Occupational Therapy (OT) - Graduate Courses

OT 515 Cr.3

Functional Neuroanatomy

This course will address the anatomical basis of neuroscience with emphasis on rehabilitation. Structure and physiological function of the central nervous system will be correlated for normal and abnormal processes. Patient examples and research literature will be utilized to foster appropriate clinical decision-making skills in students. Prerequisite: admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Summer.

OT 520 Cr.2

Introduction to Occupational Therapy

This course introduces the fundamentals of occupational therapy. Topics include the nature of humans as occupational beings, the language, theories, and processes of the occupational therapy profession, history, and philosophy of the occupational therapy profession, and an introduction to occupational therapy areas of practice (traditional and emerging) and populations. Students are introduced to advocacy, professional writing, documentation, and interview skills in class and begin to practice these skills with simulations, peers, and family members. This course is intended to provide students with an overview of the profession of occupational therapy. It is a fundamental building block for all other courses. Prerequisite: admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Summer.

OT 523 Cr.4

Human Physiology

The course examines the physiological function and regulation of major organ systems and their components in the human body and after injury or disease. The course covers normal physiology as well as selected diseases. Concepts are organized by systems: endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, nervous, hematologic, hepatic, reproductive, vascular, and genetics. Prerequisite: admission to the Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Summer.

OT 524 Cr.3

Human Anatomy

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the gross anatomy of the human body through lecture, laboratory experiences, group learning activities, digital and traditional cadaver prosection and dissection. Systems included are musculoskeletal, neurological, and skeletal. Clinical applications are discussed. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 526 Cr.3

Foundations of Movement

This course will apply principles of biomechanics, kinesiology, and motor control to guide understanding and analysis of movement during occupational performance. This will include the study of structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, and neuromuscular systems and their influences on normal and pathological motion. The development of movement and basic motor learning will be examined. Concepts will be explored supporting the foundations of movement and correlation with occupational performance across the lifespan. Prerequisite: admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 530 Cr.1

Occupational Performance Analysis

This course examines theories, frames of references, and other critical concepts used in the description and analysis of occupational performance. The form, function, and meaning of occupation will be explored in relation to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process. Documentation, cultural impact, key parts of the framework, ICF, activity analysis, and therapeutic intervention techniques will be presented. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 531; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 531 Cr.1

Applied Occupational Performance Analysis

This course applies key concepts used in the occupational therapy clinical practice (occupation, Framework, theory, and documentation). Activities and occupations will be analyzed for self and others through case studies, observation of others, and self reflection. Activity analysis and occupational performance analysis will be completed in relationship to individuals, groups, and populations through the use of occupations with self, observation of others, and both written and video case studies. Application of activity analysis, occupational analysis, selection and grading/adapting of activity and occupations, compensatory techniques, teaching and learning, and use of theory to guide clinical reasoning will occur. Use of occupation as it relates to design and implementation of treatment with various populations in traditional and non-traditional practice setting will be applied. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 530; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 545 Cr.1

Clinical Applications of Movement

This course will explore principles of biomechanics and kinesiology and how they relate to the understanding and analysis of movement during occupational performance. This will include the assessment of structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, and neuromuscular systems and their influences on normal and pathological motion and how this may impact occupational performance. This course will explore kinesiology considerations for specific musculoskeletal regions including the head, torso, upper and lower extremities and how this relates to commonly used hands-on assessments and interventions including range of motion, manual muscle testing, wheelchair positioning and client transfers. The use of movement assessment data will be utilized for intervention planning through the OT process. Prerequisite: admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 550 Cr.2

Scholarly Practice I: Occupational Therapy Research

This course is designed to help students become familiar with the principles of measurement and the research process. Topics covered include psychometric principles of assessment (e.g. reliability, validity, standardization), tool development, research designs, and ethics of research and assessment. Prerequisite: admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 570 Cr.1

Occupational Therapy Intervention: Group Dynamics

This course will provide students with a foundation in basic therapeutic communication skills. Models of group leadership used in occupational therapy treatment will be emphasized. Topics will include: basic styles of communication, stages of team building, group leadership in therapy, development of therapeutic use of self, conflict resolution, conflict negotiation, professional behaviors, supervision of occupational therapy staff and occupational therapy group models used in treatment. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 571; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 571 Cr.1

