Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapy enables individuals of all ages to engage in everyday activities in the areas of work, self-care, home management, school, and leisure/play. Occupational therapists support people to promote their participation in desired activities in natural contexts. This process often involves working on skill development or adapting tasks or an environment to optimize peoples' ability to fulfill their social roles and engage in activities that are meaningful and support health and well-being. A program of study in occupational therapy includes a foundation in the liberal arts; biological, behavioral, and health sciences; and discipline-specific studies in occupational science and occupational therapy.
The Professional Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. Their phone number is 303-652-AOTA and their website is: www.acoteonline.org
Graduates from an accredited program are eligible to sit for the certification examination for the occupational therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a registered occupational therapist (OTR). All states require licensure in order to practice, however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a person's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination and obtain licensure.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT 444 - Living and Doing with Technology
Credits: 4
This course draws upon the knowledge from emerging product design concepts and principals and advocates for inclusiveness of all consumers regardless of their age, abilities, disabilities, and personal affinities. Students will apply critical thinking and hands-on learning to evaluate day-to-day technologies by use of various design criteria, identify usability problems, and design technology solutions. Course work will include readings, interactive activities, discussions, quizzes, and group projects.
Attributes: Environment,TechSociety(Disc); Inquiry (Discovery)
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 500 - Behavior and Development of Children
Credits: 4
Introduces the biological, psychosocial, and cultural aspects of human development from birth through adolescence. Emphasizes theories that help explain human behavior; discusses implications of developmental research.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 501 - Developmental Tasks of Adulthood
Credits: 4
Includes the biological and psychosocial context of development for adults. Developmental tasks relate to the accomplishment of prior tasks, physiological change, socioeconomic status, and psychosocial development.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 510 - Exploring Occupational Therapy and Occupation
Credits: 4
Occupational therapy is introduced as a human service profession through experiential and academic activities, which illustrate the personal and professional skills required to practice in a variety of settings and roles. Basic concepts of human occupation and the therapeutic use of occupation are explored. Comparisons are made to related human service careers. Students are encouraged to do a personal assessment of their interest and potential for further study of occupational therapy.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 513 - Stressed Out: The Science and Nature of Human Stress
Credits: 0 or 4
The human stress response system, research investigating the sequelae of stress on health, protective strategies for stress, managing personal stress effectively, and strategizing stress modulation as an intervention technique. Course format includes two hours of weekly lecture/discussion followed by one hour of experiential laboratory in which students research and/or apply new information.
Attributes: Biological Science(Discovery); Discovery Lab Course
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 520 - Happy and Healthy at Work: Promoting Wellness, Diversity and Inclusion
Credits: 4
Offers improved understanding and ability to effectively manage a diverse and healthy workforce. Addresses key diversity, inclusion, and wellness issues int he workplace of a general, technical, and social nature with an emphasis on disability and health promotion.
Attributes: Social Science (Discovery); Inquiry (Discovery)
Equivalent(s): HMGT 520, HMGT 598, OT 598
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 610 - Occupation, Identity, Disability
Credits: 4
Students develop skills and knowledge for analyzing daily existence, patterns of activity and the occupational choices pursued by humans. Students explore how the self-identity of individuals with and without disability is influenced by participation in everyday activities, and contextual factors: Through reading, reflective writing and collecting personal narratives of individuals with disability, students examine the relations among engagement in daily occupations and the orchestration of routines and social participation with self identity and well-being.
Attributes: Writing Intensive Course
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 620 - Medical Terminology
Credits: 2
This course provides an introduction to medical terminology. The origin, roots, prefixes and suffixes of common scientific and medical terms will be examined as well as common abbreviations and terms used in medical records documentation and within the medical, and allied health literature. Content is appropriate for students majoring in the Biological Sciences, Medical Sciences and Allied Health fields.
