Occupational Therapy Courses (OTW)

OTW 5000. Physiology and Clinical Pathophysiology (3). This course involves the study of human physiological system. contemporary issues related to wellness as well as clinical conditions commonly requiring occupational therapy intervention are presented. The content will focus on the physical, sexual, intellectual, emotional, cultural, psychological, spiritual, occupational and recreational aspects of wellness. Diseases are approached by organ system, with a review of the anatomy & physiology involved, epidemiology of each disease, pathologic and clinical manifestations. Clinical cases are used to promote the application of information relative to human performance.

OTW 5010. Neuroscience in Occupational Therapy (3). The focus of this course involves a study of the development, structure and function of the human nervous system. This course examines the central, autonomic and peripheral nervous system from an anatomical and physiological perspective as it relates to human performance.

OTW 5011. Neuroscience in Occupational Therapy Lab (1). This laboratory course examines the central, autonomic and peripheral nervous system from an anatomical and physiological perspective as it relates to human performance.

OTW 5020. Critical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy (3). Critical reasoning processes, identification of assumptions, and development of an attitude of inquiry pursuant to optimal intellectual functioning are studied. Enhancement and development of reasoning proficiency argument analysis and professional writing skills are introduced. This course also introduces strategies for conducting literature review searches. Specific skills for engaging in on-line instruction are also covered.

OTW 5030. Kinesiology in Occupational Therapy (3). This course involves the study of the anatomical, structural and functional properties of human connective, muscular, and nervous tissues, as well as skeletal structures. Emphasis is on the mechanics and principles of human notion, analysis and application that influence normal and pathological form and function affecting human performance.

OTW 5031. Kinesiology in Occupational Therapy Lab (1). This laboratory course involves active experiences to study of the anatomical, structural and functional properties of human connective, muscular, and nervous tissues, as well as skeletal structures.

OTW 5040. Foundations of Occupational Therapy (2). Study of the profession of Occupational Therapy including history, philosophies, roles and functions, standards of practice, professional behaviors, terminology, and occupational therapy process solving model. Students will analyze the philosophical assumptions, theories, models and frames of reference that have shaped the profession of occupational therapy. Students will explore the concept of occupation from a developmental continuum point of view.

OTW 5050. Developmental Influences on Living (2). This course extends prerequisite knowledge of human development and introduces students to occupational development and the impact of culture and environmental demands and bio-psychosocial changes encountered throughout the developmental process on participation in occupations. The course covers typical and atypical occupational development.

OTW 5100. Psychosocial Theory, assessment and Intervention (4). This course involves the study of psychiatric diagnoses, and relevant Assessment & Intervention psychopharmacology, commonly requiring occupational therapy intervention. Relevant theories, models and frames of reference associated with psychosocial practice are discussed and applied. Appropriate interpersonal skills and group dynamic principles are applied to the assessment, treatment planning, intervention, documentation, and discharge planning processes associated with psychosocial practice.

OTW 5130. Research Methods (3). This course will present the principles and processes involved in developing and conducting a research project. Qualitative and quantitative approaches will be reviewed and analyzed relative to their strengths, limitations, and practical uses.

OTW 5140. Psychosocial Level I Fieldwork and Seminar (2). Students are placed in community practice settings where they can begin to apply the occupational therapy concepts and intervention skills relevant to psychosocial practice under supervision. Students participate in on-line discussions with faculty and each other to compare and contrast their various learning experiences.

OTW 5150. Occupational Performance I (4). The ability to perceive, plan and engage in roles, routines, and tasks for the purpose of self-maintenance, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation will be explored. Factors that influence occupational performance including performance skills, performance patterns, context or contexts, activity demands, and client factors will be examined. Remediation of performance deficits will be examined based on best practice and evidence-based practice. Focus will be placed on conditions interfering with occupational functioning of children from birth to young adult.