Applied Occupational Therapy Intervention: Group Dynamics

This course will emphasis hands-on learning experiences to apply the lecture content from OT 570. Students will plan and implement a variety of client centered groups, based on occupational therapy frames of references and other common theories. Student's observation skills will be enhanced through routine applied experiences both in classroom sessions and in the community. Methods and techniques for developing professional behaviors, giving/receiving feedback, and critiquing individual communication and leadership styles will be refined during this seminar experience. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 570; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 611 Cr.2

Occupational Therapy in Acute Care Settings

Emphasis will be placed upon the ability of the student to perform creative treatments in an acute care occupational therapy setting. This course will provide the student with information about the pathophysiology of varied organ systems and the physiological control mechanisms as they pertain to the practice of occupational therapy. Students will determine the best approach to task according to how patients' present at the specific time of treatment. Students will demonstrate an understanding that patients in acute care have dynamic physiological changes, and therefore dynamic physiological needs. Patients' unique problems will be emphasized for an individualized versus cookie-cutter approach to patient care. Prerequisite: admission to graduate OT Program; satisfactorily completed all OT didactic coursework required in previous semesters. Offered Spring.

OT 625 Cr.3

Community Mental Health Promotion

This course will provide foundational knowledge and experiential learning related to occupational therapy's role in community-based practice settings for the promotion of mental health. Course concepts will include common diagnoses, group process, assessment and intervention specific to use in mental health contexts with a focus on occupational therapy's role as consultant and facilitator in community emerging practice areas. Psychosocial considerations of occupational performance and impact of chronic conditions will be explored for those receiving services as well as caregivers and health care professionals. Prerequisite: successful completion of fall 1 coursework; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 640 Cr.2

Assistive Technology

This course will develop the students' ability to determine the need for and provide compensatory strategies for clients with physical and/or psychosocial dysfunction in different contexts. The student will design, fabricate, apply, and train a client in the use of assistive technology. Assistive technologies, prosthetics, communication aids, sensory aides, electronic aids to daily living, community mobility, driving, and wheelchair adaptions are addressed. State and federal regulations protecting various populations with dysfunction will be covered. Ergonomic and environmental modification principles will be used in home and community building assessment. Lect. 1, Lab 2. Prerequisite: OT 526; OT 530, OT 531; OT 545; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 641 Cr.3

Health Care Systems

This course addresses the evolution of the health care industry. It will critically analyze from the perspectives of the consumer, provider, manager, and taxpayer, the greater social systems and trends that impact its present state, and include a comparison of the health care industry in other countries. Service provision will be examined from the standpoints of fiscal management, human resource management, and operations management. Advocacy and consultation, as a part of the change process, will be examined and practiced in the context of leadership in the OT profession and OT intervention contexts. Lect. 2, Disc. 1. Prerequisite: admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 650 Cr.2

Occupations and Interventions: Pediatrics I

Content includes the child as an occupational being within contexts, e.g., the greater social/political context, typical play contexts, etc. The occupational development and roles of children ages 0 through 18 will be examined in relation to typical developmental milestones, the development of ADL's, and the development of play. The application of occupational therapy principles (evaluation and intervention), and the use of clinical reasoning will be integrated within selected occupational therapy theories (sensorimotor processing, acquisitional, motor acquisitional, NDT, biomechanical, 4 Quadrant), which, in turn, will be integrated with developmental principles, occupations, and play. The effect of selected medical conditions (failure to thrive, developmental delay, febrile seizures, muscular dystrophy, Down Syndrome, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, etc.) on occupational performance in play and ADL's will be covered as well. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 651; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 651 Cr.1

Applied Occupations and Interventions: Pediatrics I

This course is designed to prepare students for their Peds Play Lab experience during the spring semester. Content and application will address play and playfulness (synthesis of content, assessment, OT theory, activity analysis, activity gradation, etc.), therapeutic use of self (modes of therapeutic interaction, verbal and non-verbal, physical, etc.), and documentation (deconstruction of test scores, synthesis of scores, clinical observations, client information, etc., for interpretation and recommendations). Activity analysis as it relates to a pediatric population, and the construction of playful, therapeutic activities will be emphasized. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 650; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 670 Cr.2

