Occupational Therapy Assistant (A.A.S.)
Faculty
Ms. Lisa Simmons, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director (program chair)
Ms. Tasha Champagne, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Description
Trinity offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Associate of Applied Science degree. This degree educates students to work under the supervision and in cooperation with an occupational therapist (OT) to help people across the lifespan engage in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities called occupations.
This major prepares you to work in various settings that include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, sub-acute facilities, psychiatric and community based programs, schools, nursing homes, private practice and other emerging practice areas.
Students enrolled in Trinity’s A.A.S. in OTA program have the option of enrolling in a baccalaureate program in one of three major areas in The School of Professional Studies: human relations, psychology, or health science. Students can earn a dual degree in 120 credits, the same number required for any Trinity baccalaureate degree.
Degree Requirements
Students complete 25 credits of pre-requisite courses before applying to the OTA program. These can be taken at Trinity in either the College of Arts and Sciences or the School of Professional Studies, or credits can be transferred. Students then complete 45 credits of OTA-specific courses, which blend online and on-campus learning.
Requirements for the Degree:
The requirements to graduate from Trinity with an Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in health professional programs include the successful completion of the following:
- Successful completion of all program pre-requisite courses (24 credits) in either the College of Arts and Sciences or School of Professional Studies. (see pre-requisites below)
- Completion of the major program’s course of study (45 credits) including fieldwork experiences in the School of Nursing. (see major course requirements below)
- All OTA-designated courses completed at Trinity with a grade of “C” or better.
- Completion of all credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5
- For students matriculating after Fall 2002, 45 of the final 69 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, and all OTA-designated courses must be completed at Trinity.
- All specific course work required for a major program of study in the respective health care program
- Completion of all fieldwork requirements
Prerequisite Courses (24 credits)
BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology IA systematic approach to the study of the human body. The first part of this year -long course emphasizes the tissues, the integumentary system, the bones and skeletal tissue, muscles and muscle tissue, and the nervous system. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
Pre-/Co-requisite: MATH 102, MATH 108 or MATH 109.
Pre-requisite: BIOL 101 (SPS); pass BIOL 101 wiht a C or better or placement test score (CAS).
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area.
BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology IIA systematic aproach to the study of the human body. The second part of this year-long course emphasizes the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. Prerequisite BIOL 121. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
ENGL 107 College CompositionEnglish 107 develops students’ effective writing of evidence-based, thesis- centered academic essays. The course emphasizes development of the research and documentation skills necessary for successful academic writing. Students will primarily write argumentative essays, building to a substantive research paper. Students in the School of Professional Studies may not take this course pass/fail. Formerly ENG 107 College Composition.
3 credits
Prerequisites for College of Arts and Sciences: Passing CRS 101 with a grade of "C" or better.
Prerequisites for School of Professional Studies: ENGL 105 with a grade of C or better OR score of 9 or higher on Writing portion of Accuplacer test.
General Education: Foundational Skills Area
FLC Area I Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
HPNU 120 Medical TerminologyThis is a self-paced, 8-week online course designed for individuals interested in learning the language of medicine required to work within a variety of health care fields. The student will work independently to acquire word-building skills in the field of medicine and will have a solid understanding of basic medical language and a foundational start on basic medical science and health related concepts that will be useful for other courses within the health professions.
1 credit
Prerequisites: None
MATH 108 Finite MathematicsThis is a quantitative literacy and reasoning course designed for education majors and those students intending to study nursing and other allied health fields. Topics include: problem solving, set theory, logic, algebra, and measurement; including unit conversions and dimensional analysis. Additional topics include functions, graphs, systems of equations and inequalities, as well as probability and statistics. Real-world applications will be emphasized throughout the course. Formerly MATH 108 and MAT 108 Elementary Mathematical Modeling.
4 credits
Prerequisites: None
General Education Area: Foundational Skills
PSYC 101 Introductory PsychologyIntroduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core: Area II
PSYC 231 Child PsychologyReviews theories of development and contemporary research and how they relate to current social issues concerning children. The developmental period from conception through middle childhood is the focus, with topics including cognitive changes, language acquisition, sensorimotor, moral, and socioemotional development. Formerly PSY 257 Child Psychology.
3 credits
FLC Area V
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
SOCY 100 Introduction to SociologyIntroduces students to the science of sociology and prepares students for upper-level social science course work. Formerly SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society
Major Course Requirements (45 credits)
Semester 1 (12 credits)
OTA 100 Introduction to Occupational TherapyThis course will introduce the occupational therapy assistant student (OTA) to the role of occupational therapy in promoting the health and participation of people, organizations and populations through engagement in occupation. Topics include history, the professions philosophical base, the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process, Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, AOTA official documents, and the delineation of roles between registered occupational therapist and certified occupational therapy assistant. The Occupational Adaption model will be introduced as a theoretical framework for the OTA program.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107.
OTA 120 Functional Movement and Occupational PerformanceThe course will focus on kinesiology concepts and basic principles of biomechanics to understand how movement affects occupational performance. Systems reviews will include, but are not limited to, central nervous system. Topics include formal and informal analysis and assessment of movement as well as analysis of movement in areas of occupation.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107.
OTA 124 Pathology for the OT PractitionerThis course examines specific conditions or diagnosis seen in occupational therapy practice. Musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and general topics in clinical medicine will be investigated with emphasis on etiology, basic pathogenesis, commonly observed signs and symptoms, course, prognosis, and precautions. Concepts of health, illness and disability will be addressed in relationship to theories used in occupational therapy practice as well as the effects of a condition on occupational performance and occupational well-being.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107.
OTA 130 Analysis and Performance of Occupations Across the LifespanThis course will introduce the OTA student in observation skills, assessment, documentation, teaching, adapting, and grading activities related to all persons across the lifespan. Once the above skills are demonstrated, students will apply the skills to case studies related to normal and abnormal occupational performance across the lifespan, including, but not limited to, planning and facilitating groups, therapeutic use of self, and occupation based interventions.
4 credits
Prerequisites BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107.
Semester 2 (12 credits)
OTA 104 Professional Issues in OT/ Critical Thinking IThis course will examine standards of practice for the occupational therapy assistant delivering occupational therapy services. The role of agencies and associations related to OT will be reviewed. The need for and process of advocacy will be discussed. Critical thinking and professional reasoning skills of communication and collaboration, as well as understanding the relationship between theory and practice, will be emphasized through case studies, discussions and role playing. Critical reasoning and problem solving will be discussed as the skills related to the OT process.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130
OTA 140 Occupational Performance IThis course will build on the skills gained in OTA 130 by assisting the OTA student in exploring observation skills, assessment, documentation, teaching, adapting, and grading activities related to all persons across the lifespan, Once the above skills are demonstrated, students will apply the skills to case studies related to pediatrics and mental health, including, but not limited to, planning and facilitating groups, therapeutic use of self, and occupation based intervention.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107
OTA 236 Interventions and Tools in Behavioral Health and Psychosocial RehabilitationThis course will examine the occupational therapy process in mental health practice. Topics include historical events in the development of psychosocial and mental health care throughout the life course, introduction of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), including comorbidities with severe and persistent mental illness, psychotropic drugs, use of theory, evaluation and data collection, evidence and occupation-based intervention, and issues that impact psychological and social factors of mental health and occupational performance. This class includes level I fieldwork experience. Level I fieldwork is designed to introduce students to a variety of settings and increase the student's comfort level with a diverse populations and diagnoses. Formerly OTA 134,
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130
OTA 238 Intervention & Tools in PediatricsThis course will examine the occupational therapy process in pediatrics. Topics include review of typical and atypical human development and the study of occupations for the infant, child through adolescence from a reflexive, sensory, motor, behavior, social and activity standpoint. Use of theory, frames of reference, evaluation and data collection, evidence and occupation-based interventions with the typical and atypical child are emphasized. This class includes level I fieldwork experience. Level I fieldwork is designed to introduce students to a variety of settings and increase the student's comfort level with a diverse populations and diagnoses.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIO 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130
Semester 3 (12 credits)
OTA 204 Professional Issues in OT/ Critical Thinking IIThis course will build on the skills gained in OTA 104 with a focus on building critical thinking skills, preparing for level II fieldwork, licensure, certification, and securing employment. The importance of professional development will be reviewed.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 236, OTA 238
OTA 206 Management of OTThis course will focus on management and support tasks related to the OT process. OT ethics, roles and functions of regulatory agencies will be reviewed. Healthcare delivery and reimbursement systems will be discussed to ensure students are prepared for performing the OT process on fieldwork and beyond.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 236, OTA 238
OTA 228 Technology and Design to Maximize Occupational PerformanceThis course will introduce the OTA student to technology used to increase, maintain or improve occupational performance in persons with disabilities. Topics include: low and high technology devices, communication and mobility aids, orthotics/prosthetics, positioning devices, computer programs, physical agent modalities (PAMS), switches, low vision adaptations, and universal design.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 236, OTA 238
OTA 237 Interventions and Tools in Physical RehabilitationThis course will examine the occupational therapy process across the lifespan. Topics include a historic review of physical dysfunction, trends and concepts of aging, health and well-being, health equity and determinants of health that interfere with participation in daily occupations. Use of theory, evidence and occupation-based interventions and review of current literature will define this expanding OTA practice area. Clinical features, medical management, evidence based assessments and interventions, and the impact on occupational performance will be reviewed for diagnoses commonly treated in the adult population. This class includes level I fieldwork experience. Level I fieldwork is designed to introduce students to a variety of settings and increase the student's comfort level with a diverse populations and diagnoses.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 130, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 236, OTA 238
OTA 240 Occupational Performance IIThis course will build on the skills gained in OTA 110 and OTA 130 by assisting the OTA student in exploring observation skills, assessment, documentation, teaching, adapting, and grading activities related to all persons across the lifespan. Students will apply the skills to case studies related to physical disabilities, including, but not limited to occupation based interventions, increasing independence, promoting health and wellness, avoiding deformity of disease, and ensuring safety.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 236, OTA 238
Semester 4 (9 credits, full-time fieldwork)
OTA 291 Level II Fieldwork IA minimum of 8 weeks of supervised experience applying occupational therapy skills and concepts. Students will actively engage in the OT process while developing and practicing skills of an entry-level OTA. Students will be assigned to practice setting working with individuals with developmental, physical or emotional challenges. Fieldwork is off campus and students are responsible for transportation and room and board.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 204, OTA 206, OTA 228, OTA 236, OTA 237, OTA 238, OTA 240
OTA 292 Level II Fieldwork IIA minimum of 8 weeks of supervised experience applying occupational therapy skills and concepts. Students will actively engage in the OT process while developing and practicing skills of an entry-level OTA. Students will be assigned to practice setting working with individuals that differs that offered in Fieldwork I. Fieldwork is off campus and students are responsible for transportation and room and board.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 204, OTA 206, OTA 228, OTA 236, OTA 237, OTA 238, OTA 240
OTA 294 NBCOT Preparation CourseThis course will assist students in preparing for successful completion of the NBCOT exam. The review will include, but is not limited to, study skills, knowledge and skill development, review of information, and simulated activities.
1 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 204, OTA 206, OTA 228, OTA 236, OTA 237, OTA 238, OTA 240
Dual Degree (A.A.S.to B.A.)
Students enrolled in Trinity’s A.A.S. in OTA program have the option of enrolling in a baccalaureate program in one of three major areas in The School of Professional Studies: human relations, psychology, or health science. Students can earn a dual degree in 120 credits, the same number required for any Trinity baccalaureate degree. OTA majors interested in earning a degree in OTA and continue on to finish a baccalaureate degree should meet with their academic advisor to set up a curriculum plan.
Please click to view the major requirements for each degree program offered on the dual degree track:
Program Policies
Questions from non-Trinity students regarding the application process and acceptance criteria should be directed to the Admissions Office. Questions from a current Trinity student regarding the application process and acceptance criteria should be directed to the student’s undergraduate advisor in either the College of Arts and Sciences or School of Professional Studies.
Required Documentation:
Prior to enrolling in any OTA fieldwork course, students are required to present documentation of the following:
- Current immunization or titers for: DPT; MMR; Hepatitis B (3 doses); Tetanus; Influenza (annual); TB (annual)
- National criminal background check
- Current major medical health insurance
- American Heart Association CPR Certification
Additional Expenses:
As part of the professional behavior and professionalism in Fieldwork I and II, as well as community learning experiences, students in the OTA program should expect to incur the following additional expenses beyond tuition and fees:
- OTA polo shirt
- Local travel and transportation
- Books
- Health insurance
- Criminal background check
Advanced Placement:
Credits earned through AP examinations can only fulfill pre-requisite requirements for the OTA major.
CLEP Policy:
Credits earned through CLEP examinations can only fulfill pre-requisite requirements for the OTA major.
Grades in Pre-requisite and Major Courses:
Students are required to earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major.
Pass/No Pass:
No course fulfilling major requirements in the OTA program may be taken Pass/No Pass.
Transfer Credits:
Transfer credit for pre-requisite courses will be awarded after appropriate program review and approval.
Mission
The OTA program strives to educate students to be competent, ethical and committed occupational therapy practitioners who promote health and well-being of all people as they engage in everyday activities called occupations. Through dynamic classroom, clinical and community experiences, OTA students graduate prepared to meet the ever-changing occupational needs of society and address social justice and occupational justice issues locally and globally.
Vision
Within Trinity’s founding traditions, we envision the OTA program as a center where the occupational therapy assistant and the occupational therapist can study the process of adaptation and its effect on occupational performance as it relates to the person’s search for meaning and fulfillment as occupational-beings.
Philosophy
The OTA program’s philosophy reflects occupational therapy’s fundamental ideals in that it is based on the profession’s belief that humans are complex beings who are continuously engaged in their environment. Learning is an active and social process where learners learn to discover principles, concepts and facts through interactions with each other and with the environment they live in.
Occupational Therapy Program Philosophy
The Philosophical Base of Occupational Therapy (AOTA, 1979, 1955) provides the foundation for our philosophy of humans and how they learn. The organizing philosophical framework of the OTA curriculum is derived from the belief that engagement in occupations can influence the health and well-being of individuals and populations. Through engagement or doing, we survive: we find meaning and find balance in our lives. Successful engagement in occupations requires constant mastery of occupations and the ability to adapt (Schultz, 2009). This interaction between the person, the environment and the occupation influences health and well-being. Adolph Meyer’s philosophy of occupational therapy summarizes the Trinity OTA perspective of occupation as it relates to health and well-being:
Our conception of man is that of an organism that maintains and balances itself in the world of reality and actuality by being in active life and active use, i.e. using and living and acting its time in harmony with its own nature and the nature about it. It is the use that we make of ourselves that gives the ultimate stamp to every organ. (Meyer, 1922)
The OTA program’s philosophy is guided by two major areas. These areas are (1) occupation and the process of occupational adaptation and (2) the professional curriculum and learning-teaching style.
Our Fundamental Beliefs about Human Beings
Humans are complex beings that are constantly interacting with the physical, social, temporal, cultural, psychological, spiritual and virtual environment through their actions. We are active beings who have the ability to adapt, modify and affect the quality of our life by engaging in the things we want and need to do called occupations. These occupations are the actions that support survival, provide self-actualization and help us find occupational balance (AOTA, 2007). However, when a person is faced with an occupational challenge because of impairment, disability or a stressful event, the innate process of human adaptation may become impaired (Schultz, 1992; Schultz & Schkade, 1992). Through occupational therapy intervention, the occupational therapy practitioner’s “therapeutic use of self,” management of the environment and use of “occupations as tools” promote the client’s ability to adapt to life’s challenges for successful occupational performance.
Our View of Learning
Learning is an active and social process in which learners learn to discover principles, concepts and facts through interactions with each other and with the environment in which they live (Brown, 1989; Ackerman, 1996). Trinity acknowledges learners are unique individuals with unique needs and diverse backgrounds while being complex and multidimensional. Using a constructivist viewpoint to guide the learning process, we see that the responsibility for learning resides with the learner; motivation for learning strongly depends on the learner’s confidence in his or her potential to learn (Prawat & Floden, 1994); and instructors are facilitators that create guidelines and set the stage within the environment for learning. The learning experience is shaped by the instructor’s as well as by the learners’ values; culture and background are shared and respected (Ernest, 1991; Prawat et al., 1994). The faculty of Trinity Washington University’s OTA program demonstrate support for students to become effective and critical thinkers through the “beyond the comfort zone” academic challenge (Vygotsky, 1978) that will also translate into critical thinking and reasoning skills in the OT practice setting through use of activities as interventions.
Accreditation
The occupational therapy assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (A.C.O.T.E.) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (A.O.T.A.), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449. A.C.O.T.E.’s telephone number, c/o A.O.T.A., is (301) 652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (N.B.C.O.T.). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (C.O.T.A.). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the N.B.C.O.T. Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the N.B.C.O.T. certification examination or to attain state licensure.
Trinity Occupational Therapy Assistant program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://secure.nbcot.org/data/schoolstats.aspx
Course Descriptions
BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology IA systematic approach to the study of the human body. The first part of this year -long course emphasizes the tissues, the integumentary system, the bones and skeletal tissue, muscles and muscle tissue, and the nervous system. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
Pre-/Co-requisite: MATH 102, MATH 108 or MATH 109.
Pre-requisite: BIOL 101 (SPS); pass BIOL 101 wiht a C or better or placement test score (CAS).
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area.
BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology IIA systematic aproach to the study of the human body. The second part of this year-long course emphasizes the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts discussed during the lecture portion of the class to clinical questions presented throughout the semester. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Does not fulfill Biology major requirement. Prerequisite BIOL 121. There is an additional laboratory fee.
4 credits
ENGL 107 College CompositionEnglish 107 develops students’ effective writing of evidence-based, thesis- centered academic essays. The course emphasizes development of the research and documentation skills necessary for successful academic writing. Students will primarily write argumentative essays, building to a substantive research paper. Students in the School of Professional Studies may not take this course pass/fail. Formerly ENG 107 College Composition.
3 credits
Prerequisites for College of Arts and Sciences: Passing CRS 101 with a grade of "C" or better.
Prerequisites for School of Professional Studies: ENGL 105 with a grade of C or better OR score of 9 or higher on Writing portion of Accuplacer test.
General Education: Foundational Skills Area
FLC Area I Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
HPNU 120 Medical TerminologyThis is a self-paced, 8-week online course designed for individuals interested in learning the language of medicine required to work within a variety of health care fields. The student will work independently to acquire word-building skills in the field of medicine and will have a solid understanding of basic medical language and a foundational start on basic medical science and health related concepts that will be useful for other courses within the health professions.
1 credit
Prerequisites: None
MATH 108 Finite MathematicsThis is a quantitative literacy and reasoning course designed for education majors and those students intending to study nursing and other allied health fields. Topics include: problem solving, set theory, logic, algebra, and measurement; including unit conversions and dimensional analysis. Additional topics include functions, graphs, systems of equations and inequalities, as well as probability and statistics. Real-world applications will be emphasized throughout the course. Formerly MATH 108 and MAT 108 Elementary Mathematical Modeling.
