Health Science/Pre-Occupational Therapy Course Descriptions

Orientation to occupation and occupational therapy in humans throughout the lifespan. Concepts of occupation, function, adaptation, and occupational design are introduced. The history, philosophy, practice areas, professional roles, attitudes, and guiding principles of occupational therapy are studied. Curricular themes are introduced. Spring Semesters.

OT 3011 Conditions in Occupational Therapy (3 units)

Etiology, symptoms, clinical course, prognoses, and medical management of conditions seen in occupational therapy practice, including orthopedic, neurological, general medical and surgical conditions. Emphasis on developing clinical thinking skills connecting conditions to interventions in occupational therapy services. Prerequisites: BIO 2500, BIO 2600, BIO 3800, OT 1001. Spring Semesters.

OT 3012  Foundations of Occupational Therapy (2.5 units)

An introduction to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function as an occupational therapist. History, philosophy, concepts and theories of occupation and occupational therapy, clinical reasoning, and official documents of the profession are studied. Must be taken concurrently with OTL 3012. Fall Semesters.

OT 3014  Human Movement Analysis (3 units)

Study of kinesiology and biomechanics related to human motion and occupation. Principles of joint and muscle action correlated with activity, function, and dysfunction of the moving body. Laboratory: Activities designed to increase knowledge of joint structure and function, principles of goniometry, range of motion assessment and muscle strength testing. Prerequisites: BIO 2500, BIO 2600, and PHYS 1000. Spring Semesters.

OT 3015 Psychosocial Aspects of Occupation I (3 units)

Study of psychosocial aspects of human occupation and disability. Includes review of DSM IV; orientation to practice settings and professional roles, and introduction to the OT intervention process for individuals with psychosocial dysfunction. Laboratory: Therapeutic communication, interviewing, evaluation, treatment planning, and group leadership skill development. Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 3122, PSY 3141. Fall Semesters.

OT 3016 Occupations of Children and Adolescents I (3 units)

Occupations of the child from infancy through childhood and adolescence. Prenatal influences and typical and atypical development are surveyed. Conditions treated by OT’s in varied practice settings are studied. Laboratory: Overview of assessment and intervention procedures used within pediatric & adolescent practice including neurodevelopmental approaches and theory and function of play behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 3122, OT 3012. Spring Semesters.

OT 3115 Psychosocial Aspects of Occupation II (5 units)

Occupational therapy intervention for clients with psychosocial dysfunction. Emerging practice areas and future trends, including psychiatric rehabilitation, independent living, vocational programs, and examination of the psychological issues of physical disability. Laboratory: Developing, implementing and documenting evidence-based OT interventions. In-depth exploration of selected assessment tools. Includes community practice laboratory and Level I Fieldwork. Prerequisite: OT 3015. Spring Semesters.

OT 4017 Occupations of Adults and Seniors I (3 units)

Identification and assessment of physically and/or cognitively disabling conditions seen by occupational therapists in adult and senior populations.  Adult development is reviewed, theories used in the treatment of adult dysfunction are introduced, and evaluation, planning, treatment, and referral are introduced. Laboratory: practice with case analysis, assessment, treatment planning and intervention. Prerequisites: OT 3012, BIO 2500, BIO 2600, BIO 3800, PHYS 1000, OT 3014. Fall Semesters.

OT 4116 Occupations of Children and Adolescents II (5 units)

Advanced concepts and skills for OT assessment and intervention with children and their families. Focus on frames of reference and evidence-based practice. Study of established and emerging practice areas and future trends. Laboratory: Assessments, developing, implementing, and documenting effective intervention techniques using clinical reasoning skills. Includes community practice laboratory and Level I Fieldwork. Prerequisite: OT 3016. Fall Semesters.

OT 4117 Occupations of Adults and Seniors II (5 units)

Review of concepts introduced in OT 3017 and presentation of integrative models of practice, occupational assessments, and occupation-based interventions. Clinical techniques and theories, emerging practice areas, future trends. Laboratory: Advanced analysis of assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and splint fabrication. Includes community practice laboratory and Level I Fieldwork. Prerequisite: OT 4017. Spring Semesters.

