Course Descriptions
To view the liberal arts undergraduate course
descriptions, please review the 10-11 Undergraduate Catalog.
OT 101: Introduction to Occupational Therapy (3 credits)
This
course is designed for all students interested in occupational therapy.
It provides an overview of the history, philosophical base, values,
standards, and ethics of the occupational therapy profession and its
personnel. It introduces professional organizations, terminology,
concepts and regulatory requirements of the profession. Observation of
service settings occurs through scheduled off-site fieldtrips. Required
for freshmen and sophomore admit occupational therapy students.
OT 321: Activity Analysis (3 credits)
Examines the theories
underlying the use of occupation and purposeful activity in
occupational therapy. Students will examine the principles of activity
analysis within the scope of the occupational therapy process. They will
identify how to analyze, grade, adapt, and teach activities to enable
an individual to engage in chosen occupations to fulfill life roles and
will learn how to integrate adaptive devices to promote individual
occupational functioning. Laboratory sessions will provide students with
the opportunity to practice and apply classroom learned concepts. OT
majors only. Prerequisites: Formal acceptance into the OT Program or
permission of the Program Director, PSY 101, SOC 111. OT 101
Prerequisite/Co-requisite.
OT 323: Paradigms and Theories in OT (3 credits)
The
historical and philosophical foundations, paradigms, theories, and
practice models that guide occupational therapy practice are examined as
well as emerging models in response to a growing knowledge base. The
historical and theoretical base for professional attitudes, values, and
standards of behavior are explored as they provide a foundation for
service to clients and the profession. OT majors only. Prerequisites:
Formal acceptance into the OT Program or permission of the Program
Director, OT 101 Prerequisite/Co-requisite.
OT 325: Pathology for OT Practitioners (3 credits)
Within
the context of this course, students will examine pathophysiological
dysfunctions that interfere with an individual’s ability to engage and
participate in meaningful occupation. Conditions will be framed within
the context of the World Health Organization’s International
Classification of Function, and the effects of such conditions on an
individual’s occupational performance, performance skills, and
performance factors. Additional emphasis will be placed on diagnostics,
etiology, progression, performance deficits, intervention, prognosis and
functional outcomes. OT majors only. Prerequisites: Formal acceptance
into the OT Program or Permission of the Program Director, BIO 107
(Grade of C or higher), BIO 117 (Grade of C or higher), BIO 108 (Grade
of C or higher), BIO 118 (Grade of C or higher) and BIO 211 (Grade of C
or higher).
OT 327: Occupational Therapy Process (3 credits)
Focuses on
understanding and implementing the occupational therapy process,
including evaluation (occupational profile and analysis of occupational
performance), intervention (planning, implementing and reviewing), and
outcomes (engagement in occupations) as a foundation to clinical
reasoning. Concepts will be reinforced during weekly laboratory
sessions. OT majors only. Prerequisites: Formal acceptance into the OT
Program or Permission of the Program Director, OT 101
Prerequisite/Co-requisite for Freshmen and Sophomore Admits,
Co-requisite: OT 381.
OT 332: Grading & Adapting with Low Technology (3 credits)
This
course will provide students will build on the concepts identified in
Activity Analysis. Advances the use of occupation as the basis of
practice for the occupational therapy profession. Actively utilizes the
process of activity analysis for the selection, grading, and adaptation
of occupations as a means of evaluation and intervention within the
intervention process. Introduces students to the use of adaptive
equipment as a means of promotion of independence in occupational
performance, including; orthotics, prosthetics, and splinting.
Techniques and strategies for the teaching and practicing of the
therapeutic utilization of occupations will be practiced in weekly lab
sessions. OT majors only. Prerequisites: Formal acceptance into the OT
Program or Permission of the Program Director, OT 321 (Grade of C or
higher), OT 323 (Grade of C or higher), OT 325 (Grade of C or higher)
and OT 327 (Grade of C or higher).
