Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

Introduces the profession of occupational therapy by examination of history, philosophy, and theoretical foundations. Examines roles of Occupational Therapist (OT) and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) with respect to education, credential, employment settings, and ethics. Outlines usage of Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, medical terminology, group dynamics, and communication skills. Lecture/Lab: 3 credits (90 contact hours).

Studies the musculoskeletal and nervous systems of the human body in relationship to movement and function. Emphasizes the upper extremity and shoulder girdle. Focuses on innervation of muscles, muscle grouping for function, and common problems seen when these systems are affected by disease/injury. Introduces the analysis of movement in specific life tasks. Uses the goniometer for joint measurement, manual muscle testing for strength, and promotes familiarity with the terms and techniques used in assessing motor function. Lecture/Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Develops the basic foundational principles/applications of occupational therapy, such as the concept of basic needs, therapeutic interventions, techniques, applications, analysis, safety, and adaptive skill development as the basics of an individual's occupational performance. Provides explanation and introductory lab practice of the occupational therapy assistant elements. Lecture/Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Develops skills in planning, implementing and evaluating occupational therapy for individuals experiencing deficits in occupational performance through the analysis of human occupation and subsequent methods of remediating, compensating, grading, and/or modifying activities and environments for optimal occupational performance. Develops communication skills necessary for documentation and patient interaction. Focuses on appropriate treatment and need for awareness of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic factors that impact individuals. Provides opportunities for students to develop skills in activity analysis, functional mobility, therapeutic crafts, and modalities. Laboratory: 2 credits (90 contact hours).

Presents various methods of documentation used in occupational therapy settings for evaluation, intervention, justification of payment for equipment, discharge, and other client records, and requirements of third party payers. Explores assistive technology to facilitate knowledge in a broad range of devices, services, strategies, and practices conceived and applied to decrease the problems faced by individuals. Lecture/Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Provides the opportunity to observe and participate in various settings appropriate to occupational therapy service but not necessarily within a therapy department or under an occupational therapy professional. Provides opportunities to develop entry-level skills in the occupational therapy process with hands-on interaction as appropriate. Encourages development of professional behaviors and effective communication skills. Clinical: 1.0 credit (60 contact hours).

Includes study of physical conditions commonly seen by Occupational Therapy, including diagnoses, instruction on treatment, and application of treatment. Introduces practice models to guide treatment applications, including procedures for multiple conditions in physical dysfunction. Lecture/Lab: 4.0 credits (120 contact hours).

Presents typical and dysfunctional behavior using the occupational therapy process as it pertains to mental health practice settings. Explores alternative methods and settings for mental health practice. Covers training and practice in interpersonal skills necessary for effective communication with clients, families, significant others, other health care professionals, and the public. Lecture/Lab: 3.0 credits (75 contact hours).

Explores the current and emerging practice areas of occupational therapy in the immediate and future needs. Focuses on occupation-based practice, holism, wellness, and prevention models applied throughout the lifespan. Lecture/Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contacts)

Provides students the opportunity to apply skills in evaluating and planning occupational therapy for individuals experiencing deficits in occupational performance in a safe and efficient manner. Develops assessment skills in order to plan appropriate treatments applicable to deficits in occupational performance, including fabrication of orthotics and adaptive equipment and techniques. Develops communication skills necessary for documentation and patient interaction. Provides opportunities for students to develop skills in assessment, adaptations, orthotics and appropriate treatment with awareness of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic factors that impact individuals. Lab: 2.0 credits (90 contact hours).

Incorporates analysis, instruction and implementation of occupational therapy treatment techniques. Provides opportunities to apply theoretical concepts in practice situations, involving higher-level activities of daily living, comprehensive analysis, purposeful activity, modalities and neurological re-education. Applies implementation skills necessary for level II fieldwork and to work as entry-level occupational therapy assistant. Lecture/Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Provides the opportunity to observe and participate in various settings appropriate to occupational therapy service but not necessarily within a therapy department or under an occupational therapy professional. Provides opportunities to develop intermediate skills in the occupational therapy process. Provides opportunities for students to advance therapeutic skills and to generalize skills and knowledge from the classroom to the practice setting. Hones professional behaviors and communication skills established in previous occupational therapy classes. Clinical: 1.0 credit (60 contact hours).

Explores professional issues related to the transition from student to practitioner, the relationships the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) has with other health care professionals, identification of licensure and certification requirements, professional memberships, job search strategies, methods of reimbursement, and formulation of professional resources to become a successful entry level therapist. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours).

Examines occupational therapy in the pediatric population. Investigates how physical, emotional, and cognitive processes begin, change, and develop from birth through adolescence. Addresses concepts of occupation in pediatrics. Encourages students to view treatments holistically while learning normal developmental milestones and various disabilities. Lecture/Lab: 3.0 credits (75 contact hours).

Explores the concerns for occupational therapy in the aging population. Examines how physical, emotional and cognitive processes change through adulthood. Discusses the concepts of occupational therapy throughout the life span employing a holistic approach to intervention. Lecture/Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Provides opportunity to function in various clinical settings under supervision of experienced occupational therapy practitioner. Promotes collaboration with the Occupational Therapist in planning/implementation of treatment programs with clients with a variety of diagnoses and ages. Cultivates skills necessary to function at entry-level of practice through the first of two successive fieldwork rotations in unique healthcare settings/institutions. Practicum: 5.0 credits (300 contact hours).

Provides opportunity to function in various clinical settings under supervision of experienced occupational therapy practitioner. Promotes collaboration with the Occupational Therapist in planning/implementation of treatment programs with clients with a variety of diagnoses and ages. Strengthens complex skills, including critical thinking, required for entry-level of practice through the final of two successive fieldwork rotations in unique healthcare settings/institutions. Practicum: 5.0 credits (300 contact hours).

Provides students an opportunity to share information from their clinical site with both the academic instructor and their classmates. Emphasizes application of information learned to other situations. Prepares students for National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours).