Curriculum

This course teaches techniques for effective oral and written communication. In a workshop environment that features continual instructor and peer evaluation, students develop a process approach to writing and speaking. Students will write in a variety of genres and will reinforce rhetorical strategies pertaining to audience awareness while practicing oral delivery skills. A grade of C or better is required to pass the course.

This course is designed to assist entering students in making a successful transition to life at Husson College. The goals of this mandatory course include personal development and campus community engagement. Students will work together to identify academic and social resources, to develop skills for academic and social success, to make meaningful connections with the campus community, and to develop academic and career goals. The course is experiential in nature and all course activities are directed toward fostering the above two goals.

This course will introduce the students to the health care industry, and will consist of lectures, readings, discussions, and visiting professionals. While the principal goal will be to inform students of the necessary skills needed to succeed in the health care field, a secondary goal will have the student be able to articulately describe the background to almost any article relating to the challenges of national health care.

Contemporary College Algebra provides students a college level academic experience that emphasizes the use of algebra and functions in problem solving and modeling, provides a foundation in quantitative literacy, supplies the algebra and other mathematics needed in partner disciplines, and helps meet quantitative needs in, and outside of, academia. Students address problems presented as real world situations by creating and interpreting mathematical models. Solutions to the problems are formulated, validated, and analyzed using mental, paper and pencil, algebraic, and technology-based techniques as appropriate. Four credit hours.

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the structures and functions of the human body and its parts. The course begins with the organization of the human body and descriptive terminology relating to various segments of the body. Cellular anatomy and physiology and study of tissues lead to the study of the organ systems. Topics included in the course are skin, the skeletal system, joints, the nervous system, and muscle.

This is a laboratory class.

Principles of Sociology: This course is an introduction to the study of society and the interaction of individuals within society. It is a prerequisite for all other courses in sociology. Topics studies include basic sociological theory and concepts, socialization, cultures, institutions, patterns of social structure, and social change. Some emphasis is placed on cultural relativity in modern society and the implications of cultural differences for business.

Cultural Anthropology: This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and perspectives of culture. It surveys the dynamics of cultural evolution and its significance to civilization. Special attention will be directed towards the geographical basis of culture, the origins of civilization, the structure of civilization and culture - economic, political, familial, and religious structures and factors that lead to the demise of civilization.: : : :

This course teaches techniques for effective oral and written communication. In a workshop environment that features continual instructor and peer evaluation, students develop a process approach to writing and speaking. Logical argumentation, academic conventions, and research-related skills are the primary focus. Public speeches are based on written assignments that incorporate various source materials. As students explore connections between the written and spoken word, the significance of nonverbal language and listening skills are emphasized. A grade of C or better is required to pass the course.

The elements of hardware, software and the uses of the microcomputer in today's society. Hands-on experience includes word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation software.

This course is an introduction to the theory and application of probability and statistical analysis. Both descriptive and inferential techniques will be studied, with emphasis placed on statistical sampling and hypothesis testing. Also considered will be linear regression, contingency table analysis, and decision-making under uncertainty.

This is a scientifically based introduction to the discipline of psychology. It examines the study of basic patterns of behavior including motivation, learning, emotions, the physiological basis of behavior, human growth and development, personality theory and measurement, and abnormal and deviant behavior.

This course is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. The course will provide a thorough understanding of structure-function relationships down to the molecular level. The semester will cover the special senses, blood, the cardiovascular system, lymphatics, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the urinary system, the endocrine system, and reproduction.

This is a laboratory class.

ELECTIVE - FINE ARTS: Electives are non-specific courses available to complement the goals and interests of an individual student. Those electives preceded by two letters (for example "FA Elective") means that you may choose a course from the group of "FA" courses. Likewise, those courses with a numeric listing (for example "FA 3XX Elective") means you may choose a course from the group of "FA" courses with a number of 300 or above. Some electives may require that you take a prerequisite course before you can enroll in the course you want.