OT 334: Occupational Performance I: Pediatrics (4 credits)
This
course will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and
professional behaviors to implement occupation based practice in current
and emerging areas of service delivery in the area of pediatric
occupational therapy. Best practice will be emphasized through critical
thinking skills and the use of scientific inquiry and research.
Techniques, strategies and practical skills for the promotion of health
and participation utilizing engagement in occupations that are
meaningful to clients will be reinforced during weekly lab sessions and
refined during concurrent level I fieldwork experience. OT majors only.
Prerequisite: Formal acceptance into the OT Program or Permissions of
the Program Director, OT 321 (Grade of C or higher), OT 323 (Grade of C
or higher), OT 325 (Grade of C or higher), and OT 327 (Grade of C or
higher). Co-requisite OT 382.
OT 336: Occupational Performance II: Adult (4 credits)
This
course will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and
professional behaviors to implement occupation based practice in current
and emerging areas of service delivery in the area of adult
occupational therapy. Best practice will be emphasized through critical
thinking skills and the use of scientific inquiry and research.
Techniques, strategies, and practical skills for the promotion of health
and participation utilizing engagement in occupations that are
meaningful to clients will be reinforced during weekly lab sessions and
refined during concurrent level I fieldwork experience. OT majors only.
Prerequisite: Formal acceptance into the OT Program or Permission of the
Program Director, OT 321 (Grade of C or higher), OT 323 (Grade of C or
higher), OT 325 (Grade of C or higher), and OT 327 (Grade of C or
higher). Co-requisite OT 382.
OT 381: Fieldwork I Seminar I (1 credit)
Students will
apply knowledge gained in concurrent OT courses to practice settings.
With supervision, students will be provided the opportunity to observe
and carry out professional responsibilities. Students will be guided in
the process of developing the reflective skills needed for professional
development. Students can expect to spend all or part of one day per
week at a clinical site during the duration of the course. OT majors
only. Prerequisites: formal acceptance into the OT Program or Permission
of the Program Director, Certification in CPR and First Aid; current
health and immunization status reports. Where applicable: Child Abuse
History Clearance, State Criminal Record Check, FBI Background Check,
and/or other site required clearances. Please refer to the Alvernia
University OT Student Handbook for full FW I requirements. Students will
be required to meet all requirements as outlined. The student is
responsible for travel arrangements and costs. Co-requisite OT 337.
OT 382: Fieldwork I Seminar II (1 credit)
Students will
apply knowledge gained in concurrent OT courses to practice settings.
With supervision, students will be provided the opportunity to observe
and carry out professional responsibilities. Students will be guided in
the process of developing the reflective skills needed for professional
development. Students can expect to spend all or part of one day per
week at a clinical site during the duration of the course. OT majors
only. Prerequisites: formal acceptance into the OT Program or Permission
of the Program Director, Certification in CPR and First Aid; current
health and immunization status reports. Where applicable: Child Abuse
History Clearance, State Criminal Record Check, FBI Background Check,
and/or other site required clearances. Please refer to the Alvernia
University OT Student Handbook for full FW I requirements. The student
is responsible for travel arrangements and costs. Co-requisite OT 334,
and or OT 336.
OT 421: Occupational Performance III: Behavioral Health (4
credits)
This course will provide students with the knowledge,
skills, and professional behaviors to implement occupation based
practice in current and emerging areas of service delivery in the area
of behavioral health occupational therapy. Best practice will be
emphasized through critical thinking skills and the use of scientific
inquiry and research. Techniques, strategies, and practical skills for
the promotion of health and participation utilizing engagement in
occupations that are meaningful to clients will be reinforced during
weekly lab sessions and refined during concurrent level I fieldwork
experience. OT majors only. Prerequisite: Formal acceptance into the
OT Program or Permission of the Program Director, OT 321 (Grade C or
higher), OT 323 (Grade C or higher), OT 325 (Grade C or higher), and OT
327 (Grade C or higher). Co-requisite OT 481.