Occupational Performance: Physical Dysfunction I

The effects of acute and chronic disability on occupational performance will be explored in the context of the adult rehabilitation patient with orthopedic conditions from diverse backgrounds. Evaluation and treatment of the adult individual with orthopedic rehabilitative needs will be emphasized. Prerequisite: OT 530, OT 531, OT 550; concurrent enrollment in OT 671; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 671 Cr.1

Applied Occupational Performance: Physical Dysfunction I

This course provides hands on applied learning experiences allowing students the opportunity to practice assessment tools and treatment intervention methods typically used with persons with orthopedic problems. Prerequisite: OT 530, OT 531, OT 550; concurrent enrollment in OT 670; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 700 Cr.1

Physical Agent Modalities

This course will develop the student's ability to use superficial and deep thermal/electrotherapeutic physical agent modalities as part of an occupational therapy treatment plan. Students will develop skills in safe and effective applications of these modalities as well as understanding the underlying principles, indications and precautions/contradictions for these modalities. Students will learn how to document the use of modalities and how to complete client education regarding physical agent modalities. In addition students will develop an understanding of practice guidelines regarding use of modalities in occupational therapy. Lab 2. Prerequisite: OT 524, OT 670, OT 671; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Summer.

OT 720 Cr.1-3

Selected Topics in Occupational Therapy

This course offers in-depth study of particular concepts, clinical specialties, and/or non-traditional practice areas in occupational therapy. Topics are selected by the instructor and/or as developed by student/faculty dialogue to meet special interests and needs. Topics are relevant to occupational therapy education, and are not found elsewhere in the university curriculum. Repeatable for credit - maximum six. Departmental option for pass/fail grading. Prerequisite: admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Occasionally.

OT 726 Cr.2

Professional Seminar

This course will serve to facilitate development of leaders in the field of occupational therapy including roles in the areas of management, policy, advocacy and higher education. Students will reflect on personal leadership qualities and styles and develop personal and professional development plans. Students will develop strategies for promoting advocacy for the field of occupational therapy and policy development. Students will analyze data to develop a quality improvement plan to maintain outcomes. This course will address critical issues directly related to professional development, fieldwork preparation, and licensure and certification prior to beginning Level II fieldwork. Prerequisite: completion of all prior coursework; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 730 Cr.2

Occupational Performance: Physical Dysfunction II

The effects of acute and chronic disability on occupational performance will be explored in the context of the adult rehabilitation patient of diverse backgrounds with neurological conditions. Evaluation and treatment of the adult individual with neurological rehabilitative needs will be emphasized. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 731; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 731 Cr.1

Applied Occupational Performance: Physical Dysfunction II

This course provides hands on applied learning experiences allowing students the opportunity to practice occupational therapy assessment tools and treatment intervention methods typically used with persons with neurological problems. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 730; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 740 Cr.2

Occupations and Interventions: Pediatrics II

This course is the second unit in a two-semester sequence of the study of pediatric population. Content emphasized in the lecture course includes the child as an occupational being within contexts, e.g., the greater social/political context, typical social contexts for play/interaction, educational contexts, family contexts, and practice contexts. The occupational development and roles of children ages 0 through 18 will be examined in relation to typical psychosocial development, social participation, and educational performance. Other content pertains to visual perceptual development, and fine motor/handwriting development. The application of OT principles (evaluation and intervention), and the use of clinical reasoning will be integrated within selected frames of reference (visual information analysis, psychosocial, coping, social participation, and sensory processing), which, in turn, will be integrated with developmental principles and play. The effect of selected medical conditions (including but not limited to learning disorders, emotional behavioral disorders, autism, and visual/auditory disorders) will be examined in relation to occupational performance. Prerequisite: OT 650, OT 651; concurrent enrollment in OT 741; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 741 Cr.1

Applied Occupational and Interventions: Pediatrics II

OT 741 provides the students with an opportunity to practice didactic content in OT 740, develop competence in administering pediatric assessments, apply sound clinical reasoning to selection of assessments and planning intervention for children with various conditions in a variety of contexts (medical, school, home, etc.). Students will apply theory and relevant evidence in assessment and intervention choices. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 740; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 751 Cr.2