OTW 5151. Occupational Performance I Lab (1). This course provides an introduction and practice using evaluation tools and methodologies used in analyzing and evaluating occupational performance deficits of children. Active learning experiences will be used to examine and demonstrate strategies to remediate performance deficits. This is a companion course to OTW 5150.

OTW 5152. Clinical Studies I (1). Through the use of case studies and discussions, this course requires critical and clinical thinking to develop an intervention plan to remediate occupational performance deficits of individuals from birth to young adult. Remediation of performance deficits will be examined based on best practice and evidence-based practice. This is a companion course to OTW 5150.

OTW 5153. Level I Fieldwork I (1). Students are placed in practice settings where they can begin to apply, with supervision, the occupational therapy concepts and intervention skills relevant to practice with individuals from birth through young adults.

OTW 5154. Seminar I (1). Students participate in on-line discussions with faculty and each other to compare and contrast their various learning experiences.

OTW 5160. Occupational Performance II (4). The ability to perceive, plan and engage in roles, routines, and tasks for the purpose of self-maintenance, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation will be explored. Factors that influence occupational performance including performance skills, performance patterns, context or contexts, activity demands, and client factors will be examined. Remediation of performance deficits will be examined based on best practice and evidence-based practice. Focus will be placed on conditions interfering with occupational functioning of adults.

OTW 5161. Occupational Performance II 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 OTW 5160.

OTW 5162. Clinical Studies II (1) Through the use of case studies and discussions, this course requires critical and clinical thinking to develop an intervention plan to remediate occupational performance deficits of young to middle aged adults. Remediation of performance deficits will be examined based on best practice and evidence-based practice. This is a companion course to OTW 5160.

OTW 5163. Level 1 Fieldwork II (1). Students are placed in settings where they can begin to apply the occupational therapy concepts and intervention skills relevant to the  psychological and social factors that influence engagement in occupation across the lifespan.

OTW 5164. Seminar II (1). Students participate in on-line discussions with faculty and each other to compare and contrast their various learning experiences.

OTW 5170. Occupational Performance III (4). The ability to perceive, plan and engage in roles, routines, and tasks for the purpose of self-maintenance, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation will be explored. Factors that influence occupational performance including performance skills, performance patterns, context or contexts, activity demands, and client factors will be examined. Remediation of performance deficits will be examined based on best practice and evidence-based practice. Focus will be placed on conditions interfering with occupational functioning of middle-aged to older adults.

OTW 5171. Occupational Performance III Lab (1). Introduction to and practice using evaluation tools and methodologies used in analyzing and evaluating occupational performance deficits of middle aged and older adults. Active learning experiences will be used to examine and demonstrate strategies to remediate performance deficits. This is a companion course to OTW 5170.

OTW 5172. Clinical Studies III (1). Through the use of case studies and discussions, this course requires critical and clinical thinking to develop an intervention plan to remediate occupational performance deficits of middle to elder adults. Remediation of performance deficits will be examined based on best practice and evidence-based practice. This is a companion course to OTW 5170.

OTW 5173. Level I Fieldwork I (1). Students are placed in practice settings where they can begin to apply, with supervision, the occupational therapy concepts and intervention skills relevant to practice with middle age to elder adults.

OTW 5174. Seminar I (1). Students participate in on-line discussions with faculty and each other to compare and contrast their various learning experiences.

OTW 5200. Pediatric Theory, Assessment and Intervention (4). Focus is on the assessment, treatment planning, intervention, documentation, and discharge planning processes associated with pediatric and school-based practice. Relevant theories, models and frames of reference associated with pediatric practices are discussed and applied.

OTW 5230. Research Project (2). Occupational Therapy and health related research is examined. An extensive systematic review of the literature is carried out with faculty mentorship in order to answer a specific clinical question. Emphasis is on interpreting peer reviewed studies and drawing conclusions about the validity of applying the findings to practice, management, or education. Scientific methodologies, hierarchies of evidence, levels of measurement, and interpretation of research findings are examined.

