Doctor of Occupational Therapy Courses
OTD 6000. Foundations in Occupational Therapy (3). Students critically analyze the historical foundation, philosophical assumptions, core concepts, theories, models and frames of reference that have shaped the profession of occupational therapy. Current trends and emerging practice areas are introduced. Inter-professional education and the OT/OTA collaborative process are discussed. Disability Studies and its relation to occupational therapy practice will be explored.
OTD 6010. Occupational Behaviors (2). 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 importance of achieving health, well-being, and participation in life through engagement in occupation.
OTD 6011. Occupational Behaviors Lab (1). Through task analysis, students explore a variety of occupations and tasks to understand the complexity of occupational performance. Students will determine activity demands and begin to formulate modifications to support client participation. The terminology of the profession is reinforced and applied. This is a companion course to OTD 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 the AOTA Code of Ethics and Ethics Standards as a guide for ethical decision making in professional interactions, client interventions, and employment settings.
OTD 6025. Psychosocial Dynamics in Mental Health Promotion, Prevention and Intervention (2). Psychosocial factors that influence occupational performance are examined. Group processes and strategies to facilitate group dynamics are discussed. Interpersonal communication skills and therapeutic use of self with individuals, groups, and populations are discussed and practiced. Interviewing skills are demonstrated and practiced. Psychosocial factors that impact mental health and wellness are explored.
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 (2). 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. Introduction to Scholarship (3). Students develop critical reasoning skills and develop an attitude of inquiry pursuant to optimal scholarly endeavors. Students conduct a literature search to examine practice needs and identify evidence related to the occupational therapy profession. Ways that occupational therapy scholarship can be grounded in practice are examined by including an introduction to needs assessment, the scholarship of practice, and evidence-based practice. Collaborative alliances in which practitioners and scholars work together as partners to advance both knowledge and practice are explored through service.
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 6105. Occupational Performance for Psychosocial Interventions (3). This course addresses theories, standards of practice and evidence as they apply to occupational therapy and its role in mental health promotion, prevention and intervention. Students discuss the context of practice and study the lived experience of mental illness and recovery. This course will offer laboratory and clinical experiences that will introduce the student to the roles and functions of the occupational therapy practitioner in this area of practice.
OTD 6110. Occupational Performance I (3). Students begin developing clinical excellence through the use of intervention approaches (health promotion, remediation, maintenance, compensation and prevention) to direct the process of evaluation and intervention planning, selection, and implementation on the basis of the adult client's desired outcomes, evaluation data and evidence. These approaches inform the selection of practice models, frames of reference and/or treatment theories.
OTD 6111. Occupational Performance I Lab (1). This course provides an introduction to and practice in using assessment tools and intervention strategies used in analyzing and evaluating occupational performance in adults. Active learning experiences will be used to examine and demonstrate strategies to enhance performance. 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 begins to develop the critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills needed to apply evidence-based interventions to the adult population. Documentation associated with various service delivery models specific to this population is introduced. This is a companion course to OTD 6110 and OTD 6111.
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. Level I Fieldwork and Seminar Experience 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 practice with individuals with psychosocial challenges. This practicum allows the student to observe a practitioner applying his/her expertise and affords the student the opportunity to participate in a dialogue about this process. This fieldwork experience includes a weekly fieldwork seminar that emphasizes clinical reasoning and documentation through classroom analysis of observations, with an emphasis on psychological and social factors that influence engagement in occupation and that strengthens ties between didactic learning and clinical practice.
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 6290. Independent Study in Occupational Therapy (1-3). Independent study in occupational therapy.
OTD 6300. Cultural Awareness in Human Development II (2). 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 III (3). Students continue the development of clinical excellence through the use of intervention approaches (health promotion, remediation, maintenance, compensation and prevention) to direct the process of evaluation and intervention planning, selection, and implementation on the basis of the desired outcomes for the infant, child or adolescent, the evaluation data and evidence. These approaches inform the selection of practice models, frames of reference and/or treatment theories.
OTD 6311. Occupational Performance III 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 enhance performance. This is a companion course to OTD 6310.
OTD 6320. Clinical Studies III (2). The student synthesizes and integrates knowledge from concurrent coursework through the use of case studies and scholarly inquiry. The student begins to develop the critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills needed to apply evidence-based interventions to the pediatric population. Documentation associated with various service delivery models specific to this population is introduced. This is a companion course to OTD 6310 and OTD 6311.
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 (2). 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. Students will conduct a presentation that relates learning theory to practice and demonstrates synthesis of knowledge in an advanced practice area.
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 a research study that evaluates professional practice, service delivery, and /or a professional issue. The research proposal is finalized and approved. The IRB application is submitted and approved, if needed, by the University's Institutional Review Board (IRB).
OTD 6360. Level I Fieldwork and Seminar III (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 and emerging practice settings associated with individuals from birth to adolescence. This practicum allows the student to observe clients or potential clients in either traditional or non-traditional settings. 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 II (3). This course is a continuation of OTD 6110. Students continue their development of clinical excellence through the use of intervention approaches (health promotion, remediation, maintenance, compensation and prevention) to direct the process of evaluation and intervention planning, selection, and implementation on the basis of the adult client's desired outcomes, evaluation data and evidence. These approaches inform the selection of practice models, frames of reference and/or treatment theories.
OTD 6411. Occupational Performance II Lab (1). This course is a continuation of OTD 6111. It provides additional practice in using assessment tools and intervention strategies used in analyzing and evaluating occupational performance in adults. Active learning experiences will be used to examine and demonstrate strategies to enhance performance. This is a companion course to OTD 6410.
OTD 6420. Clinical Studies II (2). The student continues to synthesize and integrate knowledge from concurrent coursework through the use of case studies and scholarly inquiry. The student continues to develop the critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills needed to apply evidence-based interventions to the adult population. Documentation associated with various service delivery models specific to this population is continued. This is a companion course to OTD 6410 and OTD 6411.
OTD 6430. Interventions in Cognition and Perceptual Disorders (2). This course examines the visual, cognitive and perceptual disorders associated with developmental or acquired disabilities. This course integrates knowledge of the overall cognitive and perceptual skills, applies this knowledge to clinical simulations, and develops the student's ability to problem solve in determining the injuries and deficits that may occur as a result of developmental or acquired conditions. Students will also learn strategies used with perceptual and cognitively impaired populations in determining the effect of the impairment on the components of human performance.
OTD 6431. Interventions in Cognition and Perceptual Disorders Lab (1). This course entails practice using assessment tools and methodologies used in analyzing and evaluating visual, cognitive and/or perceptual deficits of all client populations. Active learning experiences will be used to examine and demonstrate strategies to address performance deficits. This is a companion course to OTD 6430.
OTD 6440. Experiential Project Planning Seminar I (1). With the assistance of a faculty advisor, the student begins to design an experiential project that requires the use of advanced OT knowledge and skills.
OTD 6445. Experiential Project Planning II (2). With the assistance of a faculty advisor, the student completes the design of an experiential project that requires the use of advanced OT knowledge and skills. Completion of Experiential Project Planning I must be successfully completed before enrolling in this course.
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. Level I Fieldwork and Seminar II (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. 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 acute care, long term care centers, assisted living facilities, community agencies for seniors, and rehabilitation facilities. This fieldwork experience includes a weekly fieldwork seminar that will emphasize clinical reasoning through classroom analysis of observations that help strengthen ties between didactic and clinical practice.
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.
OTD 6680. Experiential Component (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 an expert mentor, will engage in an experience that meets his/her individualized objectives. Duration of the experiential component is a minimum of 16 weeks or 640 hours.