Doctor of Occupational Therapy Courses
OTD 6000. Foundations in Occupational Therapy (3). Students critically analyze the historical foundation, philosophical assumptions, ethical issues, core concepts, theories, models and frames of reference that have shaped the profession of occupational therapy. Models of occupational performance and theories of occupation guide and inform evaluation and intervention in various types of clients and culturally relevant practice contexts across the continuum of need from individual to populations. Students gain skills in articulating the importance of research, and engaging in scholarly activities and the continued development of a body of knowledge relevant to the profession of OT. Students develop skills in interpersonal communication and group process.
OTD 6010. Occupational Behaviors (3). Students explore the value of occupation to support individual participation. The meaning, components, and dynamics of occupation are discussed. Students are introduced to the therapeutic use of occupation-based and purposeful activities, and preparatory methods. Students explore the concept of maintaining balance between work, rest and maintenance activities, and play / leisure pursuits in maintaining health and wellness.
OTD 6011. Occupational Behaviors Lab (1). Through task analysis, students determine activity demands and begin to formulate modifications which promote maximal client participation. Professional terminology and communication including group processes are reinforced and applied. This is a companion course with 6010.
OTD 6020. Ethical Decision Making (2). Students explore how current societal values are reflected in legal and ethical policies affecting both the public and the private sectors. Students will examine how to analyze issues and make decisions to resolve personal and organizational ethical conflicts utilizing AOTA ethics, Core Values and Attitudes of OT Practice, and AOTA Standards of Practice and use them as a guide for ethical decision making in professional interactions, client interventions, and employment settings.
OTD 6030. Kinesiology/Anatomy: Assessing Human Performance (3). Students analyze human structure and function as it relates to engagement in occupations within different contexts. The anatomical foundation of the skeletal and muscle systems, mechanics and principles of human motion, analysis and application are emphasized.
OTD 6031. Kinesiology/Anatomy: Assessing Human Performance –Lab (1). Through laboratory experiences, students learn various assessments that can be used to identify movement patterns that can affect human function across the lifespan. This is a companion course with 6030.
OTD 6040. Clinical Pathophysiology (3). Students identify the role of occupation in the promotion of health and prevention of disease and disability. Conditions that may require occupational therapy intervention are presented by exploring client factors (body structure and function) that impact participation in areas of occupation. The etiologies, signs, symptoms, laboratory findings, diagnosis, prognosis, course of the condition, and the influence on daily life as well as the evidence-based medical treatment are discussed.
OTD 6050. Critical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Practice (2). Students develop critical reasoning skills, learn to identify assumptions, and develop an attitude of inquiry pursuant to optimal scholarly endeavors. Enhancement and development of logical thinking, critical analysis, problem solving and creativity, reasoning proficiency, argument analysis, and professional writing skills are introduced. The students develop and apply skills in the areas of locating, understanding, and critiquing information in the practice of OT. The students apply literature searches and inquiry skills to evaluate the quality of research relevant to a variety of populations across the life span.
OTD 6100. Cultural Awareness in Human Development I (3). Students study the physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological development of adults in the context of sociocultural and socioeconomic factors. Emphasis is placed on diversity and quality of life as they relate to lifestyle choices and meaningful occupations.
OTD 6110. Occupational Performance for Adult Population (3). Students develop skills required for implementing an evidence-based occupational therapy process to selected adult populations. Students will initiate this process by analyzing frames of references and then determine the most appropriate for the selected condition. Students then select and develop competent skills in the use of evaluation tools to develop the occupational profile and analysis of occupational performance. This information is then synthesized into an intervention plan where students analyze and select intervention approaches and outcome measures relevant to the condition. Emphasis will be placed on professional communication and documentation requirements specific to these conditions.
OTD 6111. Occupational Performance for Adult Population Lab (1). This course is an introduction and practice using evaluation tools and methodologies used in analyzing and evaluating occupational performance deficits of adults. Active learning experiences will be used to examine and demonstrate strategies to remediate performance deficits. This is a companion course to OTD 6110.