OT 423: Occupational Performance IV: Geriatric (4 credits)
This
course will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and
professional behaviors to implement occupation-based practice in current
and emerging areas of service delivery in the area of geriatric
occupational therapy. Best practice will be emphasized through critical
thinking skills and the use of scientific inquiry and research.
Techniques, strategies and practical skills for the promotion of health
and participation utilizing engagement in occupations that are
meaningful to clients will be reinforced during weekly lab sessions and
refined during concurrent level I fieldwork experience. OT majors only.
Prerequisite: Formal acceptance into the OT Program or Permission of
the Program Director, OT 321 (Grade C or higher), OT 323 (Grade C or
higher), OT 325 (Grade C or higher), and OT 327 (Grade C or higher).
Co-requisite OT 481.
OT 427: Adapting and Grading-High Technology (3 credits)
Explores
the expanding use of technology as it relates to all aspects of
occupational therapy service deliver. Students build upon concepts
learned in Grading and Adapting with Low Technology to the application
of technology to increase function and improve quality of life for
individuals. Students will explore the use of emergent technology in
both client care and professional promotion capacities. Techniques and
strategies for the teaching and practicing of occupational performance
promotion will be completed in weekly lab sessions. OT majors only.
Prerequisite: Formal acceptance into the OT Program or Permission of the
Program Director, OT 332 (Grade C or higher).
OT 481: Fieldwork I Seminar III (1 credit)
Students will
apply knowledge gained in concurrent OT courses to practice settings.
With supervision, students will be provided the opportunity to observe
and carry out professional responsibilities. Students will be guided in
the process of developing the reflective skills needed for professional
development. Students can expect to spend all or part of one day per
week at a clinical site during the duration of the course. OT majors
only. Prerequisites: formal acceptance into the OT Program or Permission
of the Program Director, Certification in CPR and First Aid; current
health and immunization status reports. Where applicable: Child Abuse
History Clearance, State Criminal Record Check, FBI Background Check,
and/or other site required clearances. Please refer to the Alvernia
University OT Student Handbook for full FW I requirements. The student
is responsible for travel arrangements and costs. Co-requisite OT 421,
and or OT 423.
OT 482: Occupational Therapy Fieldwork: Practicum I (6 credits)
This
is the first in a sequence of two full-time (approximately 32-40 hours
per week depending on the site), 12-week or the equivalent, educational
experiences at an approved fieldwork site off-campus. It includes 1-2
seminars on campus. Under the supervision of a qualified practitioner,
the student integrates undergraduate academic course work by focusing on
the application of purposeful and meaningful occupation in the
administration and management of occupational therapy services. The
fieldwork experience promotes clinical reasoning and reflective
practice; and develops professionalism, competence, and compassion as
career responsibilities. This in-depth experience in delivery of
occupational therapy interventions is an essential foundation for
graduate studies. At the completion of this fieldwork students will
demonstrate significant progress toward competency for entry-level
practice. OT majors only. Prerequisites: All undergraduate OT courses
and all other related required courses with a “C” or better; completion
of all undergraduate program requirements including satisfactory
completion of all level I fieldwork; approval of academic fieldwork
coordinator, the site clinical fieldwork educator, and/or the Program
Director; current certification in CPR and first aid; and current health
and immunization status reports. Child abuse clearance, State Criminal
Record Check, FBI background, and any other certification or testing
that the fieldwork site requires. The student is responsible for
maintaining current health insurance, travel, and accommodation
expenses. Please refer to the Alvernia University OT Student Handbook
for full FW II Practicum requirements. This course is graded pass/fail.
