OTA 1100 Foundations of Human Occupation with Lab — 2 credits

This course introduces the foundational theories, practice framework, and values of occupational therapy practice. Occupational participation is examined across the life span and from wellness to disability. Students learn activity analysis, use of adapted technologies, and safe positioning and transfer techniques. Critical thinking is emphasized.
Prerequisite: Admission to OTA.
Corequisite: OTA 1120.

OTA 1120 Role of the OTA with Lab — 2 credits

This course introduces the history and philosophy of the occupational therapy practice. It examines the theory of occupational performance and its relationship to basic need satisfaction, the elements of the OT process, documentation, the occupational therapy frames of reference and the ethics and core values of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy assistant roles and responsibilities are emphasized including supervisory relationships with the occupational therapist.
Prerequisite: Admission to OTA.
Corequisite: OTA 1100.

OTA 1140 Psychosocial Approaches I with Lab — 2 credits

This course examines concepts, theories, and models influencing occupational therapy practice for individuals with mental health problems. Mental health conditions are discussed including signs, symptoms, risk factors, and medical management. Emphasis is on the social and environmental determinants of mental health across the lifespan. Approaches to maintaining good mental health are introduced.
Prerequisites: OTA 1100, OTA 1120.
Corequisite: OTA 1150.

OTA 1150 Professional Growth and Engagement with Lab — 2 credits

This course addresses professionalism, self-awareness, professional behaviors, interprofessional practice, team skills, communication, and leadership. Service learning is integrated into the course where experiences are linked to information learned in course content.
Prerequisites: OTA 1100, OTA 1120.
Corequisite: OTA 1140.

OTA 1280 Level I Fieldwork — 1 credit

This course provides students with initial exposure to clinical settings in the community. An emphasis is placed on professional behaviors, teamwork, group facilitation, therapeutic use of self, and application of content learned in previous and current courses.
Prerequisites: OTA 1100, OTA 1120, OTA 1140, OTA 1150.

OTA 1290 Level I Fieldwork — 1 credit

This course provides students with initial exposure to clinical settings in the community. An emphasis is placed on professional behaviors, teamwork, group facilitation, therapeutic use of self, and application of content learned in previous and current courses.
Prerequisite: OTA 1280.

OTA 2240 Psychosocial Approaches II with Lab — 2 credits

Students will know and demonstrate the basic skills needed for entry level OTA practice in multiple psychosocial settings, across the age span, and mental health continuum, using assessment tools and intervention strategies.
Prerequisites: OTA 1140, OTA 1150.
Corequisites: OTA 1280, OTA 2250.

OTA 2250 Rehabilitation Practice I with Lab — 2 credits

This course focuses on intervention for performance skill issues due to client factors associated with impaired motor and process skills issues such as mental functioning, sensory processing, and musculoskeletal functions. Major topic areas include: current intervention theories and the role of the OTA in the areas of planning, implementation of intervention strategies, and program discontinuation for musculoskeletal and systematic disorders. Emphasis is on use of meaningful occupation and understanding of individual performance contexts and patterns. Lessons are highly integrated with lab sessions.
Prerequisites: OTA 1140, OTA 1150.
Corequisites: OTA 1280, OTA 2240.

OTA 2265 Rehabilitation Practice II — 2 credits

This course focuses on intervention for performance skill issues due to client factors associated with impaired motor and process skills issues such as mental functioning, sensory processing, and musculoskeletal functions. Major topic areas include: current treatment theories and the role of the OTA in the areas of planning, implementation of treatment programs, and program discontinuation for neurological disorders. Emphasis is on use of meaningful occupation and understanding of individual performance contexts and patterns. Lessons are highly integrated with lab sessions.
Prerequisites: OTA 1280, OTA 2240, OTA 2250.
Corequisite: OTA 2275.

OTA 2275 Pediatric Practice I — 2 credits

This course introduces the occupational therapy assistant student to developmental theories and principles. Students will learn how to assess child and adolescent development to describe pediatric interventions for identified areas of occupation as well as motor and/or process challenges. This foundation of pediatric practice will prepare the student for identifying areas in which occupational therapy influences children’s access to daily activities. At the completion of this course students will be able to advocate for occupational therapy services within pediatric and adolescent populations.
Prerequisites: OTA 1280, OTA 2240, OTA 2250.
Corequisite: OTA 2265.

