OTD 102. Exploring Occupational Therapy as a Career. 3 credits.

This course is designed for individuals who are considering a career in occupational therapy. The course addresses a broad overview of the professional of occupational therapy and provides experiences to discern if occupational therapy is one's calling. P: One semester of college experience.

OTD 215. Medical Terminology. 1 credit. (Same as PMC 215)

Medical Terminology is a critical part of language and communication used by health care practitioners. This self-directed course is designed for students planning a career in the health services and related fields. Course content includes a study of basic medical terminology. Students will construct and decipher terms using prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, and abbreviations related to body systems, cavities, planes, and positions. Competency is evaluated throughout the semester through online testing.

OTD 302. Occupations and Occupational Therapy. 3 credits.

This course will introduce students to occupation as a fundamental concept of the profession of occupational therapy. Students will gain an understanding of the history and philosophical base of the profession, the domain of practice, and practice trends. Official documents of the American Occupational Therapy Association, World Health Organization, and other relevant organizations will be explored. Students will be introduced to practice models of occupation and disability theory. P: Admission to the EOTD program or IC. CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 306. Health Conditions. 0-3 credits.

This course is an overview of health conditions that are pertinent to the practice of occupational therapy across the lifespan. Students will analyze etiology, signs, symptoms, pathophysiology, psychopathology, and the impact of pharmacological interventions on select health conditions and occupational performance. P: Admission to the EOTD program or IC; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 310. Introduction to Clinical Education Seminar. 0.5 credits. FA

This course introduces the policies, procedures and processes that occur in the clinical education portion of the curriculum. Within this course, student’s will become familiar with the Level I and Level II Fieldwork Manual and will apply this foundational knowledge to the remainder of their clinical education experiences throughout the program. P: Admission to OTD program or IC.

OTD 314. Occupation and Health: Population Perspectives. 3 credits.

This course will examine the role of occupation in enhancing the health of populations through health promotion, health education, and prevention of illness. Key concepts of population health, needs assessment, health promotion, and health behavior will be applied to develop local and global population-based approaches for meeting the health needs of individuals and communities. P: Admission to the EOTD program or IC. CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 316. Professional Practice and Ethical Formation Seminar. 4 credits.

This course will promote professional formation through the integration of foundational concepts and skills necessary for competent and ethical practice. Students will develop basic skills in clinical and ethical reasoning, assessment and intervention, client interaction and education. P: Admission to the EOTD program or IC. CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 317. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health. 4 credits.

This course examines occupational therapy in mental health practice, as well as the influence of psychosocial factors on occupational performance. Theory-driven practice is valued with the introduction of selected psychosocial frames of reference and/or conceptual models of mental health practice to guide the evaluation process, the selection of assessment tools, and the design of therapeutic interventions. Use of self as a therapeutic agent and group process skills will be emphasized. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 318. Level IA Fieldwork: Mental Health. 0.5 credits.

In accordance with occupational therapy accreditation standards, this course will introduce students to the fieldwork experience, facilitate application of knowledge to practice, and foster students' understanding of client needs. The focus is to immerse students in a setting where they will examine how psychological and social factors influence occupational performance in actual situations. Students will engage in directed observation and participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process. This course orients students to policies, procedures, and required documentation related to clinical education. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 324. Applied Kinesiology. 0-3 credits.

This course presents foundational biomechanical and kinesiological principles necessary for the assessment of movement in relation to occupational performance. Students will apply knowledge and skills in musculoskeletal screening and assessment for people with various health conditions. Students will demonstrate the ability to interpret manual muscle testing and range of motion assessment results in order to develop intervention plans using therapeutic exercise. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 330. Spanish for Health Professionals. 2 credits.

This course offers a concise introduction to Spanish grammar, vocabulary and culture for students whose personal or professional goals include a working knowledge of Spanish. In addition to emphasizing basic communication, this course will give special attention to the vocabulary needs of those individuals involved in the health professions. This is an elective course.

OTD 333. Upper Extremity Evaluation and Intervention I. 0-3 credits.

This is the first in a two-course sequence that focuses on the occupational therapy process for persons with upper extremity conditions across the lifespan. Students will gain knowledge and skills in assessment and intervention, including orthotic selection and fabrication in various practice settings. Occupational engagement and continuum of care are emphasized in the course. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 334. Foundations of Research. 3 credits.

