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Division of Occupational Therapy
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Curriculum
Fieldwork Education
Accreditation Status
Professional Credentials
Occupational Therapy Pre-requisite Courses
Master of Occupational Therapy Curriculum
Course Descriptions


Occupational therapy is a health care profession that promotes life-long health and well-being through engagement in occupation.  The primary objective embodied within the concept of occupation is the practitioners’ use of activities meaningful to individuals within their environments.  Occupational Therapy services are provided to individuals within the context of self-care, work, play and leisure activities.  Practitioners provide services to individuals to increase their daily function, enhance/support health and development, and prevent disability through promotion of performance skills within environments and /or tasks adapted to meet their individual needs.

Practitioners facilitate functional outcomes in persons of all ages and cultural backgrounds.  Occupational Therapy aims to develop and/or restore the highest level of independence with individuals limited by physical/mental injury or illness, developmental or learning disability, or adverse environmental conditions.

Occupational Therapy services are provided in a variety of health care settings within the context of both community and private practice.  These may include hospitals, psychiatric and community settings, school systems, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or home health.  Occupational Therapists function as clinicians, educators, consultants, researchers and administrators.  Services to consumers and their families include evaluation/treatment planning, assessment of home and work environments, and training in the use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology.

The Division of Occupational Therapy, one of the five divisions within the School of Allied Health Sciences, was established in 1989.  Starting in the year 2005, the Division transitioned to the entry-level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy curriculum is designed to provide students with an educational experience with focus on a modified problem-based philosophy of education and general concepts about adult learners.  This process acknowledges that: 1) skills must be achieved and maintained through the acquisition of knowledge acquired through research; and 2) foundational knowledge is best retained and applied when learned in a meaningful context of practice problems.  Therefore, the curriculum is designed to impart relevant content and stimulate a creative and critical graduate experience.

This is a two and a half-year  professional program designed to prepare occupational therapy practitioners who work in a variety of settings, have a broad base of knowledge serving consumers of all ages, and can critically appraise health science literature.  They will also be able to apply appropriate principles and procedures to the evaluation, interpretation, and intervention processes.  They will understand use of current trends in clinical practice and demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to culturally diverse populations and their attitude towards health care.

Fieldwork Education
Fieldwork is a substantive aspect of occupational therapy education.  Clinical education provides students with the opportunity for role-modeling, supervision, and the experience in execution of professional responsibilities.  Fieldwork takes place in a variety of  settings (traditional and non-traditional) and emerging areas of practice.  Fieldwork placements are subject to availability at locations that have a contractual agreement with the Division. The availability of contracts may vary from semester to semester.  The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFC) recruits, assigns, confirms and monitors both semester practica and final internships.  Supervision of fieldwork sites provides clinicians with opportunities for exchange of academic and practical knowledge and skills as students work under their supervision.

Accreditation Status
The Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at:

4720 Montgomery Lane
P.O. Box 31220
Bethesda, MD  20824-1220
301-652-AOTA (2682)
www.aota.org


Professional Credentials

A Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is awarded after successful completion of all course work and fieldwork assignments.  The graduate is then eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).  After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered.   Most states require licensure to practice.  Licensure is usually based on results of the NBCOT certification exam.

Faculty
Associate Professors:  Hinds, Maria
Assistant Professors: Oliveira, Debora


Occupational Therapy Pre-requisite Courses

All prerequisites must be completed prior to entrance into the program. 

Undergraduate track:  Completion of all pre-requisite coursework.  See Health Sciences, concentration in Occupation and Wellness.

Graduate Track:  Hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in a discipline other than Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university or receive a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than Occupational Therapy by the time of enrollment.

The following courses must be successfully completed prior to admission into the program and regardless of degree status:

Four (4) courses in Social and Behavior Science
Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Human Growth & Development, Introduction to Anthropology or Sociology.

One (1) course with laboratory in Biology
Biology I

Two (2) courses in Anatomy and Physiology with laboratories
Anatomy & Physiology I and II.

One (1) course in Statistics.
Probability and Statistics.

One (1) course in General Chemistry
General Chemistry.