Equivalent(s): OT 720
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 685 - Psychosocial Disorders and Everyday Life
Credits: 4
The study of abnormal behavior in the context of its effect on everyday function. Provides background information on adult psychosocial disorders commonly seen by service providers in the mental health system. Students learn to observe and describe behavior in terms of functional impairment, diagnostic criteria, and causative factors. General psychosocial and biological treatments are studied. This course or its equivalent is a prerequisite for entry to the professional master's degree program in occupational therapy. Students are expected to bring to this course a basic knowledge of psychosocial aspects of human development.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 401 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 695 - Independent Study
Credits: 2-4
In-depth study with faculty supervision.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 710 - OT Practice and Professional Roles
Credits: 4
Students are introduced to foundation knowledge, values and philosophy of occupational therapy practice. Students learn skills to apply professional behaviors and skills required to be ethical practitioners. They learn about various practice settings and systems within which occupational therapists practice to prepare them to begin to make decisions regarding their fieldwork site selections. They are introduced to models of OT practice.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 715 - Introduction to Group Process: Theory and Application
Credits: 2
This course provides a theoretical foundation of group process in occupational therapy practice across practice settings. It explores several group theory perspectives and applies them to OT practice considering multiple group models, group leadership concepts, group process, therapeutic use of self, and contexts/environments. Students will learn to articulate core principles of group process and identify the role of occupational therapy practitioners in using groups as an intervention method and/or service delivery model.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 730 - Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance
Credits: 3
This course provides instruction on how occupational therapy practitioners use and apply assistive technology in the context of client evaluation and intervention, to improve quality of life and functional capacities. Students learn and apply clinical reasoning skills related to the selection, procurement, modification and training in the use of assistive technology solutions. OT majors only.
Co-requisite: OT 730L
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 730L - Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance Lab
Credits: 1
Co-Requisite Laboratory for OT 730 and OT 830 Assistive Technology for Enhancing Occupational Performance. Students are provided hands-on learning experiences regarding the fabrication, identification, adaptation and training in the use of assistive technology for individuals with functional problems associated with disability or impairment. OT evaluation and interventions related to the application of assistive technology are addressed. OT majors only.
Co-requisite: OT 730
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 731 - Introduction to Assistive Technology Principles
Credits: 2
This course presents an overview of the various assistive technology service delivery models, assessment tools, legislation, funding, and assistive technology across the lifespan.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 732 - Introduction to Assistive Technology Practices
Credits: 2
This course presents an overview of the various service delivery models, assessment tools and teaches students how to create and modify devices. Students will conduct device demonstrations, training, reuse, and repair while acquiring skills using various fabrication tools, materials and techniques. Students will receive a materials kit they will use to fabricate eight assistive technology solutions. They will also be required to submit video clips and photos demonstrating their skills providing device demonstrations, loans and customer training.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 733 - Assistive Technology for Physical Access I: Electronic Technologies
Credits: 2
This course focuses on switch and computer access solutions; programming switch interfaces for computers and iPads; alternative mice and keyboards; switch access recipes; iPad mounting solutions; electronic aids for daily living, voice controlled solutions for the phone, computer, and activation of household appliances. Students will learn how to make, modify, and mount various switches an electronic devices. Intensive hands-on AT exploration will be completed on campus or virtual evidence provided will be accepted.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 734 - Assistive Technology for Physical Access II: Mobility, Seating, and Transportation
Credits: 2
This course focuses on assistive technology solutions to maximize independence at home, in the community, and on the job for individuals who experience physical disabilities. Students will acquire skills in conducting accessibility assessments, Topics explored include wheelchair seating and mobility; ergonomic hand tools, independent living aids; ramps and lifts; vehicle modifications; and modifications for canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs. Intensive hands-on AT exploration will be completed on campus or virtual evidence provided will be accepted.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 735 - Assistive Technology for Communication and Cognition
Credits: 2
This course focuses on alternative and augmentative communication devices and devices that benefit individuals who experience cognitive impairments. This course explores assistive technology solutions for note taking, devices and apps for self-regulation, organization, and reminders. Students will learn how to conduct cognitive demand analysis for devices and apps to help users select appropriate accommodations and assistive technology solutions. Intensive hands-on AT exploration will be competed on campus or virtual evidence provided will be accepted.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 736 - Assistive Technology for Vision and Hearing
Credits: 2
This course focuses on assistive technology for blind and low vision; deaf and hard of hearing; and deaf/blindness. Students will use an assortment of magnification devices; amplification systems; and assistive listening devices as well as learn how to create a variety of approaches to accommodate for vision and hearing impairments. Intensive hands-on AT exploration will be completed on campus or virtual evidence provided will be accepted.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 741 - Human Occupation
Credits: 4
This course introduces students to the broad concept of occupation by exploring ways people acquire skills for occupational performance. Students develop an understanding of the relations between health and occupation, disability and occupation, and explore how humans find meaning in their lives through occupational engagement.