This is the first of two required research classes in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. This course will build students’ technical skills related to reading, understanding, and critically analyzing the results of published research studies. It will address quantitative and qualitative designs, measurement and instrumentation, sampling, and basic principles of quantitative and qualitative analyses. The course will emphasize the importance of these concepts for evidenced-based practice in occupational therapy. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course.

OTD 341. Neuroanatomy. 3 credits.

In this course, students will identify and describe the major structural and functional features of the nervous system, with a focus on the brain and the spinal cord. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of brain functioning and its dynamic relationship with occupation. P: Admission to the EOTD program or IC: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 342. Clinical Human Anatomy. 0-4.5 credits.

This course provides an overview of clinical human gross anatomy and integrates knowledge of neuroanatomy and health conditions. Understanding the anatomy of the human body aids the occupational therapist in thorough assessment and design of effective interventions and provides knowledge of how anatomy influences occupational performance. A lab section of this course supplements the anatomy learning experience by allowing students the opportunity to apply concepts on human cadavers. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 355. Physical Rehabilitation I: Evaluation. 0-3 credits.

This course is the first in a three-course sequence focusing on physical rehabilitation. Clinical reasoning and theory-driven practice are valued with the introduction of selected physical rehabilitation frames of reference and/or conceptual models of occupational therapy practice to guide the evaluation process, the selection of assessment tools, and the design of therapeutic goals. Students will demonstrate competence with documentation and billing requirements. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 356. Physical Rehabilitation II: Neurorehabilitation. 0-4 credits.

This course is the second in a three-course sequence focusing on physical rehabilitation. It incorporates the occupational therapy process and centers on the theoretical foundations of and intervention for clients with neurologic conditions. Students will interpret evaluation results to design client-centered and evidence-based intervention plans that promotes occupational engagement. Assistive technologies commonly used on physical rehabilitation practice settings will be explored. This course will allow students to build upon knowledge of documentation and reimbursement from previous coursework. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other courses in this semester.

OTD 386. Institute for Latin American Concerns Immersion. 3 credits.

Occupational therapy students will participate in a 2-week cross-cultural experience in the Dominican Republic focusing on the aspects of occupational therapy treatment in an international setting. A major focus of the experience will be exploration of the role of occupational therapy in an underserved global health setting utilizing the tenets of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Students will engage in cultural exploration of the Dominican culture utilizing the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and provide health-related education to multiple community partners. Implementation of treatment, patient education, reflection and discussion are the main methods used to promote student learning during the experience.

OTD 390. Level IB Fieldwork. 1 credit. SU

In accordance with occupational therapy accreditation standards, this course will facilitate application of knowledge to practice and foster students' understanding of client needs. The focus is to immerse students in a practice setting of interest through directed observation and participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course.

OTD 399. Directed Independent Studies. 1-6 credits.

This course is an opportunity for motivated occupational therapy students to become involved in a course of study under the direction and guidance of a faculty in order to: (a) pursue, in depth, an area covered more generally in the curriculum; (b) explore a topic not normally covered in the curriculum; (c) provide occupational therapy services to diverse and underserved populations, or (d) assist with or conduct original problem-oriented or technique-based research in an occupational therapy area of interest. This study may be in any occupational therapy-related area of practice. In all cases, it is the student's responsibility to fully identify the topic and to acquire enough information to ensure its worthiness for independent study. A maximum of three semester hours may be taken in OTD 399. This course is an elective.

OTD 402. Occupational Therapy Work in Academic Settings. 3 credits. SU

This course is designed to prepare entry level occupational therapy students to recognize work in academic settings. Topics will include the structure of American colleges and universities, learning sciences, teaching and assessment strategies, and customs used in academic settings. This is an elective course. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework to date. CR: OTD program admission.

OTD 403. Neuro-occupation. 2 credits. SP

This course is an overview of the reciprocal relationship between the brain and occupation. Students will apply, analyze, and evaluate evidence and theories of foundational concepts including neuroscience, neuroplasticity, occupational behavior, and systems and chaos theories, among others. Students will develop intervention plans that support the mutual importance of occupation and neuroscience.

OTD 406. Management and Program Development. 4 credits.

This course will focus on the development and management of occupational therapy services for persons, groups and/or populations. Essential management and leadership skills will be explored and developed to prepare students to lead across all practice settings and environments. Students will explore the health care system and apply leadership strategies to promote, develop, and expand services related to occupational therapy. Financial management, strategic planning, program evaluation and improvement, and locating and securing grants will be applied to the process of business and program development. Students will explore health care regulations and compliance issues.