Scholarly Practice II: Research Methodology

This course is the second in the series of scholarly practice courses. It is designed to help the students become familiar with research methodologies used in occupational therapy and to gain experience in selected steps of the research process. Topics covered include reading a scholarly article, literature searching strategies, research methodologies (single-subject, correlation, research, descriptive, qualitative, etc.), principles of ethical research, and application/interpretation of statistical data. Students will practice reading, critiquing, analyzing, and discussing scholarly literature. Prerequisite: OT 550; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 760 Cr.3

Scholarly Practice III: Evidence-Based Practice and Research

This course is the third in the series of scholarly practice courses. In this course, students will analyze the similarities and differences between the inquiry process and clinical practice. Students will design a research study and initiate data collection. They will also be introduced to the evidence-based practice and how it is used to inform clinical practice. Students will develop a clinical question and complete a systematic review of the literature for evidence that relates to it. They will appraise the literature, including meta-analysis. Prerequisite: OT 751; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 770 Cr.2

Scholarly Practice IV: Analysis and Scholarly Dissemination

This course is the fourth and final course in the series of scholarly practice courses. In this course, students will analyze, interpret, and disseminate their research and systematic review, with meta-analysis findings. Student will use SPSS and systematic review/meta-analysis software to manage, analyze, interpret, and document the research data. They will critically analyze the contextual and cultural influences of data collection and analysis. Students will develop scholarly presentation (oral and written) which disseminates their findings in the most appropriate manner for the context. Prerequisite: OT 760; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 775 Cr.1

Critical Analysis of Practice

This course applies the OT Practice Framework using case studies. Case studies will include information gathered from OT 790 Level I Physical Dysfunction fieldwork experiences. These cases will be typical to occupational therapy practice and will require a synthesis of material from several courses. Working alone or in groups, students will use clinical reasoning and reflective practice to process case studies with various types of clients in a variety of practice contexts and environments. All cases will include critical thinking skills that will be required by practicing therapists in today's health care arena as well as enable students to explore issues important to the practice of occupational therapy (i.e. the occupational therapy process, evaluation, evidence-based intervention, theory/models/frames of reference, ethical issues, and justification of services.) Additionally, students will explore emerging market areas of interest in the OT profession and share with peers to advocate for change in service delivery in the health care system. Prerequisite: OT 790; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 776 Cr.2

Occupations and Interventions: Older Adult

Occupational performance in the aging population will be explored with emphasis on the impact of disease or injury in the older adult population from diverse backgrounds. Specific focus will be on analysis of the socio-cultural, environmental and personal life roles of the elderly as well as those disease/dysfunction processes that frequently impact this population. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 777; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 777 Cr.1

Applied Occupations and Interventions: Older Adult

This course provides hands on applied learning experiences allowing students the opportunity to practice the occupational therapy process of observation, evaluation, analysis and treatment of the older adult population. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 776; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 780 Cr.3

Program Development

This course will focus on the steps of creating occupation-centered program development with the goal of program implementation of developed programming during fall 2 of the curriculum. Topics will include beginning with an idea, exploration of problems/gaps in current programming, a needs assessment, analysis of demographic and epidemiological data, and a review of literature for evidence-based interventions. Students will then create programming to meet community needs through development of a mission statement, goals and objectives and an evaluation plan. Principles of grant writing will also be presented. Prerequisite: completion of all prior coursework; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Fall.

OT 782 Cr.1

Level I Fieldwork: Community Mental Health & Wellness

This field experience is designed to provide an opportunity to observe and practice occupational therapy interventions for the promotion of mental health and wellness in individual and group settings. Experiences include professional behaviors and collaboration, observation, leading group sessions, documentation, data gathering and reflective practice. Students participate in hands-on practice while leading group therapy programs developed in OT 780, as well as field experiences in traditional mental health settings. Fieldwork partnerships are arranged by the occupational therapy academic fieldwork coordinator and supervised by instructional staff. This course is taught concurrently with OT 726 to collaborate in the analysis of community program effectiveness. Prerequisite: concurrent with OT 726; OT 780; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Spring.