Foreign Culture and Conversation Elective - one course required: Any of the following courses: HU 111, LF 111, LS 111, LS 112, HU 299, BA 490, OT 499, or a combination of 3 one-credit language/culture classes.: : : :

This course, building upon EH 111, introduces students to the study of literature and the fundamental of literary research. Students explore fiction, poetry, and drama from both the western and non-western worlds. The creative process is explored through reading, discussion, research and writing. Additionally, the key themes of power, identity, justice and adaptation and explored in relation literature.

This course covers microcomputer spreadsheet software. Topics include: functions, decision making, macros, custom menus, importing and exporting.

This course introduces basic concepts and skills needed for understanding and conducting research in the social, educational and health sciences. Students will receive a basic introduction to the fundamentals of research – what it involves, what types exist, and how to design and conduct such research. Examined are the essential terms and concepts of research necessary for students to critically evaluate research literature, develop solid research questions, and plan simple research projects. Students will acquire foundation knowledge through readings and lecture. Active engagement with the research process will occur through class participation, exercises, literature reviews, development of research questions, and creation of inquiry strategies for answering research questions.

This course introduces students to important traditional ethical theories, new directions in moral thinking, and contemporary ethical controversies. It focuses on ethics as the practice of informed dialogue and principled behavior in a diverse and changing society and in the workplace.

This course includes physiological processes of development including conception, prenatal growth, birth, maturation, and aging, provide a framework for examining the cognitive, affective and social development of the individual during his/her life-span.

This course is an introductory overview of the U.S. Public Health System with an emphasis on the core areas of public health, challenges and strategies for working with communities, and specific health issues that impact the health of the population. We will look at environmental and behavior factors associated with health promotion and disease prevention and view different national programs and programs going on in Maine.

This course is of variable content with selected topics presented to provide prerequisites for specifically identified additional coursework in CIS. The course emphasizes independent investigation and the fundamental principles of computing and information technology.

This course introduces students to the language used in describing and coding of clinical visits, medical procedures and on medical forms. The ability to understand complex medical terms will be gained by the analysis of prefixes, word roots and suffixes. Coding of diseases (ICD-9) and medical insurance language will also be emphasized.

This is a comprehensive course focusing on the better understanding of the field as an area of active inquiry both in clinical practice and in research. A complete presentation of the most important theoretical models along with topics that reflect contemporary interests are examined. Developmental perspectives along with current views of abnormality and current treatment approaches are studied.

ELECTIVE - FINE ARTS: Electives are non-specific courses available to complement the goals and interests of an individual student. Those electives preceded by two letters (for example "FA Elective") means that you may choose a course from the group of "FA" courses. Likewise, those courses with a numeric listing (for example "FA 3XX Elective") means you may choose a course from the group of "FA" courses with a number of 300 or above. Some electives may require that you take a prerequisite course before you can enroll in the course you want.

Foreign Culture and Conversation Elective - one course required: Any of the following courses: HU 111, LF 111, LS 111, LS 112, HU 299, BA 490, OT 499, or a combination of 3 one-credit language/culture classes.: : : :

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.

This course will focus on foundational concepts that underlie the practice of occupational therapy, i.e. occupation-based activity analysis and analysis of occupational performance. Students will be introduced to the nature of occupation as viewed by the profession and the value of occupational engagement across diverse contexts and environments. Client factors, performance skills and patterns as well as the context and the demands of activities will considered in preparation for developing interventions in support of engagement in client-identified meaningful occupations.

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 appreciate and value the AOTA Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice as well discuss challenges of personal/organizational ethical conflicts and conflict resolution. State licensing and scope of practice will be discussed as will importance of and requirements for ongoing professional development. Professional liability will be examined. Developing leadership skills through participation in professional associations and professional advocacy will be emphasized. Professional documentation will be introduced.

