Occupational Therapy

Courses

Occupational Therapy (OT)

OT 201  Intro to Occupational Therapy  3 cr  

An introduction to the occupational therapy profession and the scope of occupational therapy practice. Includes self assessment and development strategies to enhance students' readiness for the professional component of the occupational therapy curriculum. Familiarizes students with the functions, policies and services of the University, College and Department and includes an exploration of related allied health professions.

OT 499  Senior Honors Project - H - W  3-6 cr  

Under the advice and guidance of a faculty mentor, honors students will identify and carry out a research project relevant to the field of Occupational Therapy study that will lead to a formal presentation at the annual Honors Student Colloquium. The senior project will be judged and graded by three faculty members chaired by the honors mentor. This course is required for Honors recognition and may be repeated for up to 6 credit hours.

OT 500  Occupation in Context  3 cr  

An in depth study of human occupation in context with emphasis on analysis of the person, the environment, and the task utilizing official occupational therapy documents. Includes an introduction to the evidence-based occupational science literature and discussion of the impact of occupation on health an wellbeing.

OT 501  Occupational Development  4 cr  

This course will include the study of typical human development throughout the life span with emphasis on best practice screening and assessment, theories of development, and normative and non-normative influences on development.

OT 504  Neurosci Basis of Occ Perform  3 cr  

Study of the neural development, chemistry, structure, function and pathology of the nervous system. Emphasizes the application of basic science knowledge as it relates to human occupational performance.

OT 505  Scientific Inquiry I  2 cr  

An introduction to qualitative and quantitative research concepts and statistical methods with emphasis on evidence-based practice and outcomes research. Includes library search strategies, critical analysis of scientific literature, application of statistical methods and research designs, and scientific writing skills.

OT 506  Research Design  1 cr  

An introduction to writing a research design proposal. Students will work in small groups and be mentored by faculty to complete a research proposal.

OT 507  ADL/IADL Eval & Intervention  2 cr  

Occupational therapy best practice assessment and evidence-based interventions to improve participation in ADL/IADL skills in children and adolescence.

OT 508  Experiential Learning-Peds  2 cr  

This course will consist of experiential learning activities focused on occupational therapy evaluation and interventions for ADL and IADL participation in children and adolescence.

OT 509  OT Foundations  3 cr  

This course will promote student knowledge of the theories, frames of reference, historical and sociopolitical influences, and professional documents guiding the profession of occupational therapy. Active participation in OT professional organizations will be encouraged.

OT 511  Neuromusculoskeletal Assessmen  1 cr  

This course is a study of the structure and function of human body in order to enhance foundational knowledge for evaluation of occupational performance. Instruction include an emphasis on biomechanical assessment of limb range of motion and manual muscle testing.

OT 513  Neuromusculosketal Experient  2 cr  

This course will provide experiential learning of the structure and function of the human body and assessment of limb range of motion and muscle strength. Students will learn to administer assessments of client factors using appropriate and safe procedures and protocols.

OT 515  Psychosocial Eval & Intervent  3 cr  

This course will promote OT best practice evaluation and evidence-based psychosocial interventions for individual and groups to promote occupational performance in various environments.

OT 517  Occupational Evaluation I  3 cr  

An overview of the evaluation process in occupational therapy. Includes the theoretical basis of evaluation, selection of appropriate data gathering methods, use of standardized and non-standardized assessment tools, interpretation of results and documentation of evaluation findings.

OT 521  Practicum I  1 cr  

Observation and limited participation in clinical and community-based settings. Emphasis on assessment and intervention in performance of occupations.

OT 525  Documentation  3 cr  

Overview of basic professional writing skills including: reporting evaluation data, intervention plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries. Includes understanding the varied purposes of documentation as well as legal and ethical issues in documentation.

OT 526  OT for Adults  2 cr  

This course explores conditions and provides instruction on occupational therapy assessments and interventions for adults with acquired impairments and disabilities affecting self-care, ADL, and IADL skills. The course will take a life span approach with emphasis on occupational performance components and context. Therapeutic interventions will emphasize current evidence and student problem-solving, critical reasoning, and performance synthesis to enhance occupational performance and adaptation.

OT 528  Adult Experiential Learning  2 cr  

This course will consist of hands on experiences with student reflection focusing on occupational therapy assessments and interventions for adults with acquired impairments and disabilities affecting ADLs and IADLS. This course will require students to synthesize information and apply evidence-based interventions to enhance occupational performance and adaptation.

