MOT Courses

1 Lecture Credit = 1 Contact Hour/week or 15 Contact Hours/semester

1 Lab Credit = 2 Contact Hours/week or 30 Contact Hours/Semester

Year 1 – Semester 1

OT 475/575 Issues in Practice – 1 Credit (1 Lab Credit)

Students begin the process of professional development as they are introduced to the professional roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapy practitioner, the various practice settings in which occupational therapy practitioners work, and the impact of internal and external systems on occupational therapy practice. Students are required to begin a formal professional development plan in which competency skills in basic clinical and ethical reasoning, professional communication, and professional advocacy are self assessed, documented, and measured. Prerequisite: Must be accepted into the Master of Occupational Therapy Program to register for this course.

OT 468/568 Research Methodology 2 Credits (1 Lecture Credit & 1 Lab Credit)

Introduction to clinical research methodology as related to the field of occupational therapy, including qualitative and quantitative research. Skill development in the review of research literature, formulation of problem statements and research questions, research design, and critical analysis of published research. Prerequisite: Must be accepted into the Master of Occupational Therapy Program to register for this course. Co-requisites: OT406/506: Research Application I.

OT 406/506 Research Application 1 – 1 Credit (1 Lecture Credit)

Applied research relevant to occupational therapy through location and evaluation of current research evidence with emphasis on understanding and applying APA writing style, searching skills, and applying basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods to critique research evidence in order to write a thorough literature review reflective of established research questions. Prerequisite: Must be accepted into the Master of Occupational Therapy Program to register for this course. Co-requisites: 468/568: Research Methodology.

OT 401/501 Occupational Behavior 1 – 2 Credits (1 Lecture Credit & 1 Lab Credit)

The study of development from infancy through adolescence with emphasis on how social conditions, activity demands (through task analysis), and developmental changes in client factors, affect the development of performance skills and contribute to children’s engagement and participation in childhood occupations within all contexts. Developmental theories and appropriate models of occupation are emphasized. Prerequisite: Must be accepted into the Master of Occupational Therapy Program to register for this course.

OT 403/503 Intro to Occupational Therapy – 2 Credits ** (1 Lecture Credit & 1 Lab Credit)

This course explores the history of occupational therapy, its underlying philosophy, the meaning and complexity of occupation, and the diverse roles fulfilled by the occupational therapist within a variety of practice and non-practice environments. The influence of legal, ethical, and professional standards on clinical decision-making and service delivery are explored.

BIOL 504 Gross Anatomy – 6 Credits (See biology department for credit breakdown)

Human gross anatomy is an advanced regional study of the human body. The course includes cadaver dissection, demonstration and lecture. Prerequisite: Permission

OT 471/571 Conditions in Occupation – 4 Credits ** (3 Lecture Credits & 1 Lab Credit)

This course examines the effects of cognitive conditions, mental health issues, heritable diseases and predisposing genetic conditions, disability, disease processes and traumatic injury to the individual within the cultural context of family and society on occupational performance. Relationships among disorders, impairments, activity limitations, function/dysfunction, and participation restrictions are emphasized in terms of the impact upon occupation. Prerequisite: Must be accepted into the Master of Occupational Therapy Program to register for this course.

Year 1 – Semester II

OT 476/576 Issues in Practice II – 1 Credit (1 Lab Credit)

Issues in Practice II builds upon the introductory material introduced in Issues in Practice I regarding the professional roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapy practitioner. Professional competencies are discussed and demonstrated in the following areas: basic clinical/critical/ethical reasoning skills; professional written and verbal communication; and introductory advocacy, collaborative, and supervision skills within occupational therapy. Students participate in Level I Fieldwork experiences in which these skills are role modeled and which enable the demonstration of these professional competencies. Prerequisites: Permission & OT 475/575: Issues in Practice I.

OT 402/502 Biomechanical Foundations – 2 Credits (1 Lecture Credit & 1 Lab Credit)

Students use biomechanical principles to understand human movement and occupational performance. Students use standardized and nonstandardized assessments of joint motion and muscle strength as applied to human occupation. Prerequisites: Permission & BIOL 504: Gross Anatomy. 

OT 412/512 Occupational Behavior II – 3 Credits (2 Lecture Credits & 1 Lab Credit)

Study of the development and role of theory within the occupational therapy process. Specific theories of occupation will be analyzed and used to develop an understanding of occupational performance of adults.  The impact of contextual factors on occupational engagement, and the role of occupation in influencing health and well-being is addressed.  Prerequisite: Permission.

OT 415/515 Neuroscience for OT – 3 Credits (2 Lecture Credits & 1 Lab Credit)

This course assists students in learning the major structural and functional features of the central nervous system. The course will apply the basic principles of neuroscience and use of these principles along with critical thinking to identify normal and abnormal neurological conditions that affect occupational performance. The implications of neurological disorders in occupational therapy evaluation and intervention are presented. Prerequisites: Permission, OT 471/571 Conditions in Occupation, & BIOL 504: Gross Anatomy. 