This course will build on previous anatomy & physiology coursework. Content will focus intensively on body structures in order to understand the interactions between them in support of the ability to participate in meaningful occupations throughout life. An emphasis on the musculo-skeletal system, peripheral nervous system and cardio-vascular system will be reinforced by cadaver dissection opportunities in the Anatomy Lab.

This course will introduce junior year students to the complexity of healthcare organizations and how they are managed. An overview of the historical development of the modern healthcare organization, as well as the contemporary management roles and functions within them, will be reviewed. Measuring performance and quality improvement will also be taught. The importance of the roles of physicians, nurses, as well as other professionals and support staff will be highlighted. Theories of healthcare leadership will also be explored.

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.

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

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 introduce senior Health Care Studies students to beginning healthcare economics and its influence on health policy. The course will emphasize the economic issues of scarcity, choice, supply and demand, marginal analysis, substitutes, and externalities as they relate to health care policies. National health insurance, as a rapidly evolving idea for the future, will also be analyzed and evaluated.

This course will introduce students to the foundations of contemporary family-centered occupational therapy practice for children and youth. Students will apply theoretical concepts from developmental and occupation based models to understand the impact of client factors on occupational engagement and performance. Students will apply evidence-based critical thinking and clinical reasoning as they learn to evaluate children and youth in a variety of contexts and environments. Client-centered, occupation based assessments and outcome measures, used in practice with children and families will be emphasized.

This course examines the psychological and social aspects of mental health functioning as it impacts occupational performance. Students will investigate the continuum of health and recovery with an emphasis on supporting client’s successful engagement in meaningful roles and occupations across practice areas, client populations, contexts and environments. Client-centered evaluation and intervention will emphasize practical application of theoretical concepts, while evidenced-based critical thinking will guide clinical reasoning and decision-making throughout the course.

This course will cover evaluation and intervention of adults focusing on body structure & function contributions to occupational performance and meaningful participation. There will be an emphasis on evidence-based critical thinking and clinical reasoning in support of client-centered contemporary best practice. It will include the application of common intervention strategies used by occupational therapists working with adults to enhance performance skills underlying all areas of occupation. Laboratory portion will emphasize evaluation of motor, sensory, and perceptual components of performance skills and comprehensive treatment planning and intervention in varied contexts and environment.

Students will demonstrate emerging application and integration of didactic concepts that they have learned in the classroom in a clinical or community setting. Students will demonstrate and apply knowledge and skills from entry-level foundation courses as well as emerging 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 first in a three course series that will use research to foster evidence-based critical thinking and clinical reasoning. This course will focus on critical analysis of quantitative and qualitative research literature with the goal of guiding students to become informed consumers of research to guide their clinic practice. The contribution of research to the continued development of a professional body of knowledge will be emphasized. Experience locating and evaluating literature, developing a research question, and proposing an appropriate sample, research design, measurement and data analysis will reinforce development of the skills necessary to translate evidence to practice in the clinic.

Electives are non-specific courses available to complement the goals and interests of an individual student. Those electives preceded by two letters (for example "Sc Elective") means that you may choose a course from the group of "Sc" courses. Likewise, those courses with a numeric listing (for example "Sc 3XX Elective") means you may choose a course from the group of "Sc" courses with a number of 300 or above. Some electives may require that you take a prerequisite course before you can enroll in the course you want.

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 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.

The goal of Level II Fieldwork is to develop competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapists under the supervision of a qualified occupational therapist. In this first Level II Fieldwork course, students will have the opportunity to integrate core didactic content and previous brief fieldwork experiences in a more intensive format. This experience will require students to apply the occupational therapy process and foster emerging evidence-based critical thinking and clinical reasoning in the context of an in-depth occupational therapy service provision experience.

The course will explore the impact of conditions within and surrounding the client, i.e. contexts, and the environment, both physical and social, on meaningful engagement in life occupations. Students will explore the relationship between social and environmental barriers to inclusion and participation for individuals with disabilities. Students will research and use interventions including a wide range of assistive technologies (AT) and environmental adaptations that enhance independent function and participation. Finally, students will identify strategies to transform these barriers through the application of critical thinking, evidence-based research and leadership principles.