OT 529  Profess Developmt Seminar II  1 cr  

Seminar preparing the student for group work in fieldwork settings. The role of fieldwork in education, the role of the student and fieldwork supervisor will be discussed. Problem-solving strategies will be used to facilitate professional growth. Group dynamics will be emphasized.

OT 531  Practicum II  1 cr  

Observation and limited participation in clinical and community-based settings. Emphasis on assessment and intervention in performance of occupations.

OT 535  Foundations Low Vision Rehab  2 cr  

An in-depth examination of conditions causing low vision and the assessment and evidence-based intervention planning in low vision rehabilitation. Includes the conditions causing low vision, assessments used in the evaluation, interpretation of assessment results and documentation of evaluation findings in intervention planning of low vision rehabilitation.

OT 539  Professional Dev Seminar  1 cr  

Designed to facilitate students' transition from didactic and part-time fieldwork components of the curriculum to the required full-time fieldwork experience. Emphasizes professional behavior, clinical reasoning and ethical issues.

OT 545  Scientific Inquiry II  2 cr  

The application of qualitative and quantitative research concepts and statistical methods in the development and implementation of a scholarly project. Includes data collection and preliminary analysis.

OT 547  Research Implementation  1 cr  

Students will work in small groups with faculty mentor to conduct research study and collect data. The focus will be seeking participants, obtaining informed consent, and conducting data collection. It will include creation of spreadsheets and conducting preliminary data analysis based on data collected to date.

OT 548  Advanced Technology in OT  2 cr  

An introduction to microcomputer utilization in Occupational Therapy. Includes an examination of software, hardware and peripheral devices that facilitate computer access and productivity. Uses of computer technology in Occupational Therapy evaluation, treatment and administration will be explored. Special fee.

OT 549  Profess Developmt Seminar IV  1 cr  

Designed to facilitate students' transition from didactic and part-time fieldwork components of the curriculum to the required full-time fieldwork experience.

OT 550  Level II Fieldwork - A  6 cr  

A directed experience in evaluation, planning and implementing occupational therapy services under the supervision of an experienced, certified occupational therapist. Designed to emphasize clinical reasoning, entry-level skill acquisition and integration of didactic knowledge with practice.

OT 551  Pract. IV Psych/Soc  1 cr  

Observation and limited participation in clinical and community-based settings serving clients with psychosocial and behavioral needs. Students will study evidence-based interventions that promote performance of various age appropriate and culturally relevant occupations. Emphasis will be placed on the behavioral, psychological and/or social factors promoting or hindering performance.

OT 552  OT School-Based Practice  3 cr  

This course will focus on Occupational Therapy in School-Based Practice Settings. Emphasis will be on evidence-based practices to enhance occupational performance in the context of school. Therapeutic interventions will emphasize problem-solving, critical reasoning, and occupational performance synthesis to enhance occupational performance and adaptation. This course will explore current legislation impacting the role of OT in the schools, the evaluation process and assessment tools for this environment and populations, working within various educational team models, transition planning, and promotion of life skill development.

OT 553  OT and the Older Adult  2 cr  

This course focuses on the practice of occupational therapy with the older adult. Course content includes conceptual foundations in gerontology, age-related changes affecting occupational performance, evidence-based interventions, the gerontological continuum of care and the intradisciplinary and interprofessional collaborations that impact the delivery of services to this population.

OT 554  OT & the Older Adult Exp Learn  2 cr  

This course focuses on the practice of occupational therapy with the older adult. Course content includes demonstration and analysis of assessments and evidence-based interventions used with the older adult population. This course also applies the OT process inside the gerontological continuum of care and emphasizes the intradisciplinary and interprofessional collaborations that impact the delivery of services to this population.

OT 555  Level II Fieldwork - B  6 cr  

A directed experience in evaluation, planning and implementing occupational therapy services under the supervision of an experienced, certified occupational therapist. Designed to emphasize clinical reasoning, entry-level skill acquisition and integration of didactic knowledge with practice.

OT 557  OT for the Young Child  3 cr  

This course will provide the best practice knowledge regarding occupational therapy for children birth to 5 years of age. Emphasis will be on early intervention and preschool services. Focus will be placed on client- and family- centered, occupation-based practice, which includes current and emerging practice areas for this population. Emphasis will be on OT evaluations and intervention planning.