Attributes: Writing Intensive Course
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 744 - Fieldwork and Professionalism - Level 1
Credits: 1
This course prepares students to enter level 1 fieldwork with confidence and working knowledge of expectations for a full-time two-week level 1 fieldwork experience.
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 745 - Administration and Management for Occupational Therapy Practice
Credits: 4
This course aims to increase the student's understanding of systems of practice, and to business fundamentals associated with occupational therapy service delivery. Specific topics covered include and analysis of practice settings, reimbursement, supervision of professional and non-professional staff, program evaluation methods, ethics, OT management practices, marketing, health policy including medicare, Human Rights and Education Legislation, and the impact of policy decisions for the delivery of OT services. OT majors only.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 746 - Fieldwork & Prof Level II
Credits: 1
This course is designed to deepen understanding of professionalism needed for success on Level II fieldwork. We will explore role changes that accompany leaving the academic world and entering the larger realm of professional practice. Students analyze factors that contribute to successful professional development and ethical practice. Students use the results of their analyses to plan their individual transition to fieldwork and entry-level practice.
Prerequisite(s): OT 744 with a minimum grade of D- and OT 792 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 750 - Neuro-Occupation: The Relationship Between Occupation and the Brain
Credits: 3
The course explores brain development, neuroplasticity and occupation across the lifespan. Following a contextual review of the neuroanatomy and physiology, the students will explore the mind-body relationship across multiple domains of occupational therapy practice. There are four primary content areas: Applied neurology, nature with nurture: occupational engagement and the development of the brain, the brain, occupation and behavior, and neuroplasticity as the basis for improving motor behavior.
Prerequisite(s): OT 500 with a minimum grade of D- and OT 501 with a minimum grade of D- and KIN 707 with a minimum grade of D- and PSYC 401 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 751 - Mind Body Systems/Neurologically Based Function and Dysfunction
Credits: 4
Students study significant occupational-related disorders commonly seen by occupational therapists. A self-directed method is used to examine the perceptual, cognitive, biopsychosocial basis of these disorders. A basic overview of human body-mind systems is provided with an emphasis on pathology, the recognition of symptoms, their causes and the occupational implications of the disorders. The course is a prerequisite for courses in specific occupational therapy assessment and intervention.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 752 - Human Movement and Environmental Effects on Everyday Occupations
Credits: 3
Integrates the student's prerequisite knowledge of occupation. Develops skills required for interpretation of biomechanical analysis for creating successful occupational performance for individuals with varied musculoskeletal, cardiac and respiratory dysfunction. Integration of the occupational therapy clinical reasoning process and the use of occupations as a therapeutic mechanism for change are emphasized. The analysis of environment as it relates to human movement and participation in desired occupations is explored.
Co-requisite: OT 752L
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 752L - Human Movement Lab
Credits: 1
Human Movement Lab.
Co-requisite: OT 752
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 753 - Mind Body Systems: Neurologically-based Function and Dysfunction--Pediatric Conditions
Credits: 4
This course applies an occupational science perspective to study disease, illness, medical conditions, and impairments to human body structures and functions that typically emerge and/or present themselves in childhood. The emphasis is on how disease, and impairments in physical and mental functioning interact with the human condition, the uniqueness of individuals, and the environments within which they live to impact occupational performance, and one’s overall health, well-being, and life quality. This course is a prerequisite for all occupational therapy assessment and intervention courses including OT 762/OT 862, OT 763/OT 863, and OT 760/OT 860.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 757 - Mind Body Systems: Neurologically-based Function and Dysfunction--Adult Conditions
Credits: 4
This course is the second course in a two-part course sequence that uses a life span approach, drawing on occupational science perspectives to study conditions typically diagnosed during adulthood (ages 21 and up). The emphasis is on the interaction of the individual (the mind), the body and the psychosocial environment as related to occupational performance. Students will work in pairs to examine selected disorders, and will further develop their presentation skills. This course is a prerequisite for courses in occupational therapy assessment and intervention for adults.
Prerequisite(s): KIN 706 with a minimum grade of D- and OT 753 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 760 - Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention
Credits: 3
Examines the evaluation of psychosocial and psycho-emotional areas of occupational performance and the planning and implementation of occupation-based interventions across domains of practice and client populations. Course addresses developing a client's occupational profile, narrative reasoning and therapeutic use of self, behavioral change, illness representation, and adjustment to chronic disorders. A specific focus of the course is evaluation of and intervention for clients' presenting with mental health disorders. Open to OT majors only.
Co-requisite: OT 760L, OT 760R
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 760L - Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention Lab
Credits: 1
This is the co-requisite lab for OT 760. Lab provides hands-on experiences regarding the evaluation and intervention of psychological and psycho-emotional areas of occupational performance. Course focuses on the evaluation and intervention for clients presenting with mental health disorders and also addresses narrative reasoning, therapeutic use of self, behavioral change, illness representation and adjustment to chronic disorders.
Co-requisite: OT 760
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 760R - Psychosocial Evaluation & Intervention Recitation
Credits: 0
Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention Recitation provides additional hands-on and experiential learning opportunities in an established community program for all students enrolled in OT 760. This recitation allows students the opportunity to develop the skills needed to work in mental/behavioral health settings.
Co-requisite: OT 760
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
OT 762 - Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention for Children
Credits: 3
In this course, students will develop entry-level practice skills for conducting occupational therapy (OT) evaluations and interventions for children. Organized around the OT Practice Framework, students will learn how to collaborate with families and other professionals, develop clinical observation skills, and learn frequently used standardized assessments. Additionally, students will use primary OT frames of reference to plan and implement interventions. Students will apply their understanding of typical and atypical child development, and extend their clinical reasoning skills in order to develop competencies for providing OT services for children and with a variety of conditions across common practice settings.
Co-requisite: OT 762L, OT 762R
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 762L - Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention for Children Lab
Credits: 1
The co-requisite labs provide hands-on experiences to compliment lecture material from OT 762, and to provide opportunities for the practical application of knowledge.
Co-requisite: OT 762
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 762R - Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention for Children Recitation
Credits: 0
The recitation provides hands-on experiences to compliment lecture material from OT 762 and OT 762L, and to provide opportunities for the practical application of knowledge.
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
OT 763 - Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention for Adults
Credits: 3
Students will develop entry-level practice skills related to the synthesis of evaluation, intervention planning and goal writing. The student will be introduced to a variety of standardized evaluation tools and implement OT interventions within various contexts of practice through case studies. Specific intervention techniques based on accepted frames of reference and research evidence that helps clients engage successfully in the daily occupations will be emphasized.
Co-requisite: OT 763L
Prerequisite(s): OT 757 with a minimum grade of D- or OT 751 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 763L - Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention for Adults Lab
Credits: 1
This lab is a co-requisite course to accompany OT 763 Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention for Adult Dysfunction. The lab course provides opportunity for the students to engage in experiential learning and application of principles and techniques learned in the lecture course.
