Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTAS)

OTAS 1100 Foundations of Occupational Therapy 2 Credits

Prerequisite: BIOL 2210, HLTH 1215, admission to Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

This course introduces students to the history, philosophy, theories, and practice of the occupational therapy profession. Students will study the OT Practice Framework, Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, the importance of evidence-based practice, and the various roles and responsibilities of the OTA in the healthcare continuum.

(2 contact hours)

OTAS 1130 Activities and Occupation as OT Intervention 1 Credit

Prerequisite: admission to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, OTAS 1100 (must be taken concurrently).

This course examines occupational therapy’s use of purposeful activities and therapeutic use of self to achieve therapeutic goals for clients with occupational performance dysfunction. The course prepares students to complete a task analysis, to facilitate the use of occupation and activity in both individual and group settings, and to adapt equipment and grade activities for specific clients. Principles of Infection Control and Safety are also introduced.

(3 contact hours: 3 lab)

OTAS 1140 Documentation for the OTA Professional 2 Credits

Prerequisite: OTAS 1100, OTAS 1130, OTAS 1205 (must be taken concurrently), OTAS 1220 (must be taken concurrently), OTAS 1230.

This course examines reimbursement systems, effective documentation of service provision, and utilization of community resources. The student will be introduced to documentation requirements, common methods of documentation, and accepted terminology to be used when documenting services. Federal, state, and third-party payer systems, policy analysis, home and community programming, and documenting to obtain medically necessary equipment will also be examined.

(2 contact hours)

OTAS 1205 Pediatric Foundations and Interventions for the OTA 5 Credits

Prerequisite: BIOL 2210, HLTH 1215, OTAS 1100, OTAS 1130, OTAS 1140.

This course examines the role of OT in the treatment of pediatric populations. The course will introduce the normal developmental milestones, the common disorders encountered with developmental disabilities, and the interventions used by occupational therapy to address developmental deficits. The lab portion of this course will put into practice the ideas learned in lecture. The student will apply knowledge and techniques used in the treatment of children and adolescents whose developmental disabilities negate occupational performance. The student will perform developmental screenings, play-based interventions, evaluate occupational performance, adapt equipment and environments, use assistive technology, and apply therapeutic techniques for positioning, handling, and feeding.

(9 contact hours: 3 lecture, 6 lab)

OTAS 1220 Level I Fieldwork and Seminar: Pediatrics and Developmental Disabilities 1 Credit

Prerequisite: OTAS 1100, OTAS 1130, OTAS 1140, OTAS 1205 (must be taken concurrently).

Level I Fieldwork allows the student to experience OT practice in a clinical setting. The student will be placed in a setting in the community to observe and assist (when appropriate) in the treatment of clients. This experience facilitates the student’s application of knowledge and skills gained from concurrent courses to a community occupational therapy setting focusing on pediatrics and developmental disabilities. Under the supervision of licensed agency personnel, the student will observe and participate in this setting as well as complete a weekly discussion seminar.

(3.5 contact hours: 0.5 lecture, 3 clinical)

OTAS 1230 Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology for the OTA 3 Credits

Prerequisite: BIOL 2210, HLTH 1215.

This course analyzes the movement patterns of the human body in relation to completion of ADL’s and participation in occupation. Kinematics and the analysis of gross and fine motor movement patterns will be introduced as well as their impact on the completion of daily occupations. A thorough study of the structures of the musculoskeletal system will be completed and applied to participation in functional activities.

(5 contact hours: 2 lecture, 3 lab)

OTAS 2105 Physical Dysfunction Foundations and Interventions for the OTA 5 Credits

Prerequisite: BIOL 2210, HLTH 1215, OTAS 1100, OTAS 1130, OTAS 1140, OTAS 1205, OTAS 1220, OTAS 1230.

This course examines the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of individuals with physical disabilities. Common disorders will be explored as well as their impact on occupational performance. Appropriate screening tools used by the OTA will be introduced and interventions used to address the conditions will be implemented. Compensatory strategies will be introduced based on theories, models, frames of reference, and available evidence. The lab portion of the course will put into practice the ideas learned in lecture. The student will apply knowledge and techniques used in providing OT intervention to adults and geriatrics whose physical dysfunction negates occupational performance. In addition to occupational interventions, the student will learn and practice the use of preparatory activities including modalities, exercise, and splinting.

(9 contact hours: 3 lecture, 6 lab)

OTAS 2120 Level I Fieldwork and Seminar: Physical Dysfunction 1 Credit

Prerequisite: OTAS 1200, OTAS 1210, OTAS 1220.

Level I Fieldwork allows the student to experience OT practice in a clinical setting. The student will be placed in a setting in the community to observe and assist (when appropriate) in the treatment of clients. This fieldwork experience facilitates the student’s application of knowledge and skills gained from concurrent courses to a community OT setting focusing on adult physical dysfunction. Under supervision of licensed agency personnel, the student will observe and participate as well as complete a weekly discussion seminar.

(3.5 contact hours: 0.5 lecture, 3 clinical)

OTAS 2130 Foundations and Interventions in Neurological Rehabilitation 3 Credits

Prerequisite: OTAS 1230.

This course prepares the student for providing therapy to those with neurological deficits resulting from disorders such as strokes, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, or diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. The course will discuss the common deficits associated with various neurological disorders, introduce common screening tools used by the occupational therapy assistant, and explore the treatment interventions used to address the motor, cognitive, sensory, and perceptual deficits common with this population.

(5 contact hours: 2 lecture, 3 lab)

OTAS 2200 Foundations of Psychosocial Dysfunction 2 Credits

Prerequisite: PSYC 2700, OTAS 2105, OTAS 2120, OTAS 2130, OTAS 2210 (must be taken concurrently).

This course examines the role of OT in the treatment of individuals with psychosocial dysfunction. The impact of psychosocial and psychiatric disorders on occupational performance will be discussed as well as selecting the appropriate interventions and compensatory strategies used in the treatment of this population.

(2 contact hours)

OTAS 2210 Techniques and Fieldwork in Psychosocial Dysfunction 1 Credit

Prerequisite: PSYC 2700, OTAS 2105, OTAS 2120, OTAS 2130, OTAS 2200 (must be taken concurrently), OTAS 2230 (must be taken concurrently).

(4.5 contact hours: 1.5 lab, 3 clinical)

OTAS 2230 Professional Development and Management in Rehabilitation Practice 1 Credit

Prerequisite: OTAS 2105, OTAS 2120, OTAS 2130, OTAS 2200 (must be taken concurrently), OTAS 2210 (must be taken concurrently).

This course examines professional responsibilities of the occupational therapy assistant in regards to documentation and reimbursement, public policy and regulatory boards, advancements in technology, the OTA’s role in client advocacy and consultation, research, marketing, and quality improvement, and the commitment to life-long learning. The course will also describe the knowledge and skills needed to be effective managers in OT and the healthcare field.

(1 contact hour)

OTAS 2250 Level IIA Fieldwork 4 Credits

Prerequisite: OTAS 2200, OTAS 2210, OTAS 2230.

This full-time, 8-week fieldwork experience will prepare the student for entry-level practice as an OTA. This fieldwork facilitates the student’s application of knowledge and skills gained over the course of the OTA program. Under the supervision of licensed agency personnel, the student will demonstrate professional behaviors, provide appropriate therapeutic interventions, and comply with all rules and regulations of the host setting. (This course is offered as pass/fail only.)

(25 contact hours: 1 lecture, 24 clinical)

OTAS 2350 Level IIB Fieldwork 4 Credits

Prerequisite: OTAS 2250.

(25 contact hours: 1 lecture, 24 clinical)