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Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

Health Sciences and Wellness


Occupational Therapy Department


OTA 101—Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy I


2 lect., 3 lab, 3 cr.

(Fall)


This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of occupational therapy. Content includes history, philosophy, role delineation, ethics, cultural issues, standards of practice and professional associations. The OT process, practice framework, principles and application of group dynamics, therapeutic use of self and the importance of delivering evidence-based practice are emphasized. A Level I fieldwork component provides exposure to the practice of OT in a variety of practice settings. Students must pass both Level I field observation evaluations in order to pass this course. (Malpractice insurance fee applied) [R-1]

Prerequisite:

Admission to OTA program

Corequisite:

OTA 103, OTA 105, OTA 107

Pre/Corequisite:

BIO 111

OTA 102—Fundamentals of O.T. II


2 lect., 2 lab, 3 cr.

(Spring)


This course provides the student with practical experience in a variety of treatment techniques utilized in occupational therapy. Units on splinting, transfer techniques, activities of daily living techniques and adaptive equipment, are included. (Lab fee applied) [R-1]

Prerequisite:

BIO 111, OTA 101, OTA 103, OTA 107

Corequisite:

OTA 104, OTA 106

Pre/Corequisite:

BIO 112, PSY 220

OTA 103—Occupational Performance I


3 lab, 1 cr.

(Fall)


The emphasis of this course is on the understanding of occupation in one's daily life and the impact of physical, emotional and developmental challenges to carrying out activities of daily living. Basic problem-solving skill techniques and activities are learned as well as their therapeutic application to a variety of disability areas. Students actively engage in the teaching and learning-process which is essential in occupational therapy practice. Students are required to learn specific craft activities in a group setting, as a form of treatment intervention in the delivery of occupational therapy services. Principles of activity analysis, therapeutic application, and group and dyadic presentation techniques are covered. (Lab fee applied) (R-1)

Prerequisite:

Admission to the OTA program

Corequisite:

OTA 101, OTA 105, OTA 107

Pre/Corequisite:

BIO 111

OTA 104—Occupational Performance II


3 lab, 1 cr.

(Spring)


This is the second in a series of three clinical skills courses, following Occupational Performance I and preceding Clinical Reasoning Skills. The occupational performance course builds upon the foundation of occupation and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework established in the preceding course. The course also addresses a variety of intervention techniques including adapted and therapeutic games, computers and assistive technology. Emphasis is on service learning community projects, problem-based learning and evidence-based practice research projects. (Lab fee applied) [R-1]

Prerequisite:

BIO 111, OTA 101, OTA 103, OTA 105, OTA 107

Corequisite:

BIO 112, OTA 102, OTA 106

Pre/Corequisite:

PSY 220

OTA 105—Skills Practice Lab


lect., 1 lab, 1.5 cr.


This course is an introductory skills practice lab with hands-on training and treatment techniques. Emphasis is on the introduction of skills needed as an OTA, such as range of motion, manual muscle testing, physical agent modalities, pulse oximetry, blood pressure testing, dressing skills, manipulation and handling of wheelchairs, and standard precautions. The skills course will complement other lecture classes related to treatment for activities of daily living (ADL's), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL's), education, work, play, leisure, rest, sleep, and social participation. {R-1}

Prerequisite:

Admission to OTA Program

Corequisite:

OTA 101, OTA 103, OTA 107

OTA 106—Medical Conditions


3 cr.

(Spring)


This course presents the etiology and symptoms of medical and psychological clinical conditions across the lifespan that are commonly referred to occupational therapy services. Course content emphasizes the effects of trauma, disease, and congenital conditions on the biological, psychological, and social domains of occupational behavior. An exploration of cultural perspectives on disease and wellness will be included. [R-1]

Prerequisite:

BIO 111, OTA 101, OTA 103, OTA 105, OTA 107

Corequisite:

OTA 102, OTA 104

Pre/Corequisite:

BIO 112, PSY 220

OTA 107—Principles of Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics and Gerontology


2 cr.

(Fall)


This course gives the student an understanding of the unique developmental, social, psychological, environmental, and physical needs of older adults. Students learn about such topics as ageism, health care services/settings for older adults, normal aging processes, community agencies serving older adults, pathological conditions associated with aging, falls prevention, environmental safety and modification, occupation and older adults, health promotion, dementia care, depression, low vision, and death and dying. Students also attend a nursing home field visit and conduct an interview with an older adult resident. [R-1]

Prerequisite:

Admission to OTA program

Corequisite:

OTA 101, OTA 103, OTA 105

OTA 110—Introduction to Assistive Technology


3 lect., 3 cr.

