Occupational Therapy

This course provides student with foundational knowledge in the neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions of the human body. Students learn and apply kinesiological and biomechanical principles to normal movement patterns underlying occupational performance. They then progress to apply these principles to assessment of muscle strength, tone, and endurance. The role of reflexes and other involuntary movement reactions will be covered as well as an introduction to basic concepts of motor control. Laboratory stresses conduct of motor evaluations; treatment planning; transfers; draping; and the psychodynamics of physical rehabilitation.

Students will be introduced to the history, philosophy and theoretical underpinnings of occupational therapy, the process of theory development and the importance of theory to occupational therapy practice will be emphasized. We will examine occupation-based, client centered models of practice, and identify how they guide clinical practice through critical thinking and clinical reasoning. The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, the cornerstone of the profession, will be introduced and provide the foundation for future coursework.

Students will be introduced to standardized and non-standardized screening and assessment tools that form the foundation of evaluation and intervention of occupational performance across the lifespan. We will discuss tools that meet a range of client needs and contexts, are culturally relevant and are based in theory, models of practice, frames of reference and best available evidence. Psychometric properties of assessments, administration procedures and protocols, as well as test score interpretation and potential sources of bias in testing will be addressed. This course also covers documentation of findings and referral for additional evaluation.

This course will provide students with in-depth understanding of the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems. There will be special emphasis on mental functions, sensory functions, pain and the motor system as they contribute to occupational performance. The impact of various clinical conditions on participation in meaningful activities will be introduced. Students understanding will be supplemented with learning activities that include cadaver dissections.

Integrative health considers the dynamic interaction between mind, body, spirit and community. This course focuses on evidence-based principles of health promotion, wellness and prevention that facilitate occupational engagement in support of active participation, well-being and quality of life in everyday activities with particular emphasis on community-based programs.

This course will develop student’s evidence-based critical thinking and clinical reasoning in the decision making necessary to provide ethical, effective family-centered occupational therapy interventions with children and youth. Students will apply concepts of occupation-based practice models and frames of reference to develop meaningful interventions and identify outcomes in a range of contexts and environments. Students will understand the implications of legislative mandates, role delineation, and the importance of documentation on contemporary practice.

This course will focus on approaches to group intervention emphasizing meaningful occupational-based participation in a variety of contexts and environments. Included are techniques for starting, maintaining, and terminating groups, ways to capitalize on the therapeutic advantages that groups offer, and exploration of group dynamics and leadership skills. Students use principles of needs assessment, group intervention planning and implementation, along with theory and research evidence, to design and co-lead client-centered occupation based groups with children, adults and older adults.

This course will expand and refine the concepts and applications related to evaluation and occupation-based intervention of adults. It is designed to allow students the opportunity to explore both formal and informal assessments used in the evaluation of adults. Students will have the opportunity to experience and practice intervention strategies to enhance client performance skills necessary for full occupational participation. The lectures and laboratories will focus on the use of evidence based critical thinking and clinical reasoning using occupations as a therapeutic mechanism for change.

Students will demonstrate advanced-beginner level skills in the application and integration of didactic concepts that they have learned in the classroom in a clinical or community setting. Students will integrate foundational courses with intervention skills and knowledge to address health, wellness and meaningful participation in life by promoting occupational engagement within and across diverse contexts and environments.

This is the second in a three course series that will use research to foster evidence-based critical thinking and clinical reasoning. This course will build on the process of developing informed consumers of research through experiential engagement in the research process and implementation of a research methodology.