OTD 6120. Clinical Studies I (2). The student synthesizes and integrates knowledge from concurrent coursework through the use of case studies and scholarly inquiry. The student develops their critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills to develop an intervention plan to address health and wellness of individuals in adulthood. Remediation of performance deficits will be examined based on best practice and evidence-based practice. This is a companion course to OTD 6110.
OTD 6130. Technology and Environmental Interventions I (2). Students explore technological advancements for health and wellness of populations and individuals with and without disabilities. Students discover how the non-human environment impacts occupational performance of the adult and aging populations. Students develop the ability to provide evaluation, intervention, and apply evidence-based practice, resource coordination, and advocacy for clients who utilize technology and environmental interventions (TEI).
OTD 6131. Technology and Environmental Interventions I Lab (1). Students develop the ability to provide evaluation, intervention, and apply evidence-based practice, and resource coordination and advocacy for clients who utilize TEI. Students develop the ability to evaluate, design, fabricate, and instruct in the use of technology and environmental interventions such as ADL; IADL; EADL; and MRADL devices relevant for adult and aging populations. This is a companion course to OTD 6130.
OTD 6140. Neuroscience: Assessing Human Performance (2). Students examine the central, autonomic and peripheral nervous system from an anatomical and physiological perspective as it relates to client factors (body structure and function).
OTD 6141. Neuroscience: Assessing Human Performance Lab (1). Through laboratory experiences, students will learn various evaluation techniques that can be used to identify physical and sensorimotor components as well as the affective components that can impact engagement in occupation. This is a companion course to 6140.
OTD 6150. Quantitative Research Processes (2). Students explore research in occupational therapy and related fields and develop the students’ quantitative research skills as applied to the OT profession. Special attention is directed to the ability to recognize and interpret statistical procedures in articles from current literature. Students learn how to perform analysis to interpret tests, measurements, and other data.
OTD 6160. Adulthood Population Fieldwork and Seminar – Level I (2). Students participate in directed observation and participation at clinical fieldwork sites, enabling the student to gain professional behaviors as well as be exposed to occupational therapy practice with individuals with biopsychosocial problems. This practicum allows the student to observe a practitioner applying his/her clinical expertise and affords the student the opportunity to participate in a dialogue about this process. This fieldwork experience includes a weekly fieldwork seminar that emphasize clinical reasoning and documentation through classroom analysis of observations that help strengthen ties between didactic and clinical practice to include physical agent modalities.
OTD 6250. Qualitative Research Processes (2). Students examine the principles and processes associated with qualitative research designs, sampling, data management, analysis, and report writing. The relationship between quantitative and qualitative research and the use of multiple methods in research settings is explored. Ethical issues related to face to face work with research participants is discussed. Examples of research and evaluation studies using qualitative methods in occupational therapy are examined.
OTD 6210. Managing OT Delivery Systems (2). Students develop awareness of financial management, human resource management, staff development, quality assurance, program management and evaluation. The student identifies and adapts existing models or develops new service provision models to respond to policy, regulatory agencies, and reimbursement, and compliance standards; role delineation, and professional autonomy.OTD 6220. Leadership and Public Policy (2). Students analyze leadership theories and models and develop awareness for application in the professional, community and healthcare systems. Current policy issues and the social, economic, political, geographic, and demographic factors to promote policy development and the provision of OT are explored. Students investigate federal and state legislative and regulation and their implications and effects on OT practice and policy. The role of professional involvement in international, national, state, and local OT associations and related professional associations are emphasized.
OTD 6300. Cultural Awareness in Human Development II (3). Students study the physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological development of children in the context of sociocultural and socioeconomic factors. Emphasis is placed on diversity and quality of life as they relate to lifestyle choices and meaningful occupations.