One course in Physics with Laboratory
College Physics with Laboratory


One course in Research
Health Care Research

Master of Occupational Therapy Curriculum

Year One

Fall Semester
OTH 3533/5206  Occupation Across the Life Span 3
RCS 4060/5080 Medical/Psychosocial Aspects of Disability I 3
HIM 3437/5XXX Fundamentals of Medical Science I 3
OTH 4721/5723 Professional Development I 3
OTH 4030/5032 Foundations of Occupational Therapy
 3
  15
Spring Semester  
OTH 4035/5033 Concepts in Human Occupation3
OTH 4140/5142 Therapeutic Communication Skills 3
HIM 3438/5XXX Fundamentals of Medical Science II 3
OTH 3992/5245 Neuroanatomy
 3
  12
Year Two

Summer Semester		 
OTH 5243 Functional Human Motion w/Lab 4
OTH 5241 Human Gross Anatomy w/Lab
 4
  8
  
Fall Semester  
OTH 5205 Biopsychosocial Development I w/Lab:  Infancy thru Adolescence 5
OTH 5766 Scientific Inquiry I 1
OTH 5935 Seminar I:   Infancy thru Adolescence 1
OTH 5141C Communication and Interaction w/group
 3
  10
Spring Semester  
OTH 5207C Biopsychosocial Development II w/Lab:  Adulthood through Aging 5
OTH 6936 Seminar II:  Adulthood through Aging 1
OTH 6270 Occupational Pharmacology 2
OTH 6715 Leadership/Management 3
OTH 6767 Scientific Inquiry II
 1
  12
Year Three

Summer Semester		 
OTH 6830 Biopsychosocial Development III: Community Models 3
OTH 6833 Practicum III: Community Models 1
OTH 6937 Seminar III:  Community Models 1
OTH 6768 - Scientific Inquiry III 1
OTH 6002 - Health Care Foundations
 2
  8
Fall Semester  
OTH 6941 Fieldwork:  Rotation I 8
OTH 6938 Advanced Topics
 1
  9
Spring Semester  
OTH 6942 Fieldwork:  Rotation II 8
OTH 6727 Professional Development II
 1
  9
Total Graduate Credits 56
Total Pre-requisite Credits  120
TOTAL176