4 credits
Prerequisites: None
General Education Area: Foundational Skills
OTA 100 Introduction to Occupational TherapyThis course will introduce the occupational therapy assistant student (OTA) to the role of occupational therapy in promoting the health and participation of people, organizations and populations through engagement in occupation. Topics include history, the professions philosophical base, the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process, Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, AOTA official documents, and the delineation of roles between registered occupational therapist and certified occupational therapy assistant. The Occupational Adaption model will be introduced as a theoretical framework for the OTA program.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107.
OTA 104 Professional Issues in OT/ Critical Thinking IThis course will examine standards of practice for the occupational therapy assistant delivering occupational therapy services. The role of agencies and associations related to OT will be reviewed. The need for and process of advocacy will be discussed. Critical thinking and professional reasoning skills of communication and collaboration, as well as understanding the relationship between theory and practice, will be emphasized through case studies, discussions and role playing. Critical reasoning and problem solving will be discussed as the skills related to the OT process.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130
OTA 120 Functional Movement and Occupational PerformanceThe course will focus on kinesiology concepts and basic principles of biomechanics to understand how movement affects occupational performance. Systems reviews will include, but are not limited to, central nervous system. Topics include formal and informal analysis and assessment of movement as well as analysis of movement in areas of occupation.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107.
OTA 124 Pathology for the OT PractitionerThis course examines specific conditions or diagnosis seen in occupational therapy practice. Musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and general topics in clinical medicine will be investigated with emphasis on etiology, basic pathogenesis, commonly observed signs and symptoms, course, prognosis, and precautions. Concepts of health, illness and disability will be addressed in relationship to theories used in occupational therapy practice as well as the effects of a condition on occupational performance and occupational well-being.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107.
OTA 130 Analysis and Performance of Occupations Across the LifespanThis course will introduce the OTA student in observation skills, assessment, documentation, teaching, adapting, and grading activities related to all persons across the lifespan. Once the above skills are demonstrated, students will apply the skills to case studies related to normal and abnormal occupational performance across the lifespan, including, but not limited to, planning and facilitating groups, therapeutic use of self, and occupation based interventions.
4 credits
Prerequisites BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107.
OTA 140 Occupational Performance IThis course will build on the skills gained in OTA 130 by assisting the OTA student in exploring observation skills, assessment, documentation, teaching, adapting, and grading activities related to all persons across the lifespan, Once the above skills are demonstrated, students will apply the skills to case studies related to pediatrics and mental health, including, but not limited to, planning and facilitating groups, therapeutic use of self, and occupation based intervention.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107
OTA 204 Professional Issues in OT/ Critical Thinking IIThis course will build on the skills gained in OTA 104 with a focus on building critical thinking skills, preparing for level II fieldwork, licensure, certification, and securing employment. The importance of professional development will be reviewed.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 236, OTA 238
OTA 206 Management of OTThis course will focus on management and support tasks related to the OT process. OT ethics, roles and functions of regulatory agencies will be reviewed. Healthcare delivery and reimbursement systems will be discussed to ensure students are prepared for performing the OT process on fieldwork and beyond.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 236, OTA 238
OTA 228 Technology and Design to Maximize Occupational PerformanceThis course will introduce the OTA student to technology used to increase, maintain or improve occupational performance in persons with disabilities. Topics include: low and high technology devices, communication and mobility aids, orthotics/prosthetics, positioning devices, computer programs, physical agent modalities (PAMS), switches, low vision adaptations, and universal design.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 236, OTA 238
OTA 236 Interventions and Tools in Behavioral Health and Psychosocial RehabilitationThis course will examine the occupational therapy process in mental health practice. Topics include historical events in the development of psychosocial and mental health care throughout the life course, introduction of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), including comorbidities with severe and persistent mental illness, psychotropic drugs, use of theory, evaluation and data collection, evidence and occupation-based intervention, and issues that impact psychological and social factors of mental health and occupational performance. This class includes level I fieldwork experience. Level I fieldwork is designed to introduce students to a variety of settings and increase the student's comfort level with a diverse populations and diagnoses. Formerly OTA 134,
