OTA Course Descriptions
OTA 100
Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy - The philosophical base and history of occupational
therapy is examined. Through an historical approach, frames of reference within the
profession are reviewed with emphasis on occupation as a health determinant, the meaning
of occupation and purposeful activity, and professionalism. A broad range of practice
areas are investigated. Ethics of the profession are examined and applied to practice
situations. Legislation and legal issues affecting the profession are reviewed.
OTA 101
Fundamentals of Activity/Therapeutic Media - Through experimental learning, students
will explore and develop skills in performing processes required in minor crafts,
gross motor activities, games and simple work tasks. Emphasis is on activity analysis
and adaptation from the perspective of work and play/leisure tasks throughout the
life span. Safety in the use of therapeutic activities is emphasized. A file will
be created for each therapeutic media studied. Students will learn to teach techniques
in applying therapeutic media to a group.
OTA 102
Rehab Terminology/Disease & Diagnosis - A comprehensive course that is designed to
offer students proficiency in the use of terminology utilized in a variety of rehabilitation
settings. Basic medical terminology will be incorporated including prefixes, roots
and suffixes. This course will include an in-depth study of common diseases and diagnoses
found in rehabilitation. Occupational therapy databases, sites and resources will
be explored via the internet.
OTA 110
Occupational Skills - Psychosocial - Individual and group interactions related to
occupational therapy intervention are examined. Theories of practice that explain
interpersonal behavior from an occupational therapy perspective and psychiatric conditions
treated by the occupational therapy assistant are reviewed. The therapeutic use of
self and collaboration with the registered occupational therapist and other health
care professionals with an emphasis on team work is investigated. Interviewing, observation,
communication, and group process skills with an emphasis on cultural differences are
simulated and observed in clinic settings. Group roles and stages are examined. The
differences between task groups and talk groups are analyzed. Group leadership is
practiced.
OTA 111
Experiential/Simulation I - Designed to acquaint the student with the day to day activities
in the clinical setting when caring for individuals with psychosocial issues that
interfere with occupations and roles. This experience enables students to apply academic
knowledge to practice and develop an understanding of the needs of clients, setting
and staff.
OTA 120
Documentation in Occupational Therapy - Record keeping for accountability and reimbursement
is examined. Emphasis is placed on learning the structure and function of daily note
writing. Patient/client evaluation techniques including data gathering, reassessment,
treatment recommendations, and treatment termination are presented. Students learn
to write behavioral objectives and assist the OTR with goal writing. Techniques of
quality assurance are introduced. Insurance systems and various methods for documentation
are explored. The ethics of documentation is examined. Medical terminology is emphasized.
OTA 130
Dynamics of Human Movement - The organization of the human nervous system and the
structure of the human body in relation to joints, trunk and extremities is examined
and analyzed in terms of functional movement required for work, play and self-care
activities. Occupational therapy theory in relation to physical dysfunction is reviewed
along with the interrelationships between the central nervous system, peripheral nerves
and the musculoskeletal system. Physical conditions that interfere with successful
performance of occupational roles are examined. Gross manual muscle testing and goniometry
are simulated and practiced. Principles of kinesiology and body mechanics are presented.
Safety procedures in relation to functional mobility are reviewed. Principles of energy
conservation, work simplification and joint protection are introduced.
OTA 140
Occupational Skills Development in Pediatric Roles - Biological, psychosocial and
environmental conditions that lead to dysfunction in the roles of the child from neonate
to adolescence are examined. Adaptation and adjustment to limitations in occupational
performance are explored. The role of the occupational therapy assistant in prevention
and rehabilitation programs within medical and community settings such as hospitals,
infant programs, schools, and private practice is defined. Evaluation and treatment
techniques are examined including activities that facilitate age-appropriate balance
of work, self-care and play/leisure behaviors. The underlying performance components
necessary for successful occupational behaviors is presented. Emphasis is placed on
collaboration with families, caregivers, teachers and significant others.
OTA 141
Experiential/Simulation II - A laboratory experience that includes observing and identifying
normal and abnormal developmental behaviors in the pediatric population. This course
builds on previous introduction practicum experience and is designed to reinforce
and augment understanding of principles and techniques for observing, assessing, planning
and implementing occupational therapy treatment sessions with pediatric clients.
OTA 200
Occupational Skills in Physical Rehab - The normal occupational performance in development
of adult and geriatric roles is explored. The physical, socioeconomic, environmental
factors, lifestyle choices, and physical factors that influence adult and geriatric
occupational performance in their roles. Exploration of the recovery process, from
acute care to rehabilitation for physical and psychosocial conditions, is reviewed.
The role of the occupational therapy assistant in prevention and rehabilitation programs
is defined. Involvement in assessment, intervention, and therapeutic activities that
facilitate age appropriate occupational behaviors is practiced. The discharge process
and collaboration with other professionals and community agencies is included as part
of the treatment continuum.
OTA 210
Assistive Technology in Occupational Therapy - The technology employed by the occupational
therapy assistant is explored through laboratory practice and field site visits. This
technology includes but is not limited to: environmental adaptations, orthotics, prosthetics,
assistive devices, adaptive clothing and equipment. The use of computers in inventory
systems, word processing, cognitive retraining, evaluation, and work simulation is
defined and practiced.
OTA 220
Advanced Occupational Therapy Skills for Physical Dysfunction -This course focuses
on treatment techniques and adaptations to assist individuals with physical dysfunction
in various settings and the role of the occupational therapy assistant. The course
builds on the theory, foundation and skills learned in OTA 200 with laboratory activities
that allow students to apply screening, assessment, analysis, intervention, implementation,
documentation, discharge planning and outcome activities.
OTA 221
Experiential/Simulation III -A laboratory course providing a continuation of clinical
practicum with a focus on treatment planning, safety precautions, contraindications
and documentation in OTA Program affiliated adult and geriatric rehabilitation settings.
OTA 230
Occupational Therapy Management - This course presents an introduction to basic management
issues including: clerical, organizational, fiscal and supervisory components. Topics
relate to an occupational therapy department as well as activity programs. Legal guidelines
related to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the employment process are explored.
Quality assurance, research, and continuing education to support continued professional
growth is emphasized. Techniques for developing a resume and participating in an interview
are practiced.
OTA 240
Clinical Practicum IV - This experience involves full time hours for a ten week assignment
of advanced clinical experience under the direct supervision of a registered occupational
therapist or a certified occupational therapy assistant with the student assisting
in all phases of practice. Level I fieldwork (clinical practicum 1-3) hours will
not count toward OTA 240. All academic coursework and Skills Checklist competency must be completed prior to
enrolling in OTA 240. Students must complete all level II clinical experiences
within 18 months following the completion of core OTA academic preparation courses.
OTA 241
Clinical Practicum V - This experience involves a ten week assignment for 40 hours
per week of advanced clinical experience under the direct supervision of a registered
occupational therapist or a certified occupational therapy assistant with the student
assisting in all phases of practice. This course must be successfully completed
along with AS Degree for the student to be eligible to sit for the National Certification
Exam. Level I fieldwork (clinical practicum 1-3) hours will not count toward OTA
241. Students must complete all level II clinical experiences within 18 months following
the completion of core OTA academic preparation courses.