OTD 6310. Occupational Performance for Infant through Adolescent Populations (3). Students develop skills required for implementing an evidence-based occupational therapy process to selected infant to adolescent populations. Students will initiate this process by analyzing frames of references and then determine the most appropriate for the selected condition. Students then select and develop competent skills in the use of evaluation tools to develop the occupational profile and analysis of occupational performance. This information is then synthesized into an intervention plan where students analyze and select intervention approaches and outcome measures relevant to the condition. Emphasis will be placed on professional communication and documentation requirements specific to these conditions.
OTD 6311. Occupational Performance for Infant through Adolescent Populations Lab (1). This course is an introduction and practice using evaluation tools and methodologies used in analyzing and evaluating occupational performance deficits of infants through adolescents. Active learning experiences will be used to examine and demonstrate strategies to remediate performance deficits. This is a companion course to OTD 6310.
OTD 6320. Clinical Studies II (2). The student synthesizes and integrates knowledge from concurrent coursework through the use of case studies and scholarly inquiry. The student expands their critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills to develop an intervention plan to remediate occupational performance deficits of individuals from birth to adolescence. Remediation of performance deficits will be examined based on best practice and evidence-based practice. This is a companion course to OTD 6310.
OTD 6330. Technology and Environmental Interventions II (2). Students explore technological advancements for health and wellness of populations and individuals with and without disabilities. Students discover how the non-human environment impacts occupational performance of the infant through adolescent populations.
OTD 6331. Technology and Environmental Interventions II (1). Students develop the ability to provide evaluation, intervention, and apply evidence-based practice, and resource coordination and advocacy for clients who utilize TEI. Students develop the ability to evaluate, design, fabricate, and instruct in the use of technology and environmental interventions such as ADL; IADL; EADL; and MRADL devices relevant for infant through adolescent populations. This is a companion course to OTD 6330.
OTD 6340. Educational Strategies in Occupational Therapy (3). Students engage in the educational process to design learning experiences as it relates to OT to address the needs of the clients, caregivers, communities, colleagues, other health providers, and the public. A culminating project that relates learning theory to practice and demonstrates synthesis of advanced knowledge in a practice area will be presented to a designated audience.
OTD 6350. OT Research I (2). Students demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and synthesize professional literature that affects practice and the provision of occupational therapy services. The students design for implementation a research study that evaluates clinical practice, service delivery, and /or a professional issue. The outcome of this course is the completion of an acceptable research proposal that can be submitted to the University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review. OTD 6360. Infant through Adolescent Populations Fieldwork and Seminar – Level I (2). Students have directed observation and participation at clinical fieldwork sites, enabling the student to gain professional behaviors as well as be exposed to occupational therapy practice associated with individuals from birth to adolescence. This practicum allows the student to observe a practitioner applying his/her clinical expertise and affords the student the opportunity to participate in a dialogue about this process. This fieldwork experience includes a weekly fieldwork seminar that will emphasize clinical reasoning and documentation through classroom analysis of observations that help strengthen ties between didactic and clinical practice.OTD 6400. Cultural Awareness in Human Development III (3). Students study the physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological development of older adults in the context of sociocultural and socioeconomic factors. Emphasis is placed on diversity and quality of life as they relate to lifestyle choices and meaningful occupations.
OTD 6410. Occupational Performance for Aging Population (2). Students focus on developing clinical excellence in screening, evaluation, referral, diagnosis, intervention, discharge planning, and documentation processes that pertain to health promotion, remediation, maintenance, compensation, and prevention in occupational therapy practice for elderly clients and aging populations. This course will offer clinical and laboratory experiences that will introduce the student to the roles and functions of the occupational therapy practitioner in this area of practice.
OTD 6411. Occupational Performance for Aging Population Lab (1). This course is an introduction and practice using evaluation tools and methodologies used in analyzing and evaluating occupational performance deficits of older adults. Active learning experiences will be used to examine and demonstrate strategies to remediate performance deficits. This is a companion course to OTD 6410.
