DOCTOR of OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Lectures of cell, tissue, organ and body-systems structure, and dissection of human cadaver with emphasis on structure and function of neuromuscular and skeletal systems.  Taught by faculty in School of Allied Health Professions and School of Medicine.

This course focuses on the etiology, symptomology and medical management of selected medical conditions including the respective role of occupational therapy.

Lectures, demonstrations, and labs are designed to complement Allied Health Human Anatomy. Fundamental concepts involving surface anatomy; identification of anatomical landmarks, manual muscle testing, and palpation of joints and muscles, human movement analysis, and conditions that influence the functions of movements will be emphasized.

An overview of the history, philosophy, and sociopolitical influences on the profession to provide foundational understanding of essential occupational therapy concepts. Topics include: professional ethics, occupation and evidenced based practice, professional organizations. Case studies are used to illustrate the importance of a frame of reference in a reflective OT process model.

In this course students will develop skills needed to search, understand, and critically interpret professional literature. Topics include: levels of evidence, quantitative designs, threats to validity, psychometric properties of test measures as well as descriptive & inferential statistics.

An intense study of the client-centered collaborative relationship and psychosocial factors related to practice. Therapeutic use of self, interview skills, communication styles, professional/personal values, family systems, the experience of disability and sociocultural influences will be explored through group discussion, experiential learning and client interviews.

This course explores the meaning and use of occupations and activities as therapeutic media. The analysis of activity, according to the current Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, is covered as a basis for the appropriate selection, grading, and adaptation of therapeutic occupations in relationship to treatment goals throughout the lifespan. Lecture, experiential teaching methods and case study formats are used to enhance the student’s understanding and practical application of therapeutic occupations and activities.

An examination of selected neurological disorders including the underlying neuropathology, etiology, prognosis and clinical presentation. Emphasis will be placed on clinical presentation and impact on occupational participation.

This course introduces students to reflection in action and professional behavior in a clinical setting.

Orthopedic conditions across the lifespan will be addressed. Specific orthopedic evaluations, treatment techniques, splinting procedures and modalities will be emphasized. Occupational performance for activities of daily living in work, play/leisure, and self-care across the lifespan is the focus of lectures and labs.

An examination of the influence of environmental factors and psychosocial well-being on occupational performance in community settings.  Topics include: psychosocial dysfunction assessment and intervention, community needs assessment, program planning and group process. Clinical learning experiences will provide opportunities for students to apply course content. 

Explores conditions commonly seen in pediatric occupational therapy from birth to early childhood. Etiology, symptoms, occupation-based intervention, and implications to occupational performance are explored. Emphasis is placed on theoretical frameworks, evidence, assessment, and additional aspects of service delivery. Traditional lecture/lab with fieldwork experience to provide opportunities to enhance student understanding.

This course focuses on the development of clinical reasoning skills needed to make client-centered and evidence-based decisions in occupational therapy.  Emphasis is on students' ability to apply theoretical constructs to the creation of effective treatment plans. Ethical decision making and ongoing professional development.

An examination of qualitative research methods used to advance the body of knowledge in occupational therapy.  Students will write a research proposal and submit it to IRB as the final assignment.

This course builds on clinical and professional reasoning through clinical documentation to ensure the need for services is articulated and supports reimbursement. Documentation of OT services includes assessment, treatment planning, intervention, discharge, general reports, and home programs. Topics also include treatment/diagnosis codes, documentation requirements, appeals mechanisms, and funding mechanisms. Electronic documentation will be explored.

This 3 credit course teaches the student learner how to use the occupational therapy process to evaluate, plan, and implement occupation-based practice in order to address the ADL, IADL, education, work, play, rest, sleep, leisure, and social participation occupational performance needs of young and middle aged adults with neurological impairment.  Laboratory experiences will provide opportunities for students to use knowledge and demonstrate skills learned in the classroom.

An examination of the principles used to select and implement technological, process based and environmental solutions to support practice and client participation in occupation. Topics include: methods to assess need for technology, telehealth, virtual environments, software and technology tools, home modifications, ergonomic adaptations.

Introduction to the Capstone Project and Proposal. The processes involved in Scholarship of Discovery, Teaching, Application, and Integration will be explored in depth. Students will identify focus of capstone and complete review of literature to establish a solid theoretical foundation for the project. Students will submit the Capstone Proposal for initial review.

This course provides an occupation-based theoretical foundation for the mid-adult through older adult with physical and psychosocial problems that interfere with occupational performance. Exploration of occupational and social functioning in activities and societal roles of the older adult.  Laboratory experiences will provide opportunities for students to practice selected evaluation and treatment methods. A supervised 40 hour fieldwork experience in a neurological rehabilitation setting will be completed in the first week of the semester.

Examination of the occupational therapy process when addressing barriers to participation typically occurring in school aged children through young adulthood. Emphasis on the design and implementation of occupation-based interventions informed by evidence and client-centered collaboration. Topics particularly related to this population include: substance abuse, obesity, educational barriers, bullying, suicide, coping with disability and transitioning to adulthood. Includes 40 hour level I fieldwork addressing psychosocial factors. 

A survey of emerging and specialized practice areas in occupational therapy such as hand therapy, low vision rehabilitation, neonatal intensive care, driver rehabilitation, refugee community integration, or obesity prevention. Emphasis on the role of occupational therapy in each setting, factors influencing service provision, and evaluating evidence related to assessment and intervention in the area of practice.

Students will complete preparations for the Capstone Project and Experience in this course. In collaboration with the capstone team (Capstone Coordinator, Faculty Advisor and Community Mentor) the student will complete the documents needed to begin the capstone experience following Level II Fieldwork. Documents may include Memorandum of Understanding, the Final Capstone Proposal, and IRB Forms.

Examination of current healthcare policies related to managing clinical practice. Topics include but are not limited to: business planning, reimbursement for services, marketing, staffing, program evaluation, interprofessional collaboration, quality management and strategic planning.

Exploration of learning theories and critical social theories as applied to progressive teaching approaches. Through a process of reflection in action students will create and implement instructional programs aimed at addressing identified barriers to occupational justice, effective occupational therapy practice or service delivery.

Self-directed study of an advanced topic in occupational therapy under the direction of faculty advisor. Students will design and complete an instructional plan to include at least 40 contact hours. Students are encouraged to complete certification program or equivalent in area of interest.

Students will complete a quantitative study, a systematic review or a qualitative study. Students will submit findings to a peer-reviewed journal in the form of a paper that demonstrates the ability to analyze and synthesize data in order to translate knowledge into clinical practice.

Building on content taught in previous semesters, this course applies clinical reasoning and theory to issues in professional practice.

An in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients.  Students are supervised in a practice setting full time (40 hrs. per week) for 12 weeks.

An in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients.  Students are supervised in a practice setting full time (40 hrs. per week) for 12 weeks.

Prerequisite: Successful completion both Level II Fieldwork Experiences. An in-depth experience in one of the following: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, education or theory development. Students will have a community mentor with expertise in the area of study as well as a faculty advisor. Settings for the internship are not limited to clinical practice and may include professional organizations, research labs or academic settings. The culmination of this experience will be a presentation of the Capstone project which relates theory to practice and demonstrates a synthesis of advanced knowledge in a practice area.