OT 469/569 Research Analysis – 2 Credits (1 Lecture Credit & 1 Lab Credit)

Introduction to qualitative and quantitative data analysis as a part of clinical practice and research. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program will be utilized as a platform for providing students with hands on practical application of data analysis. Students will learn to define, enter, recode, and transform data for qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Using simulated and actual clinical data sets, students will learn descriptive and graphical procedures to describe data and evaluate assumptions necessary for advanced qualitative and statistical data analysis. Prerequisites: Permission & OT 468/568: Research Methodology. Co-requisites: OT410/510: Research Application II. 

OT 410/510 Research Application II – 1 Credit (1 Lecture Credit)

Applied research relevant to occupational therapy involving original research projects in small groups with faculty advisor. Skill development in completion of full research proposal including introduction, revision of literature review, methodology, and IRB submission. Prerequisites: Permission, OT 406/506 Research Application I, & OT 468/568: Research Methodology. Co-requisites: OT469/569: Research Analysis. 

OT 421/521 Therapeutic Skills – 3 Credits (2 Lecture Credits & 1 Lab Credit)

Presents group theory and group dynamics. Teaches basic group and individual client-therapist interaction skills including: selecting a theory base, designing groups, writing group protocols, analyzing group activities, implementing specific group techniques, and evaluating progress of group members. Methods of establishing rapport, giving feedback, and employing therapeutic use of self are emphasized. Prerequisite: Permission.

OT 480/580 OT Process I – 2 Credits (1 Lecture Credit & 1 Lab Credit)

Students will gain knowledge of, select, administer, and interpret standardized and non-standardized screening and assessment tools used to evaluate occupational performance for the planning of intervention and discharge for occupational therapy consumers from a variety of populations across the life-span. Theories, models of practice, frames of references, and evidence-based practice will guide decision making throughout the evaluation process. Prerequisite: Permission.

Year 2 – Semester 1

OT 583 OT Management & Leadership I – 1 Credit (1 Lecture Credit)

This course introduces the student to the role of the occupational therapist as a manager and leader within the broader health care system.  The political, economic, social, and professional stakeholders influencing occupational therapy services are identified as well as the scope of contexts in which OT services are delivered.  Problem-solving strategies for promoting decision-making and conflict resolution within an organizational environment are addressed.  Prerequisite: Permission.

OT 577 Issues in Practice III – 1 Credit (1 Lecture Credit)

This course builds upon the foundation of concepts and skills learned in OT Issues in Practice I and II.  Students acquire and demonstrate professional knowledge and skills in preparation for practice in the roles of direct care provider, manager, and educator in traditional and emerging areas of occupational therapy practice. Students complete Level I Fieldwork as part of this course, during which they are able to demonstrate competency in the occupational therapy process, including documentation of occupational therapy service and supervised provision of selected aspects of occupation based evaluation and intervention, including termination of services and referral to other specialists, when appropriate. Prerequisites: Permission & OT 476/576: Issues in Practice II.

OT 544 Biomechanics for Occupation I – 2 Credits (1 Lecture Credit & 1 Lab Credit)

Evaluation and service delivery for improving occupational performance for individuals with orthopedic problems. Students use standardized and nonstandardized procedures and assessment tools for evaluation. Interventions include exercise and preparatory methods including thermal, mechanical, and electrotherapeutic modalities. Prerequisites: Permission & OT 402/502: Biomechanical Foundations.

OT 526 Research Application III – 1 Credit (1 Lecture Credit)

Applied research relevant to occupational therapy through implementing previously designed research study with faculty advisor. Prerequisites: Permission, OT 410/510: Research Application II, OT 469/569: Research Analysis.

OT 523 Work Performance & Readiness – 2 Credits (2 Lecture Credits)

Evaluation and service delivery for improving work performance despite impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Interventions include, but are not limited to, modification, grading, and adaptation of the context, adaptation of processes, and ergonomics to reflect the client’s needs and the sociocultural context. Students use evidence to justify selection of interventions. Prerequisite: Permission.

OT 581 OT Process II – 6 Credits (4 Lecture Credits & 2 Lab Credits)

This course builds upon the information acquired in OT Process I. Students will gain knowledge of, select, and provide intervention strategies for occupational performance deficits based on evaluation findings for occupational therapy consumers from a variety of populations across the life span. Theories, models of practice, frames of references, and evidence-based practice will guide decision making throughout the evaluation and intervention process. Prerequisites: Permission & OT 480/580: OT Process I.

OT 539 Lifestyle for Wellness – 2 Credits (2 Lecture Credits)

Students understand the relationship between engagement in occupation and wellness in the context of culture and society. Emphasis is placed on the role of occupation in promoting health, preventing disability, and supporting healthy lifestyles at the individual and population levels. Prerequisite: Permission.

Elective – 1-3 Credits* (1-3 Lecture Credit[s])

Elective Offerings will be distributed during Semester 2, Year for students to make selections. Numbers of credits will depend on student selection. Prerequisite: Permission.