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130
OTA 237 Interventions and Tools in Physical RehabilitationThis course will examine the occupational therapy process across the lifespan. Topics include a historic review of physical dysfunction, trends and concepts of aging, health and well-being, health equity and determinants of health that interfere with participation in daily occupations. Use of theory, evidence and occupation-based interventions and review of current literature will define this expanding OTA practice area. Clinical features, medical management, evidence based assessments and interventions, and the impact on occupational performance will be reviewed for diagnoses commonly treated in the adult population. This class includes level I fieldwork experience. Level I fieldwork is designed to introduce students to a variety of settings and increase the student's comfort level with a diverse populations and diagnoses.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 130, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 236, OTA 238
OTA 238 Intervention & Tools in PediatricsThis course will examine the occupational therapy process in pediatrics. Topics include review of typical and atypical human development and the study of occupations for the infant, child through adolescence from a reflexive, sensory, motor, behavior, social and activity standpoint. Use of theory, frames of reference, evaluation and data collection, evidence and occupation-based interventions with the typical and atypical child are emphasized. This class includes level I fieldwork experience. Level I fieldwork is designed to introduce students to a variety of settings and increase the student's comfort level with a diverse populations and diagnoses.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIO 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130
OTA 240 Occupational Performance IIThis course will build on the skills gained in OTA 110 and OTA 130 by assisting the OTA student in exploring observation skills, assessment, documentation, teaching, adapting, and grading activities related to all persons across the lifespan. Students will apply the skills to case studies related to physical disabilities, including, but not limited to occupation based interventions, increasing independence, promoting health and wellness, avoiding deformity of disease, and ensuring safety.
2 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 236, OTA 238
OTA 291 Level II Fieldwork IA minimum of 8 weeks of supervised experience applying occupational therapy skills and concepts. Students will actively engage in the OT process while developing and practicing skills of an entry-level OTA. Students will be assigned to practice setting working with individuals with developmental, physical or emotional challenges. Fieldwork is off campus and students are responsible for transportation and room and board.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 204, OTA 206, OTA 228, OTA 236, OTA 237, OTA 238, OTA 240
OTA 292 Level II Fieldwork IIA minimum of 8 weeks of supervised experience applying occupational therapy skills and concepts. Students will actively engage in the OT process while developing and practicing skills of an entry-level OTA. Students will be assigned to practice setting working with individuals that differs that offered in Fieldwork I. Fieldwork is off campus and students are responsible for transportation and room and board.
4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 204, OTA 206, OTA 228, OTA 236, OTA 237, OTA 238, OTA 240
OTA 294 NBCOT Preparation CourseThis course will assist students in preparing for successful completion of the NBCOT exam. The review will include, but is not limited to, study skills, knowledge and skill development, review of information, and simulated activities.
1 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIO 122, MATH 108, SOCY 100, PSYC 101, PSYC 231, HPNU 120, ENGL 107, OTA 100, OTA 120, OTA 124, OTA 130, OTA 104, OTA 140, OTA 204, OTA 206, OTA 228, OTA 236, OTA 237, OTA 238, OTA 240
PSYC 101 Introductory PsychologyIntroduces the student to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. All major sub-areas of psychology (social, developmental, clinical, physiological, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception) are explored, as well as the major theoretical perspectives (behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, and humanistic). Formerly PSY 121 Introductory Psychology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core: Area II
PSYC 231 Child PsychologyReviews theories of development and contemporary research and how they relate to current social issues concerning children. The developmental period from conception through middle childhood is the focus, with topics including cognitive changes, language acquisition, sensorimotor, moral, and socioemotional development. Formerly PSY 257 Child Psychology.
3 credits
FLC Area V
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
SOCY 100 Introduction to SociologyIntroduces students to the science of sociology and prepares students for upper-level social science course work. Formerly SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society