OT 483: Occupational Therapy Fieldwork - Practicum II (6 credits)
This
is the second in a sequence of two full-time (approximately 32-40 hours
per week depending on the site), 12-week or the equivalent, educational
experiences at an approved fieldwork site off-campus. It includes 1-2
seminars on campus. Under the supervision of a qualified practitioner,
the student integrates undergraduate academic course work by focusing on
the application of purposeful and meaningful occupation in the
administration and management of occupational therapy services. The
fieldwork experience promotes clinical reasoning and reflective
practice; and develops professionalism, competence, and compassion as
career responsibilities. This in-depth experience in delivery of
occupational therapy interventions in an essential foundation for
graduate studies. At the completion of this fieldwork students will
demonstrate beginning competency for entry-level, generalist,
professional practice. OT majors only. Prerequisites: Grade of “P” in
OT 482. Where applicable: current certification in CPR and first aid;
and current health and immunization status reports. Child abuse
clearance, State Criminal Record Check, FBI background, and any other
certification or testing that the fieldwork site requires. The student
is responsible for maintaining current health insurance, travel, and
accommodation expenses. Please refer to the Alvernia University OT
Student Handbook for full FW II Practicum requirements. This course is
graded Pass/Fail
OT 513: Advocacy and Public Policy (3 credits)
This course
focuses on the identification and analysis of those factors influencing
the change within the profession and the promotion and development of
leaders within the profession. Examines the needs, resources, policies
and legislation affecting occupational therapy profession; at the
regional, national, and global levels. Issues of financing services,
reimbursement, measuring outcomes, developing partnerships, grant
writing, the development of business and marketing plans are presented.
The role of the practitioner as an educator, advocate, and consultant
with a central focus on occupation and its relationship to health are
examined. OT majors only. Prerequisites: formal acceptance into the OT
Program or Permission of the Program Director, OT 482, OT 483.
OT 517: Advanced Interventions (4 credits)
Continuation of
the use of knowledge gained during undergraduate studies and fieldwork
experiences to study problems in clinical reasoning. Students refine
critical thinking skills and actively direct their own learning to
explore client-centered, evidence based occupational therapy practice in
selected case studies. All phases of the occupational therapy process
are experienced through collaborative exercises, integrated
lecture/laboratory classes, and field trips. The potential case studies
represent persons with disorders and/or health conditions from birth
through the end of life. OT majors only. Prerequisites: Formal
acceptance into the MS OT degree or Permission of the Program Director,
OT 482 and 483.
OT 522: Leadership and Management (3 credits)
This course
investigates the role of an occupational therapist as a supervisor,
manager, and leader. Models of supervision and leadership are
presented. Students will identify the major organizational structures
within the profession, their organizations, and further examine the
contexts of service delivery including professional, federal, state, and
local laws and accrediting agencies (i.e. NBCOT, AOTA, state licensing
boards, CARF, JCAHO, etc.) as they relate to managing services and
leading organizations. Students will explore the operational functions
required within multiple practice settings, and consider different
models for ethical leadership. OT majors only. Prerequisite: Formal
acceptance into the OT Program or Permission of the Program Director, OT
482 (Grade of “P”) and OT 483 (Grade of “P”).
OT 526: Current Trends In OT - Wellness & Public Health (3
credits)
This course will investigate timely topics of critical
interest to occupational therapy professionals. The current focus will
examine the role of the occupational therapist in the promotion of
wellness & health, disability postponement, and prevention through
the use of the public health and social models of disability. Emphasis
will be placed on the relationship between chronic disease, disability,
occupational performance, and wellness from the societal perspective and
of those living with disabilities. Presentation of historical analysis,
healthcare discourse, cultural critique, evaluation and application of
occupational therapy theories and philosophies will expand opportunities
for service delivery to disadvantaged, underserved and/or
nontraditional populations both in the Unites States and
internationally. OT majors only. Prerequisite: Formal acceptance into
the OT Program or Permission of the Program Director, OT 482 (Grade of
“P”) and OT 483 Grade of “P”).
OT 605: Research Design (3 credits)
Exploration of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies used in occupational therapy, and critical evaluation of published research in the field. Students will define an area of interest, identify an appropriate research design, and develop a research proposal. By the end of the course students will have obtained approval for their research project from their research advisor and, if appropriate, have submitted a complete application with the Institutional Review Board. OT majors only. Prerequisites: Matriculation into the MS OT degree program or Permission of the Program Director, MAT 208 or equivalent, Pre or Co-requisite OT 607.