OTA 2355 Level II Fieldwork — 6 credits

This course is designed to give students the opportunity for practical application of content in a variety of practice areas. Students are assigned to appropriate settings in the community under the supervision of an approved occupational therapy fieldwork educator for eight weeks per Accreditation Counsel for Occupational Education (ACOTE). Level II Fieldwork provides students the opportunity to transmit the values and beliefs of occupational therapy into ethical practice and to develop professionalism and competence as ongoing career responsibilities. Students will apply the elements of the occupational therapy process including assessment, treatment intervention, discharge planning, and documentation with clients. Students will demonstrate knowledge and integration of psychosocial factors that influence engagement in occupation in all settings. In addition, students will continue to develop and apply skills in group dynamics, leadership, inter- and intra-professional interactions and activity analysis. Students will be evaluated using the American Occupational Therapy Association Performance Evaluation per ACOTE guidelines.

OTA 2365 Level II Fieldwork — 6 credits

This course is designed to give students the opportunity for practical application of content in a variety of practice areas. Students are assigned to appropriate settings in the community under the supervision of an approved occupational therapy fieldwork educator for eight weeks per Accreditation Counsel for Occupational Education (ACOTE). Level II Fieldwork provides students the opportunity to transmit the values and beliefs of occupational therapy into ethical practice and to develop professionalism and competence as ongoing career responsibilities. Students will apply the elements of the occupational therapy process including assessment, treatment intervention, discharge planning, and documentation with clients. Students will demonstrate knowledge and integration of psychosocial factors that influence engagement in occupation in all settings. In addition, students will continue to develop and apply skills in group dynamics, leadership, inter- and intra-professional interactions and activity analysis. Students will be evaluated using the American Occupational Therapy Association Performance Evaluation per ACOTE guidelines.

OTA 2370 Pediatric Practice II with Lab — 2 credits

In this course students will learn to apply the OT process with special consideration for the pediatric and adolescent population. Students will appraise pediatric conditions and development (applying knowledge from the Pediatric Practice I course) in order to design interventions unique and specific to children and adolescents. Intervention techniques and strategies addressing physical and psychosocial pediatric needs will be explored to promote inclusion of children in their daily occupations and contexts. As a familiar context for many childhood occupations, occupational therapy services with the school setting will be discussed. By the conclusion of this course students will demonstrate an understanding of documentation standards to communicate the value of occupational therapy services to meet the needs of pediatric clients.
Prerequisites: OTA 2260, OTA 2270.
Corequisites: OTA 1290, OTA 2380.

OTA 2380 Aging with Lab — 2 credits

This course explores the role of the occupational therapy assistant in working with the aging population. Major topic areas include the process of aging, treatment techniques for working with the elderly, guidelines for supervision and management of activities/recreation programs, dementia, caregiving, and death and dying.
Prerequisites: OTA 2260, OTA 2270.
Corequisites: OTA 1290, OTA 2370.

OTA 2390 Primary Care and OT with Lab — 2 credits

This course addresses emerging practice areas for occupational therapy on interprofessional teams. The primary care needs of individuals and communities across the lifespan are emphasized. The service delivery model is community-based practice addressing prevention and risk-reduction for chronic conditions. The distinct role of the OTA on primary healthcare teams is related to understanding roles, habits, and routines to health and wellness and how to influence positive changes.
Prerequisites: OTA 1290, OTA 2370, OTA 2380.
Corequisite: OTA 2420.

OTA 2420 Applied Skills with Lab — 2 credits

This course enhances the student’s skills and critical thinking throughout the occupational therapy process with clients across the age span and disability continuum in multiple service delivery modes. Case studies are used to organize the learning and prepare students for professional OTA practice.
Prerequisites: OTA 1290, OTA 2370, OTA 2380.
Corequisite: OTA 2390.

OTA 2951 Independent Study — 1 credit