OTD 417. Disability and Health Care Policy. 3 credits.

This course involves the study of disability and health care policies and their effects on occupational therapy practice. Students will critically examine government and regulatory systems; professional societies; economic, political, and professional forces; and cultural and social values that influence the development of health care policy and contemporary practice. Students will apply advocacy skills to promote the profession and the just treatment of people with disabilities. P: Successful completion of all required coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 420. Exploring Spirituality in OT Practice. 1 credit.

This course will explore concepts of spirituality in the OT literature and by writers from medicine, theology, and psychology. Students will actively explore their own spiritual development. They will then study how spirituality is experienced by individuals with acute or chronic illness and disability. Lastly students will apply their knowledge to occupational therapy interventions. In brief, this course will consider spirituality to be about a person's relationship with his/her inner self, with other people, and with the transcendent. A distinction will be made between spirituality and religion. This course in an elective. P: Successful completion of year one.

OTD 421. Occupational Therapy Practice in Maternal Health and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 1 credit. FA

This course will focus on occupational therapy practice in maternal health care, transition to parenting, and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Concepts related to occupational therapy’s role with both mother and baby in the prenatal and postnatal period will be addressed in this course, including promotion of healthy pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and transition to caring for a newborn. The impact of complications during this period such as bedrest, postpartum depression, premature delivery and infant loss will be discussed. Students will develop a deeper understanding of neonatal development, conditions affecting the premature infant, and the NICU environment. Occupational therapy interventions for the premature infant such as sensorimotor, feeding, positioning, and developmental care will be addressed, as well as strategies to support the family throughout the NICU stay. P: OTD 317, OTD 403, OTD 435 and OTD 436.

OTD 423. Occupational Therapy with Older Adults. 3 credits.

This course focuses on the unique characteristics and needs of older adults. Contemporary practice issues related to productive aging, including interprofessional practice, will be emphasized. Students will examine various service delivery models and resources to support older adults and their caregivers. Evaluation and intervention to promote safety and occupational engagement in the home and community will be applied. Theories of aging, changes in body structures and functions associated with aging, and end-of-life issues will also be addressed. Students will examine current policies affecting geriatric practice and payment. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 426. Introduction to Maternal and Infant Health. 1 credit. FA

This course will focus on developing a broad understanding of maternal and infant health, health care systems, policy and advocacy, and interdisciplinary practice. Concepts related to occupational therapy’s role with both mother and baby in the perinatal period will be addressed in this course including stages of pregnancy, mortality and morbidity, and the caregiver-infant dyad. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the current trends in maternal and infant health in the United States and globally, as well as increase their awareness of special topics involving this population. P: OTD 317 and acceptance to the OTD Maternal and Infant Health Specialty Track.

OTD 427. Occupational Therapy Practice in Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Parenting Occupations. 1 credit. SP

This course will focus on occupational therapy practice in maternal health care and the transition to parenthood in the inpatient, outpatient, and community setting. Concepts related to occupational therapy’s role in physical wellness during pregnancy and the postpartum period will be addressed in this course, including promotion of healthy pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and transition to caring for a newborn. The impact of medical complications during this period such as bedrest, premature delivery, Cesarean Section, and postpartum morbidity will be discussed. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the physical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Occupational therapy interventions for the core, pelvic floor, and upper extremities will be addressed, as well as strategies to promote proper body mechanics during parenting occupations. P: OTD 317, OTD 435 and acceptance to the OTD Maternal and Infant Health Specialty Track.

OTD 428. Occupational Therapy Practice in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health and Wellness. 1 credit. SU

This course will focus on occupational therapy practice in maternal and infant mental health and wellness, role transition and occupational balance for caregivers, caregiver/infant attachment, and transition to parenting. Occupational therapy’s role with both mother and baby in the prenatal and postnatal period will be addressed in this course, including development of a postpartum plan, perinatal mood disorders, matrescence, and stress management. Students will develop a deeper understanding of occupational therapy interventions for perinatal mood disorders, occupational imbalance, attachment, and addressing relationships and intimacy with the postpartum population. P: OTD 317, OTD 403, OTD, 435, OTD 436 and acceptance to the OTD Maternal and Infant Health Specialty Track.