OT 785 Cr.1

Adult Clinical Practice

This course is a one hour lecture that includes close examination of the Occupational Therapy Process. Using occupational therapy theories, research, and knowledge from previous courses students will work with course instructor and other students to develop an assessment plan, treatment plans, recertification, and discharge planning with a community volunteer. Students will develop and provide occupational therapy in-services to mimic treatment rounds and continuing education development in a clinical setting. Students will discuss and examine occupation, roles, and participation in relation to occupational performance. Medical conditions and their influence on health, wellness, and participation will be examined. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 786; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 786 Cr.1

Applied Adult Clinical Practice

This course is a two hour seminar that includes implementation of the Occupational Therapy Process and supervised hands on experience of adult clinical practice. Using occupational therapy theories, research, and knowledge from previous courses students will work with course instructor and other students to implement an assessment plan, treatment plans, recertification, and discharge planning with a community volunteer. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 785; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 787 Cr.1

Pediatric Clinical Practice

This course is a one-hour lecture that examines the occupational therapy process. Using occupational therapy theories, research, and knowledge from previous courses, students will work with course instructor and other students to develop an assessment plan, treatment plans, and discharge planning with a volunteer child and family from the community. Participation in the lecture is as a simulated team meeting. Students will discuss and examine occupation, roles, and participation of children and their families with a community volunteer family. Medical and developmental conditions and their influence on health, wellness, and participation will be examined. Prerequisite: OT 650, OT 651, OT 740, OT 741; admission to the graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 788 Cr.1

Applied Pediatric Clinical Practice

This course is a two-hour seminar that includes practice of implementing the Occupational Therapy Process in pediatric clinical practice with supervised, hands-on experience of pediatric therapists. Using occupational therapy theories, research, and knowledge from previous courses, students will work with course instructor and other students to implement an assessment plan, treatment plans, and discharge planning with a community volunteer child and family. Students will develop and provide occupational therapy services under supervision. Students will discuss and examine occupation, roles, and participation in relation to occupational performance. Medical and developmental conditions and their influences on health, wellness, and participation of children and the family will be examined. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in OT 787; admission to the graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Spring.

OT 790 Cr.1

Level I Fieldwork: Physical Dysfunction

This 40-hour fieldwork will provide an opportunity for students to observe and practice occupational therapy in a clinical setting with a variety of diverse populations. Professional abilities including cultural sensitivity, the use of occupation within a clinical setting, preliminary documentation and assessment skills will be experienced. Fieldwork will be arranged by the occupational therapy academic fieldwork coordinator and supervised by clinical fieldwork educators. Prerequisite: admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Summer.

OT 791 Cr.1

Level I Fieldwork: Pediatrics

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to observe and participate in the OT process as much as possible in a pediatric setting. Students will be expected to practice professional behaviors at all times. On a level that is appropriate to their setting and in accordance with their clinical supervisor, students will be expected to participate in evaluation, treatment planning, treatment implementation, and beginning documentation as it relates to the population and context in which they are assigned. Sustained observation, reasoning in action, and therapeutic use of self will be practiced. 40 hours. Prerequisite: OT 650, OT 651; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Winter.

OT 795 Cr.6

Level II Fieldwork

The Level II Fieldwork experience provides the student with a 12-week clinical placement in a practice setting under the supervision of an approved occupational therapy clinical fieldwork educator. Students will practice occupational therapy assessment, interventions, measuring outcomes, and documentation. This course provides opportunities to apply didactic learning in clinical practice. Students are required to complete six months of full time fieldwork within a 24 month period. This 12-week course is repeated one time for a total of 24 weeks. Repeatable for credit - maximum 12. Prerequisite: admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Fall, Summer.

OT 798 Cr.1-6

Independent Study in Occupational Therapy

Independent, in-depth study of some specific problem or area in occupational therapy. This course shall be taken under the direction and supervision of a member of the occupational therapy faculty. Repeatable for credit - maximum six. Prerequisite: admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Offered Occasionally.

OT 799 Cr.1-4

Research: Master's Thesis

An independent research project is to be selected and executed under the direction of an OT department faculty member by those students electing to pursue a thesis track. The project may be in any area related to occupational therapy. Repeatable for credit - minimum four credits, maximum six. Prerequisite: OT 760; admission to graduate Occupational Therapy Program. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Occasionally.