Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate Degree

This course will introduce the student to the field of occupational therapy and examine the role of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant in health care, community and educational settings.u202f Major topics include the AOTA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, the relevance of professional organizations, the varied roles of the occupational therapy assistant (OTA), national requirements for credentialing, the importance of professional research and literature, and how external factors influence the practice of occupational therapy.

This course introduces the student to the process of occupational therapy from referral/screen through discharge.u202f The students will learn screening and assessment techniques, how to establish goals, and how to plan, implement and review appropriate interventions.u202f Additional topics include collaboration with the occupational therapist, referrals to specialists and education of clients, family members, caregivers, the public and other health professionals.

This course will focus on observation and analysis of occupational performance throughout the life span. The impact of social, economic, political, geographic and demographic factors on human occupations will be emphasized.u202f Topics include the dynamics of occupation and activity, analysis of tasks relative to occupation, grading and adapting the environment and the task to maximize success, and utilizing teaching and learning principles to collaborate with clients, families, and other professionals.

This is the first Level I Fieldwork course, in which students are assigned to a different setting than the level I B rotation. Students will be directly supervised by fieldwork educators or faculty. This course includes observation and guided practice for application of the occupational therapy process. Activities and discussion are used to complement practical fieldwork experiences.u202f The focus of this class will be on observational skills pertaining to assessments and interventions and application of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework to clinical observations.

This course will focus on individuals with psychosocial challenges and how they relate to occupation across the lifespan.u202f Topics include the history, philosophy and models of mental health rehabilitation, clinical factors that impact function, health and wellness, assessments and interventions, development of therapeutic use of self, group dynamics, populations and current issues impacting psychosocial occupational therapy practice.

This course addresses occupational therapy interventions and approaches in pediatric populations. Human development is explored with emphasis on occupational performance of typical and atypical individuals from birth through adolescence.u202f Topics include assessment techniques, exploring theory-based treatment approaches, devising interventions for the pediatric population, the roles of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant in service delivery for this population and the rights of the pediatric individual.

This is the final Level I Fieldwork course, in which students are assigned to a different setting than the level I A rotation. Students will be directly supervised by fieldwork educators or faculty.u202f This course includes guided practice for application of the occupational therapy process in traditional and emerging practice settings with consideration of the impact of psychological and social factors. Activities and discussion are used to complement practical fieldwork experiences.u202f Students will apply the occupational therapist/occupational therapy assistant (OT/OTA) collaborative process to their observations, interventions, data collection, and assessments.

This course will present the basic principles of biomechanics and kinesiology related to human movement and occupational performance.u202f Topics include the interrelationship among the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and musculoskeletal system, assessment of balance and posture, joint range of motion, manual muscle testing, application of biomechanical principles, and analysis of functional movement required for occupational performance.u202f The course will also address preparatory methods of intervention, and orthotic devices and training.

This course addresses occupational therapy interventions for persons with physical disabilities. Etiology, signs and symptoms, and diagnostic criteria that impact function will be explored. Topics include incorporation of theories, work simplification techniques, energy conservation, physical agent modalities, and proper use of body mechanics.

This course introduces the student to assistive technologies and adaptive devices designed to improve mobility and occupational performance.u202f Topics will include technologies, adaptation/modification of devices and the environment.

Eight weeks of supervised clinical experience applying occupational theory, skills and concepts.u202f Students will use the occupational therapy process while developing and practicing the skills of an entry-level occupational therapy assistant.u202f Students are assigned to an off-campus setting working with individuals with developmental, physical or emotional challenges.u202f Students are responsible for transportation.

Eight weeks of supervised clinical experience applying occupational theory, skills and concepts.u202f Students will use the occupational therapy process while developing and practicing the skills of an entry-level occupational therapy assistant.u202f Students are assigned to an off-campus setting working with individuals that offers a diversity of experience from that offered in Level II fieldwork A.u202f Students are responsible for transportation.

A study of the structure and basic molecular and cellular functions, and basic disease processes of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.

A study of the structure, functions, and basic disease processes of the nervous, sensory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Introduction to nutrition with emphasis on special dietary needs, nutrients, and supplements.

Students study the evolution of information and the impact of technology on research, and learn how to access, evaluate, and synthesize acquired research. The research process and papers required, of each student include inquiry into the history of each student's chosen career along with the assignments on how changes in technology have impacted the communication processes in the career field.

Students develop their expository and persuasive writing skills through varied writing experiences. Information literacy skills and research techniques are introduced and reinforced. Students apply their information literacy and writing skills to produce a paper which incorporates research in appropriate APA citation style.

This course builds on the research and writing skills developed in the previous English course. Students make critical decisions about the research necessary to produce diverse writings appropriate in content, format, and documentation. Using their research, students produce documents that will positively affect varied audiences.

This course helps students develop quantitative literacy skills for personal and professional lives. Students will use reasoning and mathematical methods to find solutions to real-world problems. Students will use algebraic, financial, proportional, probabilistic, and statistical methods to draw conclusions and/or make decisions.

This course provides students with an introduction to psychology and the science of human behavior. Students are exposed tou00a0concepts, terminology, principles, and theories foundational to the discipline. Featured topics include research methods, consciousness and learning, emotional and motivational theories, psychological disorders and treatment, personality theories, and social psychology as they relate to personal, professional, and academic life.

This course explores the concepts and theories of human development throughout the lifespan. The biological, cognitive and social/emotional domains will be studied beginning with prenatal development and extending throughout life, ending with dying and death.

In this course, students will study the theories and descriptions related to disorders of behavior, emotion, and thought. Techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders will also be explored. Students will examine psychological disorders and their impact on individuals in the workplace.

Students are introduced to sociological principles through exploring the relationship between the individual, attitudes, behavior and the community. This includes the contemplation of issues like race, gender, class, sex, and age, as well as organizational infrastructures and their tendencies towards power, authority, and status.