Year 2 – Semester 2

OT 545 Biomechanics for Occupation II – 2 Credits (1 Lecture Credit & 1 Lab Credit)

This course builds on the foundation of concepts and skills learned in Biomechanics for Occupation I. General concepts of evaluation and service delivery are expanded and applied to specific conditions that interfere with occupational performance. Interventions include orthotic and prosthetic devices. Students monitor and reassess clients during the occupational therapy process. Prerequisites: Permission & OT 544: Biomechanics for Occupation I.

OT 578 Issues in Practice IV – 2 Credits (2 Lecture Credits)

This course builds upon the foundation of concepts and skills learned in OT Issues in Practice I, II, & III.  Students acquire and demonstrate professional knowledge and skills in preparation for practice in the roles of advocate, manager, consultant, and educator in program development and management, grant writing, care coordination, consultancy, case management, and transition services in traditional and emerging areas of occupational therapy practice.  Students participate in Level I fieldwork experiences in which these skills are role modeled and which enable the demonstration of these professional competencies. Prerequisites: Permission & OT 577: Issues in Practice III.

OT 536 Research Application IV – 1 Credit (1 Lecture Credit)

Applied research relevant to occupational therapy through implementing previously designed research study with faculty advisor. Prerequisites: Permission & OT 526: Research Application III.

OT 582 OT Process III – 6 Credits (6 Lecture Credits)

This course builds upon the information acquired in OT Process I & II. Students will gain knowledge of discharge options and when to terminate/discontinue occupational therapy services for consumers and develop and provide therapeutic home programs to a variety of consumers. Select and provide appropriate occupational therapy services across the continuum of care including evaluation, intervention, and discharge for occupational therapy consumers from a variety of populations across the life span. Theories, models of practice, frames of reference, and evidence-based practice will guide decision making throughout the evaluation, intervention, and discharge process. Prerequisites: Permission & OT 581: OT Process II.

Elective – 1-3 Credits* (1-3 Lecture Credit[s])

Elective Offerings will be distributed during Semester 2, Year for students to make selections. Numbers of credits will depend on student selection. Prerequisite: Permission.

OT 541 Fieldwork – Level II – 3 Credits (April – June) 3 credits = 12 weeks of fulltime fieldwork

Full time supervised practice experience designed to further develop entry-level professional skills. Consists of twenty- four weeks of full time experience. Students must have successfully completed all academic coursework from Semesters I -IV and all Level I Fieldwork experiences prior to initiation of Level II Fieldwork. All occupational therapy students must complete Level II Fieldwork within 24 months following completion of this academic preparation. Fieldwork sites determine the way in which fieldwork hours are finally scheduled.  Prerequisite: Permission.

Year 3 – Semester 1

OT 541 Fieldwork – Level II – 3 Credits (July – September) 3 credits = 12 weeks of fulltime fieldwork

Full time supervised practice experience designed to further develop entry-level professional skills. Consists of twenty- four weeks of full time experience. Students must have successfully completed all academic coursework from Semesters I -IV and all Level I Fieldwork experiences prior to initiation of Level II Fieldwork. All occupational therapy students must complete Level II Fieldwork within 24 months following completion of this academic preparation. Fieldwork sites determine the way in which fieldwork hours are finally scheduled. Prerequisite: Permission.

 OT 579 Issues in Practice V – 1 Credit (1 Lecture Credit)

This course builds upon the foundation of concepts and skills learned in OT Issues in Practice I-IV and Level II Fieldwork. Students demonstrate professional knowledge and skills in preparation for practice in all potential roles of an occupational therapy practitioner in traditional and emerging areas of occupational therapy practice.  Continuing competence and reflection for professional development and growth are addressed, including but not limited to: initial credentialing requirements, participation in professional organizations and advocacy efforts, fieldwork education, and collaboration with other professionals within and external to occupational therapy. Prerequisites: Permission, Completion of three (3) credits of OT 541: Fieldwork – Level II & OT 578: Issues in Practice IV.

OT 546 Research Application V – 1 Credit (1 Lecture Credit)

Applied Research relevant to occupational therapy through guided study to complete the previously designed research study and prepare for dissemination of research through oral presentation and/or written publication. Prerequisites: Permission & OT 536: Research Application IV.

OT 584 OT Management & Leadership II – 2 Credits (2 Lecture Credits)

This course builds on the introductory content covered in OT534: OT Management & Leadership I, and it incorporates the student’s clinical experiences obtained during Level II fieldwork. Emphasis is on the role of the occupational therapist as a manager and leader in developing continuing competency programs for OT personnel, understanding quality improvement processes, marketing OT services, identifying available and appropriate sources for reimbursement, demonstrating techniques for supervising OT assistants, and utilizing clinical and business data for measuring outcomes and improving practice. Prerequisites: Permission & OT 583: OT Management & Leadership I. 

**Segments of course maybe delivered in an online format