Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTAS)

OTAS 1100. Introduction to Occupational Therapy. (2 Credits)

The following concepts will be presented: Functional definitions of occupational therapy; the history of occupational therapy, philosophy, and ethics; the roles of occupational therapy professionals; and differentiation of occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant responsibilities, the reimbursement for O.T. services and professional credentialing. An overview of the particular patient populations which an occupational therapy assistant might interact with is given. Specific types of treatment settings are explored in detail, with the scope of OTA practice examined, including the research data gathering role. Awareness of local and national occupational therapy organizations is emphasized. Demonstrated professional behaviors are encouraged. Corequisites: ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120, OTAS 1105, OTAS 1111. Prerequisite: Admission into the OTA program. Offered: Fall.

OTAS 1105. Patient Skills for the OTA. (2 Credits)

Introduction to concepts and procedures of patient care in occupational therapy. Topics include patient positioning and draping, body mechanics, patient transfers, vital signs monitoring, infection control, aseptic techniques, therapeutic exercise, ADA awareness, confidentiality, adjustment and maintenance of assistive equipment and safety. Corequisites: OTAS 1100, OTAS 1111, ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120. Prerequisite : Admission into the OTA program. Offered: Fall.

OTAS 1111. Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology. (4 Credits)

Analysis of human movement and its impact on function through the integration of biomechanics, kinesiology and applied anatomy. Principles will be reinforced through a problem-solving approach for understanding movement. Goniometric measurements and manual muscle testing of the upper and lower extremities, trunk and head will be included. Prerequisites: Admission into the OTA program. Corequisites: OTAS 1100, OTAS 1105, ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120 Offered: Fall.

OTAS 1121. Therapeutic Media. (2 Credits)

Lecture and laboratory course emphasizing basic media and activities in a therapeutic setting. Focus is placed in lecture sessions on activity analysis. Laboratory focus is based on application of analysis to therapeutic intervention situations. Skill attainment in relation to the actual process of different media tasks will be encouraged. Corequisites: OTAS 1131, OTAS 1140, OTAS 1145. Prerequisites: OTAS 1100, OTAS 1105, OTAS 1111, ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120. Offered: Spring.

OTAS 1131. Physical Function in Occupation I. (4 Credits)

The role of the OTA in the evaluative process, treatment, documentation and reassessment is presented. Recognition of specific skills related to adaptive procedures and the grading of tasks for maximized patient gains is examined. Treatment techniques and considerations for specific patient populations with physical dysfuntion related issues are presented. Level 1 fieldwork is a component part of this course offering. Corequisites: OTAS 1121, OTAS 1140, OTAS 1145. Prerequisites: OTAS 1100, OTAS 1105, OTAS 1111, ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120. Offered: Spring.

OTAS 1132. Physical Function in Occupation II. (4 Credits)

A continuation of the OTAS 1131 course. Emphasis is placed upon the OTA in the evaluative process, treatment role and documentation for the patient population related to physical dysfunction. The role of the OTA across the continuum of care is viewed. Systematic examination of the OTA in the treatment process and appropriate problem-solving is encouraged. Corequisites: OTAS 2200, OTAS 2260. Prerequisites: OTAS 1100, OTAS 1105, OTAS 1111, OTAS 1121, OTAS 1131, OTAS 1140, OTAS 1145, ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120. Offered: Summer.

OTAS 1140. Psychosocial Function in Occupation. (3 Credits)

Etiology, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions encountered in the clinical setting by Occupational Therapy Assistants. Occupational therapy treatment techniques for remediation and prevention across the life-span continuum are covered. Recognition of the use of psychotropic medications in psychiatric treatment and corresponding possible side effects are studied. Level 1 fieldwork observations and field trips will be part of this course. Prerequisites: ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120, OTAS 1100, OTAS 1105, OTAS 1111 Corequisites: OTAS 1121, OTAS 1131, OTAS 1145 Offered: Spring.

OTAS 1145. Developmental Function in Occupation. (3 Credits)

Examination of the process of evaluation, treatment and documentation for the OTA in settings working with a caseload involving development dysfunction. Emphasis is placed on developmental factors across ages and populations. Adaptive coping techniques and skills will be explored, with focus on practical problem solving. Level 1 fieldwork placement will be a component part of this course offering. Corequisites: OTAS 1121, OTAS 1131, OTAS 1140. Prerequisites: OTAS 1100, OTAS 1105, OTAS 1111, ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120. Offered: Spring.