OT 607: Data Analysis for the Occupational Therapist (3 credits)
This
course is designed to familiarize students with the tools used to
analyze data in the social sciences. In the quantitative tradition
students will use mathematical and statistical tools including
descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric inferential
statistics to describe and analyze data. In the qualitative tradition
students will use techniques to analyze artifacts to discover the
meaning within the data. Issues of validity and reliability central to
all research methodologies will be explored. In preparation for their
own graduate research projects, students will learn how to use computer
software such as SPSS and ATLAS.ti to describe, analyze, and present
data. OT majors only. Prerequisites: Formal acceptance into the OT
Program or Permission of the Program Director, MAT 208 or the equivalent
(Grade “C” or higher).
OT 620: Research Report (3 credits)
Students will continue their learning about research in Occupational Therapy. Critical review of professional literature will prepare students to be users of research in clinical practice. Seminar discussions with faculty and fellow graduate students will provide opportunities to share and critique work. Students will participate in a mentored research project. For research involving human subjects, no data collection will begin before approval for the project has been received from all necessary Institutional Review Boards (IRB). Completion of the project initiated in the Research Design course will expand the understanding of the research process at the graduate level. The capstone activity of this course is a written report. OT majors only. Prerequisites: Formal acceptance into the MS OT degree program or Permission of the Program Director, OT 503 or OT 605, OT 607. Students must have earned a grade of B or higher in OT 503 or OT 605. Co-requisite OT 622.
OT 622: Research Seminar (1 credit)
Together with OT 620, this course includes the capstone activity for Masters of Occupational Therapy degree program and as such must reflect a high degree of scholarly competence by the student. Students working with a research faculty mentor will develop their research project in preparation for critical review. For research involving human subjects, no data collection will begin before approval for the project has been received from all needed Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). The culminating activity of this course will be an oral defense and then a presentation of the project to the public. OT majors only. Prerequisites: Formal acceptance into the MS OT degree or Permission of the Program Director, OT 503 or OT 605, OT 607. *Students must have earned a grade of B or higher in OT 503 or OT 605. Co-requisite OT 620.
OT 624: Best Ethical Practice in Occupational Therapy (3 credits)
The
role of the occupational therapist as an ethical professional will be
examined and expanded upon in this course. Professional roles, values,
ethics, and behaviors will be explored as these relate to respecting
self, peers, colleagues, clients, and supervisors. Within the context of
this course, students will become critical consumers of information,
through the identification, examination and analysis of information
relative to the profession. Ethical and legal issues of malpractice and
liability will be discussed. OT majors only. Prerequisite: Formal
acceptance into the OT Program or Permission of the Program Director, OT
482 (Grade of “P”) and OT 483 (Grade of “P”).
*Level I fieldwork
requires a minimum of 15 hours for each of the designated courses.
Students are responsible for required health status, insurance, special
clothing, travel expenses, and other designated prerequisites for each
fieldwork experience.
COR 510: Moral Leadership (3 credits)
A discussion and analysis of philosophies of moral leadership. The course is designed to present a vision for the development of reflective, responsible, and socially engaged leadership for the community, workplace, society and the global world. It will include the study of topics such as: theories of and approaches to moral leadership; the ideal relationship between leaders and followers; historical exemplars of moral leadership; and the contrast between moral and immoral leadership.
COR 600: Organizational and Professional Ethics (3 credits)
A discussion and analysis of ethical issues in organizational environments and the professions. The course is designed to provide an understanding of the practical applications of ethical theory to diverse ethical issues in professional life. It will include the study of topics such as: major theories and principles of ethics; the nature of professional organizations and their contributions to society; the social responsibilities of professions, organizations and corporations; codes of ethics and standards of professional conduct; and decision procedures for resolving ethical dilemmas in the workplace. (To be taken with the final 12 credits.)