OTD 429. OT Practice in the NICU and Early Intervention. 1 credit. FA

This course will focus on occupational therapy practice in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), infant development, early intervention, and outpatient care. Students will develop a deeper understanding of neonatal and full-term newborn development, conditions affecting the premature infant, and the NICU environment. Occupational therapy interventions in the NICU will be addressed, such as sensorimotor, feeding, positioning, and developmental care. Strategies to support the family throughout the NICU stay and transition to home will be discussed, as well as follow up care, medical complexity, and early intervention. P: OTD 317, OTD 403, OTD 435, OTD 436 and acceptance to the OTD Maternal and Infant Health Specialty Track.

OTD 433. Upper Extremity Evaluation and Intervention II. 3 credits.

This is the second in a two-course sequence that focuses on the occupational therapy process for persons with upper extremity conditions across the lifespan. Students will apply clinical reasoning in selecting and implementing assessments and interventions in order to safely administer physical agent modalities and other preparatory methods that enhance occupational engagement. Competency practicums will be implemented as required to meet regulatory guidelines. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 434. Research Proposal. 3 credits.

This is the second of two required research classes in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. In this course, students develop a meritorious and ethically sound research proposal which addresses a research question of interest to occupational therapy practice, policy, advocacy, education, or related topic. Students will identify a research question, develop a proposal to answer the research question, and improve their scholarly writing skills.

OTD 435. Occupational Therapy with Children and Youth I. 3 credits.

This course introduces students to occupational therapy practice with children and youth. It focuses on childhood development and the evaluation process, highlighting observation skills, interprofessional collaboration, and working with families and communities. Students will examine childhood occupations and developmental milestones. They will explore theories and principles of assessment and intervention for frames of reference commonly used in pediatric occupational therapy practice.

OTD 436. Occupational Therapy with Children and Youth II. 0-4 credits.

This is the second in a two-course sequence focused on the occupational therapy process with children and youth. It focuses on occupation-based interventions, activity analysis and use of technology in practice. Coordination of care in a variety of practice settings and service delivery models will be examined. Students will apply knowledge of theories and frames of reference to develop strategies for evaluation and intervention in specific performance areas and with selected pediatric health conditions.

OTD 442. Critical Analysis of Occupational Therapy Practice. 3 credits. SP

In this course, students will gain an understanding of external and internal criticisms of the profession of occupational therapy. Through student-driven learning activities, the course will emphasize the judicious use of evidence-based methods in evaluation and intervention in order to contribute to the ongoing refinement of the profession. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 457. Physical Rehabilitation III: Interventions and Outcomes. 0-4 credits.

This course is the third in a three-course sequence focusing on physical rehabilitation. It incorporates the occupational therapy process and centers on the theoretical foundations and intervention of clients with orthopedic, cardiac, pulmonary, and other health conditions. Students will formulate intervention plans that will include a final synthesis of how assistive technologies are used to enhance occupational performance. Students will be introduced to advanced practice areas and build upon knowledge of documentation and reimbursement from previous coursework. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 460. Clinical Education Seminar I. 1.5 credit.

This course is the first of a two-course sequence designed to provide structure and guidance to students for the processes of Level I and Level II fieldwork and the Doctoral Capstone Experience and Project. Official documents of the American Occupational Therapy Association and policies related to clinical education will be discussed. Additionally, students will engage in self-directed personal and professional exploration of their identity as occupational therapy practitioners. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course.

OTD 461. Clinical Education Seminar II. 1.5 credit.

This course is the second in a two-course sequence designed to provide structure and guidance to students for the processes of Level I and Level II fieldwork and the Doctoral Capstone Project. Official documents of the American Occupational Therapy Association and policies related to clinical education will be discussed. Additionally, students will engage in self-directed personal and professional exploration of their identity as occupational therapy practitioners. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course.

OTD 481. Level II A Fieldwork. 12 credits.

Students will apply their understanding of occupation, professional practice, professional identity, leadership, and Ignatian values during a 12-week, full-time fieldwork placement. Students will develop entry-level competency as a generalist practitioner at their site by the conclusion of this experience. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 490. Level IC Fieldwork. 1 credit. FA

In accordance with occupational therapy accreditation standards, this course will facilitate application of knowledge to practice and foster students' understanding of client needs. The focus is to immerse students in a practice setting of interest through directed observation and participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 491. Level ID Fieldwork. 1 credit. SP

In accordance with occupational therapy accreditation standards, this course will facilitate application of knowledge to practice and foster students' understanding of client needs. The focus is to immerse students in a practice setting of interest through directed observation and participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 564. Professional Identity and Ethical Perspectives. 3 credits.