OTW 5240. Pediatric Level I Fieldwork and Seminar (2). Students are placed in community and school-based practice settings where they can begin to apply the occupational therapy concepts and intervention skills relevant to pediatric and school-based practice under supervision. Students participate in on-line discussions with faculty and each other to compare and contrast their various learning experiences.

OTW 5250. Occupational Analysis (3). Analysis of occupational behaviors from birth to death including descriptions of occupational performance and factors which influence performance. Students will be given the opportunity to: (1) assess biological, social, cultural, temporal, spatial, and psychological foundations of occupations; (2) apply an understanding of these foundations to occupations across the lifespan; and (3) critique occupation-based research literature.

OTW 5260. Assistive Technologies for Human Performance I (2). Students will explore how the non-human environment impacts on sensory processing, cognitive functioning, perception, interpersonal processes and mobility and how environmental adaptations and assistive technologies help to compensate for disability and enhance functional performance. Emphasis will be placed on those technologies relevant to early and middle childhood.

OTW 5300. Adult Rehabilitation Theory, assessment and Interventions (4). Focus is on the assessment, treatment planning, intervention, documentation, and discharge planning processes associated with adult orthopedic and neurorehabilitation. Relevant theories, models and frames of reference associated with adult rehabilitation are discussed and applied.

OTW 5320. Professional Issues (3). Students explore, discuss, and critically analyze professional issues affecting occupational therapy practice including reimbursement, role delineation, health care systems, managed care and other social, political, human resource, and economic issues that impact practice. This course also explores personal morals, professional ethics, and relevant state and federal laws impacting the practice of occupational therapy.

OTW 5340. Adult Rehabilitation Level I Fieldwork and Seminar (2). Students are placed in community practice settings where they can begin to apply the occupational therapy concepts and intervention skills relevant to adult rehabilitation under supervision. Students participate in on-line discussions with faculty and each other to compare and contrast their various learning experiences.

OTW 5350. Occupational Behaviors II (2). Through a variety of experiences in purposeful activity, students will explore the dimensions and characteristics of human form a developmental perspective with particular influence placed on the occupations of adulthood and senescence. Occupation will be examined within the context of normal neuromuscular, perceptual, sociocultural, and bio-psychosocial development.

OTW 5360. Assistive Technologies for Human Performance II (2). Students will explore how the non-human environment impacts on sensory processing, cognitive functioning, perception, interpersonal processes and functional mobility, and how environment adaptations and assistive technologies help to compensate for disability and enhance functional performance. Emphasis will be placed on those technologies relevant to adulthood and senescence.

OTW 5370. Contemporary Practice Issues (3). Contemporary issues that impact the delivery of occupational therapy services will be examined and explored. Emerging roles for occupational therapists, including assistive technology consultant/provider, ergonomics consultant, and/or other emerging or specialized roles will be examined. Experiences to develop the knowledge and skills needed to function in these emerging practice roles will also be provided through laboratory experiences, review of evidence-based literature, and enhancement of clinical reasoning skills.

OTW 5400. Fieldwork Level II (part 1) (9). Practical educational experience designed to integrate and apply an academically acquired body of knowledge. Particular emphasis is on the development of clinical reasoning; the transmission of the values, beliefs and ethical commitments of occupational therapy;demonstration of professional behaviors; development and expansion of a repertoire of occupational therapy assessment and intervention methodologies.

OTW 5410. Fieldwork Level II (part 2) (9). This second internship emphasizes the integration and application of an academically acquired body of knowledge and research enabling the student to achieve a level of competence in direct care congruent with the standards of entry-level practice of the profession of occupational therapy.

OTW 5420. Professional Portfolio Seminar (1). This course provides a structured scaffold for each student to examine and develop their professional skills and behaviors through an ongoing, dynamic process of goal-setting and guided reflection. The course culminates in a student professional portfolio that showcases their professional growth and development as they have progressed through the MSOT curriculum.