This is the third in a three course series that will use research to foster evidence-based critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Building on the project from the previous semester students will prepare a professional written report and a formal scientific oral presentation of findings or outcome. The importance of research to building a professional body of knowledge will be revisited as students are required to highlight the application of their findings to occupational therapy. Furthermore the clinical application of their findings will reinforce the use of evidence to guide clinical thinking and reasoning.

Integrative health considers the dynamic interaction between mind, body, spirit and community. This course focuses on the nature of spirit, as well as its contribution and interaction with health and healthcare. This will be addressed in part through self-reflection and exposure to varied cultural and spiritual belief traditions. Students will develop increased awareness of their own and others values and beliefs with emphasis on the interplay between spirituality, healthcare, well-being, quality of life and meaningful participation in everyday activities.

This course will explore common upper extremity/hand injuries and evidence-based treatment interventions in support of client engagement in meaningful occupations. Study will include a review of anatomy, clinical evaluation of the UE/hand and interventions appropriate to each injury. Content will be presented through a combination of lecture and active, experiential learning with a strong emphasis on student participation, discussion and problem solving to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Students will be expected to identify, palpate and perform learned techniques on each other and demonstrate competency and mastery of content.

This course explores the impact of central and peripheral neurologically based conditions on performance skills supporting occupational engagement. Students will have the opportunity to explore both formal and informal assessments used in the evaluation of cognitive, perceptual, communication, and motor dysfunction. Evidence-based interventions and rehabilitative approaches for working with clients who have experienced neurologically based conditions will be explored. Integration of previous foundation content with intervention content will require demonstration of emerging critical thinking and clinical reasoning.

Topic/: This course of variable content will provide students with the opportunity to explore selected topics in occupational therapy under the guidance of occupational therapy faculty.

Work and Industry: Research and Evidence-based Practice: This course provides a general overview of basic ergonomic principles and environmental adaptations in the home and work environment. It will describe symptomatology and interventions to promote meaningful engagement in and performance of work related occupations. It emphasizes a client-centered approach and client worldview to develop treatment plans, reflecting current evidence-based literature and best practice concepts.

ELECTIVE - GRADUATE BUSINESS: Electives are non-specific courses available to complement the goals and interests of an individual student. Those electives preceded by two letters (for example "BA Elective") means that you may choose a course from the group of "BA" courses. Likewise, those courses with a numeric listing (for example "BA 3XX Elective") means you may choose a course from the group of "BA" courses with a number of 300 or above. Some electives may require that you take a prerequisite course before you can enroll in the course you want.

ELECTIVE - GRADUATE HEALTH SCIENCE: Electives are non-specific courses available to complement the goals and interests of an individual student. Those electives preceded by two letters (for example "Mi Elective") means that you may choose a course from the group of "Mi" courses. Likewise, those courses with a numeric listing (for example "Eh 3XX Elective") means you may choose a course from the group of "Eh" courses with a number of 300 or above. Some electives may require that you take a prerequisite course before you can enroll in the course you want.: :

The goal of Level II Fieldwork is to further develop competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapists under the supervision of a qualified occupational therapist. In this second Level II Fieldwork course, students will have the opportunity to integrate advanced didactic content with knowledge and skills from several previous fieldwork experiences. This final clinical experience will require students to demonstrate evidence-based critical thinking and clinical reasoning emphasizing occupational engagement in the context of an in-depth occupational therapy service provision experience.

This course will provide an opportunity for students to process and integrate evidence-based critical thinking and reasoning with clinical experience. Students will demonstrate self-reflection regarding their own professional and personal growth over the course of their academic and clinical professional preparation. We will revisit concepts related to healthcare leadership skills and values, as well as reinforce supports to facilitate the transition to entry-level clinical practitioner and scholar.