Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

OTA 110. Fundamentals of OT. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course introduces occupational therapy (OT) theory, practice, philosophy, and principles. Emphasis is placed on providing a basic understanding of the profession as well as beginning to develop interaction and observation skills. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic understanding of the domain and practice of occupational therapy, practice settings and professional roles, OT terminology, activity analysis, principles, process, philosophies, and frames of reference.

OTA 120. OT Media I. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course provides training in recognizing the therapeutic value and use of a wide variety of human occupations including basic activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. Topics include the understanding of different teaching and learning methods and styles, the language of occupational therapy (OT), OT interventions including preparatory methods and tasks, and restorative and compensatory techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze, design, select, and safely perform occupation related activities that would be therapeutic for various populations across the lifespan.

OTA 130. Assessment Skills. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course provides training in appropriate and accurate assessment skills related to sensation, movement, vision, perception, cognition, emotions, and performance of basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Topics include physical and psychosocial factors affecting performance; and sensory, range of motion, strength, coordination, cognitive, visual-perceptual, self-care, and work-related assessments. Upon completion, students should be able to gather and share data for the purpose of screening and evaluation, administer selected assessments using appropriate procedures and protocols, and articulate the role of the occupational therapy assistant and occupational therapist in the screening and evaluation process.

OTA 135. Kinesiology. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course provides training in understanding and using principles of normal human movement. Topics include terminology, structures of the body associated with movement, principles of motion, analysis of movement, joint structure and its impact on motion, and muscle actions. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in identifying terms associated with movement, motions, structures, normal ranges and directions of motion, and general principles of human movement; and apply biomechanical principles to safe and efficient functional mobility activities.

OTA 140. Professional Skills I. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course introduces the roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and the occupational therapist (OT) in occupational therapy practice and facilitates development of professional behaviors and skills. Topics include professional ethics, supervisory roles, responsibilities, and collaborative professional relationships; credentialing, certification, and licensure; documentation, which communicates the need and rationale for occupational therapy services; therapeutic use of self; and professional identity and professional behaviors; and observation skills. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate ethical behavior, discriminate between roles and responsibilities of the OTA and OT, and explain acceptable supervision and documentation.

OTA 150. Pediatric Concepts and Interventions. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course provides knowledge and skills needed for working with children from birth through adolescence. Topics include review of normal growth and development, habituation of healthy habits/routines, the role of occupational therapy with caregivers/providers, understanding of common conditions and developmental delays; and the role of occupation in assessment, intervention planning and implementation with pediatric populations. Upon completion, students should be able to plan, implement, and modify appropriate interventions with children in their context and environment to promote engagement in occupation.

OTA 161. Fieldwork I-Placement 1. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-3.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.

OTA 161AB. Fieldwork I-Placement 1. 0.5 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-1.5. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.

OTA 161BB. Fieldwork I-Placement 1. 0.5 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-1.5. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.

OTA 162. Fieldwork I-Placement 2. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-3.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.

OTA 163. Fieldwork I-Placement 3. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-3.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.

OTA 170. Physical Conditions. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills needed for working with individuals experiencing various medical conditions to help them achieve participation in life through engagement in occupation. Topics include medical terminology, common conditions, body functions that change with disease processes, applicable theories and principles, assessment and intervention priorities for commonly treated conditions. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize common symptoms, prioritize mental, neuromusculoskeletal and movement related functional problems, while providing for patient safety within the patient's context and environment.

OTA 180. Psychosocial Conditions. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills needed for working with individuals experiencing various psychosocial conditions to help them achieve participation in life through engagement in occupation. Topics include mental health conditions, applicable theories and principles, symptoms of dysfunction, assessment and treatment of individuals, planning and facilitating therapeutic groups, client safety, therapeutic use of self, and psychosocial aspects of practice. Upon completion, students should be able to effectively plan and conduct individual and group interventions for client conditions related to psychosocial dysfunction while recognizing contexts and environments that may also impact occupational performance.

OTA 220. OT Media II. 3.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0

This course provides training in appropriate and accurate assessment and intervention skills related to orthotics, prosthetics, assistive devices, assistive technology, client mobility, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues. Topics include ergonomics seating and positioning, community mobility, use of physical agent modalities, and technology in occupational therapy intervention. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competency fabricating and utilizing orthotic and assistive devices, understanding ADA guidelines, and using technology for engagement in occupation.

OTA 240. Professional Skills II. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course covers professional development, supervisory relationships, involvement in the profession, and clinic management skills. Topics include clarification of roles and responsibilities, detailed examination of the supervisory process, participation in professional organizations, and the mechanics of assisting in clinic operations. Upon completion, students should be able to work effectively with a supervisor, plan and implement a professional activity, and perform routine clinic management tasks.

OTA 250. Adult Concepts and Interventions. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0

This course provides knowledge and skills needed for working with adults through the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on identification and discussion of common changes associated with aging, disabilities and chronic diseases affecting this population, assessments and intervention, including developing healthy habits and routines, and the impact on participation in occupation in various settings. Upon completion, students should be able to plan, implement, and modify appropriate interventions with adults in their context and environment to promote engagement in occupations.

OTA 260. Level II Fieldwork Placement 1. 6.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-18.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides clinical experience under the direct supervision of experienced occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistant practitioners working in various practice settings. Emphasis is placed on final clinical preparation for entry-level practice in the profession. Upon completion, students should be able to meet all critical competencies for entry-level practice established by the curriculum, AOTA guidelines, and regulatory bodies.

OTA 261. Level II Fieldwork Placement 2. 6.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-18.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0

This course provides the final clinical experience under the direct supervision of experienced occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistant practitioners working in various practice settings. Emphasis is placed on final clinical preparation for entry-level practice in the profession. Upon completion, students should be able to meet all critical competencies for entry-level practice established by the curriculum, AOTA guidelines, and regulatory bodies.

OTA 280. Professional Transitions. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0

This course provides closure to the educational program in conjunction with clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on portfolio development and presentation, program evaluation, analysis and synthesis of clinical experiences, and final preparation for the certification examination. Upon completion, students should be able to enter the occupational therapy (OT) workforce with an understanding of themselves as OT professionals, and with supportive documentation demonstrating progress toward meeting competencies set forth by the profession and regulatory bodies.