This course will advance reflective practice and the making of “right” choices and decisions in the delivery and promotion of occupational therapy within the interdisciplinary health care team. Students will cultivate professional identity by reflecting on level II A fieldwork and examining future professional obligations and responsibilities. A framework for exploring the pragmatic, moral, and spiritual dimensions of occupational therapy practice will be presented. Ethical reasoning, critical thinking, and discernment will be further developed using ethically and clinically challenging practice case examples, the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Ethics Commission Advisory Opinions, and the Code of Ethics and Ethics Standards to inform decision-making. Students will reflect on their professional identity as educators, as they explore principles and skills needed to work in academic settings and as fieldwork educators. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 571. Level II B Fieldwork. 12 credits.

Students will apply their understanding of occupation, professional practice, professional identity, leadership, and Ignatian values during a 12-week, full-time fieldwork placement. Students will develop entry-level competency as a generalist practitioner at their site by the conclusion of this experience. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 574. Professional Competency. 0.5 credits.

This course is designed to meet the doctoral-level educational standard of the American Council of Occupational Therapy Education, which mandates that students successfully complete a competency requirement before commencing the doctoral experiential component. Students will demonstrate both didactic and clinical competence. This course offers a structured way to prepare for the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy certification exam. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. P: Successful completion of all required professional coursework preceding the offering of this course; CO: All other required courses in this semester.

OTD 599. Directed Independent Study. 1-4 credits.

This course offers the opportunity for doctor of occupational therapy students to become involved in a course of study under the direction and guidance of a faculty member in lieu of a portion of the professional rotation requirements of the OTD program. Students may choose to 1) pursue, in depth, an area covered more generally in the curriculum; 2) explore a topic not normally covered in the curriculum; 3) provide occupational therapy services to diverse and underserved populations; or 4) assist with or conduct original problem-oriented or technique-based research in an occupational therapy area of interest. This study may be in any occupational therapy-related area or practice. In all cases, it is the student's responsibility to fully identify the topic and to acquire enough information to ensure its worthiness for independent study. A maximum of 4 semester hours can be taken in OTD 599. This is an elective course. P: OTD 571, OTD 574.

OTD 602. Professional Competency. 0.5 credits.

This course is designed to offer a structured approach to prepare for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy certification exam. Didactic and clinical components from previous courses are reviewed, integrated, and applied to select practice exams. Students are expected to achieve satisfactory practice exam scores to achieve course completion.

OTD 603. Doctoral Capstone. 16 credits. SP

The Doctoral Capstone is designed for students to build upon their entry-level competence as generalist practitioners to achieve in-depth knowledge in one or more of the following: clinical skills, research skills, administration, program development and evaluation, policy development, advocacy, education, or leadership through a combination of a doctoral experience and a doctoral capstone project. Students will actualize individualized specific learning objectives with mentorship from a content expert. Evidence of synthesis of in-depth knowledge gained throughout the Doctoral Capstone is disseminated through a culminating capstone project.

OTD 604. Occupational Therapy Research Practicum. 1 credit.

Occupational Therapy in Research Practicum provides an opportunity for occupational therapy students to conduct and disseminate scholarly projects, under the direction and guidance of a faculty member. This course immerses students in an applied research experience where the student will be able to develop skills in research design, data collection, data management, data analysis, and scholarly writing. A faculty member may involve the student in their own ongoing research or supervise the student in independent research activities appropriate to the student’s interests and skills. This course is structured as a contact in which the student and faculty advisor establish specific learning objectives, a defined scope of work, and specific scholarly dissemination products to be completed which may include a presentation or publication. Students can repeat this course for up to 2 credits. P: OTD 334; Acceptance into OTD Research Specialty track.

POTD 552. Neuro-Occupation and Technology. 3 credits.

Part I of the course, neuro-occupation examines the relationship of occupation, neuroscience, philosophy, theories of the mind, systems theory nonlinear dynamics, and chaos and complexity theory. Braided foundational concepts integrate neuroscience with the occupational nature of humans. Part II, neuro-technology focuses on complex rehabilitation technologies that produce a new or altered neurobehavioral or neuromuscular response. Higher level clinical reasoning supports student’s integration and application of neuro-occupation and neuro-technologies.