OT 4994/5994 Teaching/Research Assistant (1-3 units)

Opportunities to assist OT faculty in conducting research or teaching of OT classes. Prerequisites: Instructor permission, class standing, must have previously completed course with ‘A’ (4.0) or ‘B’ (3.0) grade. Fall, Spring Semesters.

OT 4999 Directed Study (1-3 units)

Directed reading, research, and/or a project of special interest to a student. May be repeated for credit.

OT 5101 Leadership & Management in Occupational Therapy (3 units)

Leadership and management theories and principles related to current occupational therapy models of practice and reimbursement, including planning, organizing, directing, controlling, evaluating, and communicating. Introduction to healthcare systems, legislation and regulations relating to OT practice. Leadership skill development related to the OT profession. Prerequisites: OT 3012. Spring Semesters.

OT 5103 Occupational Therapy Program Development (4 units)

Development of skills needed to design and implement innovative occupation-based programs in community settings using a service-learning model. Topics covered include theoretical frameworks, research, development, implementation and evaluation of community programs, business planning, grant seeking, and marketing. Community service hours are required. Prerequisite: Graduate status. completion of OT practice courses. Fall Semesters.

OT 5104 Educational Principles and Practice in OT (3 units)

Teaching and learning theories, common occupational therapy practice, including community/group, client/individual teaching, family teaching, health education and prevention, and staff in-service teaching.  Includes development and implementation of clinical or community teaching modules. Spring Semesters.

OT 5105 Research in the Health Professions (3 units)

Introduction to research and its role in the study and solution of OT problems, the improvement of health care, and the development of OT science. Includes quantitative and qualitative design and methods, and an introduction to evidence-based practice. Prerequisite: PSY 3187. Fall Semesters.

OT 5106 Advanced Theory and Research Methods (3 units)

Study of emerging and advanced theory based research designs specific to the profession of occupational therapy, and issues related to human subject studies.  Content advances the student toward preparation of a thesis proposal. Prerequisite: OT 5105. Fall Semesters.

OT 5107 Professional Development Seminar (3 units)

Designed to facilitate the transition to professional practice of occupational therapy. Content includes portfolio preparation, preparation for fieldwork and preparation for the national certification examination. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the OT department. Fall Semesters.

OT 5108 Culture and Human Occupation (3 units)

An exploration of the influence of culture on health and health practices, the barriers that occur between people, their systems and their health practices as a result of cultural differences, and the influence of culturally aligned health interventions on positive health outcomes. Summer Sessions.

OT 5109 OT Topics in Advanced Practice (3 units)

Exploration of topics related to advance practice and specialty practice areas. Specific focus varies. Fall Semesters.

OT 5110 OT Thesis Proposal (2 units)

This course culminates in the student completing a written proposal and the acceptance of the proposal for a thesis or project. Peer and faculty support is provided to explore topics, research and review the literature, design a study, and submit the proposal. Prerequisite: Completion of all practice classes, OT 5105, OT 5106. Spring Semesters.

OT 5111 OT Thesis Completion (2 units)

Implementation of the approved proposal.  Completion of a written thesis.  Presentation of the thesis content in poster and Power Point formats. Students are required to submit their thesis or project for presentation or publication in professional venues. Prerequisite: Successful completion of OT 5110. Fall Semesters.

OT 5130/5131/5132/5133  Level II Fieldwork (1-6 units)

A minimum of 480 hours (12 weeks) full-time experience in a community agency or hospital setting with supervision by a registered occupational therapist. Development of skills in patient/client occupational therapy assessment and intervention processes. Prerequisites: Approval of Program Director, completion of all required courses. May be repeated for credit. Fall, Spring Semesters.

OT 5992 Thesis Continuation (0 units)

Continuation of Master’s thesis process.  May be repeated as needed.

OT 5994 Teaching/Research Assistant (1-3 units)

Opportunities to assist OT faculty in conducting research or teaching of OT classes. Prerequisites: Instructor permission, class standing, must have previously completed course with ‘A’ (4.0) or ‘B’ (3.0) grade. Fall, Spring Semesters.