OTD 6420. Clinical Studies III (2). The student synthesizes and integrates knowledge from concurrent coursework through the use of case studies and scholarly inquiry. The student expands their critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills to develop an intervention plan to remediate occupational performance deficits of individuals in older adulthood. Remediation of performance deficits will be examined based on best practice and evidence-based practice. This is a companion course to OTD 6410.OTD 6430. Interventions in Cognition and Perceptual Disorders (2). Students examine visual, cognitive, and perceptual development and disabilities across the lifespan. The emphasis is on occupational therapy evaluation, intervention, and outcomes. OTD 6431. Interventions in Cognition and Perceptual Disorders (1). Students develop clinical skills necessary for performing evaluations and interventions related to cognitive and perceptual deficits. This is a companion course to OTD 6430.
OTD 6440. Culminating Project Seminar (1). The student designs a culminating project that demonstrates advanced OT knowledge and skills of an area of personal and professional interest. The student collaborates with an assigned mentor to develop individualized objectives necessary to implement the residency in advanced practice.
OTD 6450. Research II (2). Students implement and complete their individual or small group research studies which were developed in OTD 6350. The findings of the study are presented professionally in an oral and written format suitable for journal publication.
OTD 6460. Aging Population Fieldwork and Seminar – Level I (2). Students have directed observation and participation at clinical fieldwork sites, enabling the student to gain professional behaviors as well as be exposed to occupational therapy practice associated with gerontology and the aging process. This practicum allows the student to observe a practitioner applying his/her clinical expertise and affords the student the opportunity to participate in a dialogue about this process. Settings may include, but are not limited to long term care units, assistive living facilities, community agencies for seniors, and rehabilitation facilities. This fieldwork experience includes a weekly fieldwork seminar that will emphasize clinical reasoning and documentation through classroom analysis of observations that help strengthen ties between didactic and clinical practice.
OTD 6470. Competency Testing (1). Each student must successfully pass a competency test prior to the final residency. The competency testing covers all coursework throughout the curriculum. Testing may include written and/ or oral comprehensive questions.OTD 6480. Fieldwork level II (9). Students participate in clinical experience designed to integrate and apply an academically acquired body of knowledge. Emphasis is on the development of clinical reasoning; the transmission of the values, beliefs and ethical commitments of occupational therapy; communication of professional behaviors; development and expansion of a repertoire of occupational therapy assessment and intervention methodologies.
OTD 6580. Fieldwork level II (9). The student’s successful completion of OTD 6480 and OTD 6580 will demonstrate competence in direct care congruent with the standards of entry level, generalist OT practice of the profession of occupational therapy.
Each student must select one of the following 4 Theme Elective Courses to be done in conjunction with residency.
OTD 6600. Community- Based Practice and Faith-Based Advocacy (elective) (2). The student identifies OT’s role in Community-Based Practice and Faith-Based Advocacy to expand advance practice knowledge and skills in a pr-selected area for the advancement of the OT profession. The student works in conjunction with experts, external agencies and other professional resources in this designated area.
OTD 6610. Entrepreneurial Leadership (elective) (2). The student identifies OT’s role in Entrepreneurial Leadership to expand advance practice knowledge and skills in a pr-selected area for the advancement of the OT profession. The student works in conjunction with experts, external agencies and other professional resources in this designated area.
OTD 6620 Clinical Excellence (elective) (2). The student identifies OT’s role in Clinical Excellence to expand advance practice knowledge and skills in a pr-selected area for the advancement of the OT profession. The student works in conjunction with experts, external agencies and other professional resources in this designated area.
OTD 6630 Technological Advances (elective) (2). The student identifies OT’s role in Technological Advances to expand advance practice knowledge and skills in a pr-selected area for the advancement of the OT profession. The student works in conjunction with experts, external agencies and other professional resources in this designated area.
OTD 6680. Residency (10). This doctoral-level experiential component is designed to develop advanced skills in one or more of the following: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, or theory development. The student, under the supervision of a mentor with expertise in an advanced practice area, will develop individualized objectives and evaluation methods for a culminating project. Duration of the residency is a minimum of 16 weeks or 640 hours.