Co-requisite: OT 763
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 763R - Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Intervention for Adults Recitation
Credits: 0
The recitation provides hands-on experiences to compliment lecture material from OT 763 and OT 763L, and to provide opportunities for the practical application of knowledge.
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
OT 771 - Enabling Participation in Community Groups
Credits: 3
Students will work in an organization, learn about the people served by this organization, and conduct therapeutic groups within the organization. Emphasis of content includes group process, clinical documentation, intervention planning and OT services with adults with cognitive impairments.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 771L - Enabling Participation in Community Groups Lab
Credits: 2
Students will work in an organization, learn about the people served by this organization and conduct therapeutic groups. This lab serves as a Level I Fieldwork placement.
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
Special Fee: Yes
OT 781 - Introduction to Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Credits: 3
This course introduces students to basic principles of scientific inquiry that contribute to OT evaluation and intervention evidence base. Students will explore quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods and will learn the fundamental steps in conducting research such as formulating research questions and identifying appropriate research designs, instruments for measurement and outcomes. Students will have hands-on experience in identifying a research topic, reviewing the literature, retrieving, reading and synthesizing research articles. Prereq: Statistics.
Prerequisite(s): HHS 540 with a minimum grade of D- or PSYC 402 with a minimum grade of D- or SOC 402 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 782 - Research Methods and Application
Credits: 3
The course provides students an in depth understanding of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods designs. The students will learn the necessary knowledge and skills required to critically appraise research evidence. Emphasis will be given to various analytical approaches used to examine qualitative/quantitative evidence, such as understanding differences between experimental and quasi-experimental study designs. Students will work in teams to identify a research topic, review and appraise pertinent evidence, identify and describe gaps in existing knowledge. Students will further use this information to develop a research proposal that addresses the identified gaps.
Prerequisite(s): OT 781 with a minimum grade of D-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 785 - Research Methods and Application to Practice
Credits: 4
Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods types of research are introduced and applied to relevant occupational therapy questions. Students acquire the fundamental skills of conducting research such as formulating research questions and identifying appropriate research designs and/or methods. Students also develop the ability to critically analyze research studies and apply the outcome to evidence-based practice in occupational therapy. OT majors only.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 789 - Using iPads to Support Children with Disabilities
Credits: 3
The iPad is changing the way we teach and learn. This technology embraces Universal design principles (UDL) and enables children with significant disabilities to learn in ways never thought possible five years ago. It is a tool for delivering multimedia content and embraces the use of Multi modal learning. This technology finally levels the playing field to support all students including students with disabilities.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 791 - Senior Honors Thesis
Credits: 1-4
Completion of a research project relevant to the study of occupation or occupational therapy, under the direction of a faculty mentor. Dissemination of findings is expected, as a written thesis paper and an oral presentation. This course is required for graduation with departmental honors in the occupational therapy major. A multiple-semester sequence of 1-4 credits is permitted.
Attributes: Honors course
Prerequisite(s): OT 781 with a minimum grade of D- and OT 782 with a minimum grade of D-.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
OT 792 - Level I Fieldwork
Credits: 1
Provides occupational therapy students an opportunity to experience occupational therapy in a clinical setting. Students attend a seminar prior to beginning their placement. The Level I placement is scheduled between the fall and spring semesters of the senior year. During fieldwork, students observe an occupational therapist as well as participate in the planning and implementing of the occupational therapy assessment or intervention process for a client.
Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading
OT 795 - Special Topics
Credits: 1-4
Formal courses given on selected topics or special interest subjects. Work may be directed in one of the following areas: A) Administration; B) Clinical Education; C) Pediatrics; D) Physical Disabilities; E) Mental Health; F) Gerontology/Geriatrics; G) School-based Practice, and others.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes