute care, home care, vestibular dysfunction, rehabilitation of the blind, hearing impaired, and services to persons with disabling social problems such as the addictions, long-term unemployment, poverty, criminal behavior, and long-term dependence.