(Fall)


This project-based and experiential course will introduce students to the field of Assistive Technology and the various tools/supports and resources available. Students will engage in assignments that will help to broaden their understanding of how technology may be used to improve function and independence in people with various disabilities. Students will be expected to attend face-to-face classes as well as participate in weekly on-line learning activities. This is a hybrid course involving classroom and online lecture and learning activities. [R-1]

OTA 201—Principles of OT in Pediatrics and Developmental Disabilities


3 cr.

(Fall)


The student is introduced to the various conditions that interfere with normal development, and the occupational therapy treatment techniques used with the developmentally and intellectually disabled. Students are presented with a problem based learning case study and client to develop throughout the semester. This project culminates in the development of an individualized intervention plan, as well as an adapted/assistive technology application designed to meet the needs of the client. (Malpractice insurance fee applied) [R- 1]

Corequisite:

OTA 203, OTA 205, OTA 207, OTA 209, PSY 230, PED 155

OTA 203—Clinical Reasoning Skills


3 lab, 1 cr.

(Fall)


The emphasis in this course is on the application of clinical reasoning skills applied to the diverse OT practice areas. A series of clinical reasoning/role playing modules encourage students to simulate intervention approaches and treatment activities. Group process is an integral component as students are assigned to community connections project groups. The community outreach projects, problem-based learning and evidence-based practice research projects initiated in OTA 104 (OP II) are continued in this course. (Malpractice insurance fee applied) [R-1]

Corequisite:

OTA 201, OTA 205, OTA 207, OTA 209, PSY 230, PED 155

OTA 205—Principles of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health


3 cr.

(Fall)


This course addresses the critical mental health component in all areas of occupational therapy service provision; physical, developmental and psychiatric. The emphasis is on addressing remediation, and compensation for mental, cognitive, perceptual, behavioral skills and sensory functions across a wide spectrum of physical, developmental and mental health issues. A study of the theoretical basis for DSM-V Classifications is reviewed and applied to occupational therapy intervention techniques. Students are guided through a series of self-reflection activities to develop the essential aspects of therapeutic use of self. (Malpractice insurance fee applied) [R-1]

Corequisite:

OTA 201, OTA 203, OTA 205, OTA 209, PSY 230, PED 155

OTA 207—Principles of Occupational Therapy in Physical Disabilities


3 cr.

(Fall)


A study of the theoretical basis for occupational therapy treatment techniques in physical disorders. The student is introduced to specific techniques and skills utilized in the area of physical dysfunction. (Malpractice insurance fee applied) [R- 1]

Corequisite:

OTA 201, OTA 203, OTA 205, OTA 209, PSY 230, PED 155

OTA 209—Documentation in Occupational Therapy


1.5 cr.

(Fall)


This course will provide knowledge of documentation and the quality assurance process used in occupational therapy practice, with a focus on electronic health records. Modules will address legal and ethical issues related to documentation and reimbursement. Students will review various documentation formats that are used in practice and how the appeals process works when claims are denied. The role of the OTA in case management will also be described. Students will be assigned to fieldwork affiliation sites during the semester to increase their observational and documentation skills. [R-1]

Corequisite:

OTA 201, OTA 203, OTA 205, OTA 207, PSY 230, PED 155

OTA 217—Clinical Practice I


25 lab, 7.5 cr.

(Spring)


This course provides a supervised eight week clinical experience in an occupational therapy treatment setting. The student may elect to work with the physically challenged, emotionally challenged, developmentally challenged population or an emerging area of practice. The student is expected to use knowledge and skills, acquired through previous course work, to carry out prescribed treatment programs in different treatment settings. Evaluation, treatment intervention and documentation are the major components of the fieldwork experience. (Malpractice insurance fee applied) [R-1]

Prerequisite:

OTA 201, OTA 203, OTA 205, OTA 207, OTA 209, all academic coursework

OTA 218—Clinical Practice II


25 lab, 7.5 cr.

(Spring)


This second eight-week clinical experience follows the successful completion of Clinical Practice I and occurs in a setting that services a different client population than the first clinical course. Evaluation, treatment intervention and treatment documentation are the major components of the field work experience. The student is expected to apply knowledge and skills acquired through course work and the preceding clinical experience. (Malpractice insurance fee applied) [R-1]

Prerequisite:

OTA 217

*See Tuition and Fees section for current lab and malpractice insurance fees