Occupational Therapy

(School of Health Sciences)

OTH 5331 Research I:Design and Proposal
1 cr.
Applies principles from research methods and statistics courses to develop a research proposal related to occupational therapy practice. Students conduct an extensive review of literature and develop the methodology for pursuing their research question.

OTH 5501 Foundations of Occupational Therapy
4 cr.
Introduces the historical concepts and contexts in occupational therapy,and explores contemporary conceptual practice models and frames of reference. The value of occupational performance in prevention, intervention and health maintenance is addressed. In addition, specific therapeutic assessment and intervention techniques are introduced through demonstration, hands-on practice, case problems and role play. Course introduces concepts such as professional roles, ethics and professional organizations.

OTH 5502 Life Span Occupational Performance: Task Analysis and Media
4 cr.
Analyzes occupational tasks and activities. Students develop an understanding of the dynamic and interdependent relationship between people and their chosen occupations and performance context. Through related lab experiences, students gain an advanced understanding of the use of therapeutic media. Students analyze a variety of functional tasks, grade activities, adapt equipment and recommend assistive technology tomeet the individualized needs of a variety of populations.Students explore the use of media as means of understanding a client's cognitive and functional performance.

OTH 5503 Motor Functioning Across the Life Span
2 cr.
An advanced overviewof normal humanmotor development and changes from the prenatal period through older adulthood.Emphasis is on specific roles and tasks as they relate to development and changes in motor behavior. Students analyze motor components used to achieve milestones, with emphasis placed on issues related to the development of and changes in gross and finemotor skills,postural control and body mechanics.

OTH 5505 Functional Anatomy
4 cr.
Students learn about the relationships between anatomical structures.Students examinemusculature, nervous tissue, vascular and skeletal components of the upper extremities, lower extremities, trunk, neck and head.Students also investigate specific diagnoses related to anatomical deficits and the impact on daily function. Cadaver dissection laboratory experiences enhance the understanding of the three dimensional anatomical relationships for specific body regions.

OTH 5515 Neuroscience
5 cr. (Cross-listed as PTH 5511)
Introduces the functional morphology of the adult nervous system.Students learn neuroanatomical structures and major pathways to enhance their understanding of the clinicalmanifestations of neurological lesions. Students are presented with current human movement control theory froma neurobiological perspective. There is an in-depth study of 1) sensory system function in the guidance of motor behavior, 2) motor systems function relative to goal directedmovement, postural control and locomotion and 3) the role of higher brain functions in the control of movement.

OTH 5521 Biomechanical Practice in Occupational Therapy
6 cr.
Presents biomechanical intervention techniques through hands-on practice.These techniques are then applied to a variety of conditions including hand/ upper extremity injury, back injury, arthritis, joint replacement,amputation, cardiopulmonary problems, burns and a variety of metabolic diseases.

OTH 5522 Psychosocial Occupational Therapy
4 cr.
Presents the history, theory and practice of occupational therapy in mental health settings. Human performance is related to normal and dysfunctional psychosocial processes affecting areas of occupation. Individual, group and community intervention approaches are discussed,as aremultiple service deliverymodels. Students analyze and construct evidencebased responses to contemporary psychosocial policy issues. The course is coordinated with OTH 5552, Level I Fieldwork-A.

OTH 5544 Documentation
2 cr.
Introduces concepts of documentation, the documentation process and various kinds of documentation used in occupational therapy.Students learn to record objective observations, identify problemareas relevant to occupational therapy, and write behavioral objectives, treatment plans, progress and discharge notes. Students also learn coding and prior authorization basics.Simulated case situations provide studentswith an opportunity to practice these documentation skills. Documentation principles concerning public policy, following federal and state guidelines for reimbursement are also included.

OTH 5552 Level I Fieldwork - A
1 cr.
Integrates a seminar format with hands-on experiences. Provides opportunity to discuss and practice professional behaviors and professional relationships. Students integrate occupational therapy theory into practice and begin to develop clinical reasoning skills. Incorporates concepts of respect for the client's situation and being mindful of respectful communication and interactions. Fieldwork experiences are set up in either a community-based or traditional settings and are designed to familiarize students with occupationbased practice with individuals with psychosocial issues and conditions.Students integratematerial from OTH 5522 - Psychosocial OT into this experience.

OTH 5553 Level I Fieldwork - B
1 cr.
A 35- to 40-hour fieldwork experience scheduled in the summer following the first year of the Occupational Therapy Program. The experience reinforces clinical skills, professional behaviors and professional relationships, clinical reasoning skills, ethical issues, and provides an opportunity to integrate occupational therapy theory into practice. Students may be provided with hands-on experiences under direct supervision when determined to be appropriate by the clinical supervisor/educator. The students attend a seminar to discuss various aspects of the experience in the fall of the second year. This Level I Fieldwork experience is designed to familiarize studentswith various intervention settings and clinical conditions. A variety of traditional and emerging practice settings are available throughout the United States.