OTAS 2200. Assistive Techniques and Technologies. (3 Credits)

The use and modification of adaptive devices and equipment is studied. Creative problem-solving regarding specific medical conditions is encouraged through the development of adaptive equipment. Proper patient positioning in the therapeutic and home environment is examined. Further development of static and dynamic splinting skill techniques for diverse patient treatment needs will be learned. The ability to analyze and problem-solve regarding overcoming environmental barriers is fostered. Issues related to increasing safety and functional mobility are explored. Corequisites: OTAS 1132, OTAS 2260 Prerequisites: ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120, OTAS 1100, OTAS 1105, OTAS 1111, OTAS 1121, OTAS 1131, OTAS 1140, OTAS 1145 Offered: Summer.

OTAS 2260. Treatment Methods and Management for the OTA. (4 Credits)

This course enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts learned in the didactic coursework to the clinic. Topics include common diagnoses seen, treatment environments, and treatments for areas of occupation including ADL, IADL, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. Students will be required to develop applications for enabling function for mental health and physical well-being through occupational therapy assessment/evaluation, intervention, and patient/client education. Techniques and applications used in traditional and non-traditional practice settings will be explored. Students will develop an awareness of activity demands, contexts, adapting, grading, and safe implementation of occupations or activities. Course will also create a discussion forum addressing events, skills, knowledge, and/or behaviors related to the practice environment. This will include legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation. Test-taking strategies for certification exams and the process for getting licensed will also be presented. Prerequisites: OTAS 1100, OTAS 1105, OTAS 1111, OTAS 1121, OTAS 1131, OTAS 1140, OTAS 1145, ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120. Corequisites: OTAS 1132, OTAS 2200. Offered: Summer.

OTAS 2410. Fieldwork Experience Level II A. (5 Credits)

Full-time fieldwork experience following the completion of all didactic course work. The fieldwork program involves students in experiences with clients, patients, therapists and others in the health care community. Participation in Level II fieldwork placements allows application of classroom theory and academic knowledge base. The fieldwork will be available in various settings providing opportunities for experience with diverse patient/client populations. The student fieldwork intern will experience various service delivery models reflective of current practice in the profession. Fieldwork internships are carried out in accordance with contractual agreements with health care facilities. Level II fieldwork internships are an integral part of the educational process and must be successfully completed within 18 months of the end of the didactic course work. Corequisites: OTAS 2420, OTAS 2412. Prerequisites: Completion of all didactic course work: ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120, OTAS 1100, OTAS 1105, OTAS 1111, OTAS 1121, OTAS 1131, OTAS 1132, OTAS 1140, OTAS 1145, OTAS 2200, OTAS 2260 Offered: Fall or at the discretion of the Program Director.

OTAS 2412. Occupational Therapy Seminar. (2 Credits)

This course is designed to provide for the transition from the student role to the graduate role. Analysis of ethical, professional, and social issues affecting OTA practice will occur. Emphasis will be on preparation for national and state credentialing requirements and promotion of life-long learning. There will be ongoing learning of program evaluation, reimbursement mechanisms, healthcare legislation, federal and state regulations, the responsibility of the professional and consumer, and the professional rules and responsibilities of the OTA. The student will be expected to understand the role of health professionals in changing healthcare systems, administration, management, and research. Participation in a Web-based course covering review of national exam material will occur throughout the semester. Students will be required to complete case study assignments based on clinical experiences during Level II fieldwork. Students are also required to complete mock board exams in preparation for the national certification exam. Corequisites: OTAS 2410, OTAS 2420. Prerequisites: ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120, OTAS 1100, OTAS 1105, OTAS 1111, OTAS 1121, OTAS 1131, OTAS 1132, OTAS 1140, OTAS 1145, OTAS 2200, OTAS 2260. Offered: Fall.

OTAS 2420. Fieldwork Experience Level II B. (5 Credits)

Full-time fieldwork experience following the completion of all didactic course work. The fieldwork program involves students in experiences with clients, patients, therapists and others in the health care community. Participation in Level II fieldwork placements allows application of classroom theory and academic knowledge base. The fieldwork will be available in various settings providing opportunities for experience with diverse patient/client populations. The student fieldwork intern will experience various service delivery models reflective of current practice in the profession. Fieldwork internships are carried out in accordance with contractual agreements with health care facilities. Level II fieldwork internships are an integral part of the educational process and must be successfully completed within 18 months of the end of the didactic course work. Prerequisite: Completion of all didactic course work: ALHE 1104, ALHE 1120, OTAS 1100, 1105, OTAS 1111, OTAS 1121, OTAS 1131, OTAS 1132, OTAS 1140, OTAS 1145, OTAS 2200, OTAS 2260 Corequisites: OTAS 2410, OTAS 2412. Offered: Fall or at the discretion of the Program Director.