Course Descriptions

OTH 3533/5206 Occupations Across Lifespan (3)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program. This course promotes knowledge of normal human development and occupational roles from infancy to older adulthood.  Developmental theories, activities and tasks are explored.  The student will develop skills in observation and assessment of occupational performance components and roles. Prerequisite: Admission to Program
OTH 4721/5723 Professional Development I (3)   Prerequisite: Admission to Program. This course is designed to provide students with structured learning experiences that facilitate modeling of acceptable professional behaviors such as dependability, professional presentation, initiative, empathy and cooperation.
OTH 4030/5032 Foundations of Occupational Therapy (3) Prerequisite: Admission to Program. Introductory professional course that serves as a foundation to development of a broad base of knowledge and insight into Occupational Therapy as a profession of choice.
OTH 4035/5033 Concepts in Human Occupation (3) Prerequisite: Admission to Program. This course will explore the meaning and purpose of human occupation and will examine and analyze activities, habits, roles and occupations for individuals with varying disabilities.  The focus of learning experiences and modified problem solving groups will be individuals engaged in occupation within various social and cultural contexts.
OTH 4140/5142 Therapeutic Communication Skills (3) Prerequisite: Admission to Program. This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to experience and participate in practical applications of therapeutic communication skills within patient/consumer-simulated contexts in lecture and laboratory sessions.  Students will participate in small and large therapeutic group experiences designed for them to acquire functional knowledge of a variety of skills necessary to effectively communicate with individuals across the lifespan.
OTH 5241  Human Gross Anatomy w/Lab (4) Prerequisite: Admission to Program. Course includes micro and macroscopic structures and function of the human body with emphasis on musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems.  Lab includes dissection and study of prosected materials of micro and macroscopic structures of the human body with emphasis on musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems.
OTH 5243   Functional Human Motion w/Lab (4) Prerequisite: Admission to Program; Co-requisite: OTH 5241 and OTH 5241L. This course examines the physical and physiological aspects of human movement and the internal and external environmental influences on sensory motor functioning.  Students learn the function and use of goniometers and participate in joint range of motion and muscle strength testing.  The course applies the principles of physics and kinesiology to occupation and occupational performance across the lifespan.
OTH 5205C Biopsychosocial Development I w/Lab:  (5) Prerequisite: Admission to Program; OTH 5241 and OTH 5241L; and OTH 5245 (or in conjunction with class). Infancy through Adolescence  This course provides students with the foundational knowledge to evaluate and intervene as occupational therapy practitioners.  Students will learn broad foundational concepts to be applied across diagnoses and populations.  They will also learn the importance of a comprehensive holistic approach to human health.
OTH 5766   Scientific Inquiry I (1)   Prerequisite: Admission to Program.This introductory research course will provide students with functional knowledge of the principles of scientific inquiry in health care.  The primary focus of the course will be on research methods and designs, data analysis and basic principles of epidemiology.  The course is designed to increase ability to read and comprehend current research that impacts on the delivery of occupational therapy services. 
OTH 5935   Seminar I:  Infancy through Adolescence (1)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program; OTH 5766. This seminar provides students with a modified problem-based learning experience.  This model is student oriented, focused on student learning and facilitated by instructors or guest lecturers.  Students will have the opportunity to attain knowledge, skills and adoption of professional attitudes.
OTH 5141C Communication and Interaction with Groups w/Lab (3)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program; OTH 5032. The focus of this course is the study of group dynamics, group structure, occupation, communication and roles that facilitate or hinder group function.  Students are provided with skills to facilitate and lead the group process.  Students will use a variety of frames of reference to design groups and group interventions for a broad range of client populations.
OTH 3992/5245 Neuroanatomy (3)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program. This course will emphasize the human nervous system.  Focus will be on the brain and spinal cord, internal organization and structure, pathways, blood supplies and somatosensory systems.
OTH 5207C Biopsychosocial Development II w/Lab:  Adulthood through Aging (5)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program;OTH 5241 and OTH 5241L; OTH 5243 and OTH 5243L. This course examines adult typical, atypical development, diseases, disorders, conditions and trauma.  Focus is on impact of atypical development and disease on function and purposeful occupations.  Learning experiences within problem-based learning labs are provided with emphasis on the application of  remedial and rehabilitation approaches to assist with successful adaptation and function within occupational performance roles for adults and the elderly.
OTH 6936 Seminar II:  Adulthood through Aging (1)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program; OTH 5205. Provides students with a modified problem-based learning experience with focus on appropriate acquiring of knowledge, skills and adoption of professional attitudes.
OTH 6270 Occupational Pharmacology (2)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program. Course is designed to present an overview of pharmacological principles that impact the delivery of occupational therapy services.  Students are provided with comprehensive, accurate and relevant information on the impact of  pharmacology on consumer’s ability to participate in occupational roles and performance areas.
OTH 6715 Leadership and Management (3)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program. Course examines theoretical and practical models for development of effective and visionary management and leadership in health care systems, communities and emerging practice areas.  Students will design, implement and integrate outcome of a needs assessment into occupation-based programs.
OTH 6767 Scientific Inquiry II (1)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program; OTH 5766. This research course culminates with the submission of the first of two drafts of student research proposals.
OTH 6830 Biopsychosocial Development III:  Community Models (3)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program; OTH 5205. Students seek out, contract for, and engage in service-based experience.  Students will implement their plan and conduct evaluation strategies.  Designed to provide students with proactive entrepreneurial skills necessary for new and emerging areas of practice.
OTH 6833 Practicum III:  Community Models  (1) Prerequisite: Admission to Program; Co-requisite: OTH 5870. Course is designed to offer students supervised professional fieldwork experiences.  The focus will be on understanding, analyzing and demonstrating clinical reasoning and problem solving skills within community models of practice.
OTH 6937 Seminar III:  Community Models (1)   Prerequisite: Admission to Program; OTH 5935. Modified problem-based learning experience.
OTH 6768 Scientific Inquiry III (1) Prerequisite: Admission to Program; OTH 5766 and OTH 6767. Students will be provided with a forum to present, discuss and develop research proposals.
OTH 6002 Health Care Foundations (2) Prerequisite: Admission to Program. Course will examine and analyze the official documents of the AOTA that include the Code of Ethics, Core Values and Attitudes and Practice Framework.  Analysis of position papers that impact the practice of Occupational Therapy.
OTH 6941 Fieldwork:  Rotation I (8) Prerequisite: Admission to Program; Successful completion of all didactic coursework. The purpose of this twelve-week fieldwork experience is to integrate coursework into clinical practice.  Students must demonstrate entry-level practice skills at the end of the rotation.
OTH 6938 Advanced Topics (1)  This course is designed to develop student’s critical thinking and test taking skills. 
OTH 6942 Fieldwork:  Rotation II (8)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program; Successful completion of all didactic coursework; OTH 6941. The purpose of this twelve-week fieldwork experience is to integrate coursework into clinical practice.  Students must demonstrate entry-level practice skills at the end of the rotation.
OTH 6727  Professional Development II  (1)  Prerequisite: Admission to Program; Successful completion of all didactic coursework; OTH 6938. The course content, provided within a workshop format, is designed to provide students with a review or overview of all core courses identified by NBCOT as test areas to be included on the national board exam.  Strategies and test-taking skills will be emphasized and practice tests administered which the student must pass to graduate.

The School of Allied Health Sciences, as recommended by faculty within the Division of Occupational Therapy, reserves the right to revise the curriculum at any time to facilitate students’ receipt of current knowledge.

NBCOT Exam Preparation Course: During the week before commencement graduating students are required to be on campus and participate in a three day exam preparation course.
This course enables the student to understand what, how and for how long they must review and study in order to pass the NBCOT examination. You are also required to pass a comprehensive examination prior to graduation. The exam is given three times, all tied to courses. The last class, Professional Development II is your third time to take the exam. A passing score of 70 or above is required to pass the exam and be eligible for graduation.