OT 558  Tech & Environ Interven in OT  3 cr  

An introduction to technology and environmental intervention (TEI; including but not limited to assistive, electronic, information, and rehabilitative) strategies used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities and/or to design and implement accessible environments to support full participation in life activities. This course is designed to meet the basic level of competency in TEI for the entry level occupational therapist.

OT 560  Professional Issues  3 cr  

A discussion of a variety of issues of professional concern including, but not limited to: OT's role in non-traditional practice arenas; professional ethics; implications of cultural diversity for health care service delivery; credentialing; health care reform; and current controversies in the field.

OT 565  Scientific Inquiry III  3 cr  

Completion of a scholarly project and preparation of the results for presentation in professional formats.

OT 566  Leadership  3 cr  

Explores concepts and theories of leadership, profiles occupational therapy leaders throughout history, and provides training in leadership skills needed by future professionals. Emphasizes the importance of leadership in context, interdisciplinary teaming and the nature of change processes and diffusion of innovations.

OT 567  OT for UE Injuries and Work  2 cr  

Occupational therapy assessments and intervention for persons with developmental and acquired impairments and disabilities with emphasis an UE impairments impacting daily life skills and work. Emphasis will be placed specifically on UE and hand injuries and appropriate interventions. Therapeutic interventions will emphasize problem-solving, critical reasoning, and occupational performance synthesis to enhance occupational performance and adaptation.

OT 568  UE Injuries & Work Experientia  2 cr  

This course will consist of hands-on experiences with student reflection that focuses on occupational therapy assessments and interventions for persons with developmental and acquired impairments and disabilities. This course emphasizes UE conditions and impairments impacting daily life skills and work.

OT 571  Interprofessional Collaboratio  1 cr  

This course will provide in depth knowledge on OT best practice for working collaboratively with a variety of interprofessional teams. Content will include examination of IPEC competencies as well as experiential practice sessions with other disciplines.

OT 572  Eval and Intervention Child an  2 cr  

This course will provide in depth knowledge on best practices OT evaluation and intervention for middle childhood to adolescence. Emphasis will be on outpatient settings and include both individual and group interventions. Content will included transition planning, community mobility, and best practice evidence based evaluations and interventions.

OT 573  OT in Acute Care  2 cr  

Occupational therapy assessments and intervention for persons in the acute hospital setting with acquired impairments and/or disabilities affecting self-care and functional mobility skills. This course will have emphasis on physical rehabilitation, occupational performance components and context. Therapeutic interventions will emphasize problem-solving, critical reasoning, and occupational performance synthesis to enhance occupational performance and adaptation.

OT 574  OT and Wellness  3 cr  

This course will provide in depth knowledge on OT best practice for prevention, health promotion, and wellness. Focus will be on development of prevention/improvement for high-risk, high-need population based interventions.

OT 575  Advanced Professional Writing  2 cr  

Covers a variety of types of professional writing useful to occupational therapists including: grant proposals; journal articles; books; client education materials; and presentation proposals and papers. Includes both the form and content of a range of technical documents as well as the processes of writing, peer review and critique.

OT 576  Res Analysis and Presentation  1 cr  

Students will work in small groups with faculty mentor to conduct research study and collect data. Students will complete the data analysis started in previous research classes and then complete a poster presentation of their research.

OT 577  Management and Supervision  3 cr  

Explores the application of the principles of organizational management and supervision to the development and administration of occupational therapy programs and occupational therapy personnel.

OT 578  Intervention Competencies  2 cr  

This course will provide an overview of evaluation and interventions to promote student clinical reasoning and hands on practice in preparation for clinical fieldwork. Content will be comprehensive of previous courses with emphasis on case-based clinical reasoning skills and appropriate selection and accurate and safe demonstration of OT evaluations and interventions. Three comprehensive practical competency exams are required. One comprehensive written exam is required. Students must pass with grade B or better to proceed to fieldwork.

OT 580  Level II Fieldwork - C  4 cr  

A directed experience in evaluation, planning and implementing occupational therapy services under the supervision of an experienced, certified occupational therapist. Designed to emphasize clinical reasoning, entry-level skill acquisition and integration of didactic knowledge with practice.

OT 581  Clinical Practice I  2 cr  

Explores concepts and theories of leadership and emphasizes the importance of leadership in context, interdisciplinary teaming and the nature of change processes and diffusion of innovations. Also includes a focus on clinical practice and preparing for the board exam.

OT 582  Clinical Practice II  2 cr  

Explores concepts and theories of leadership and emphasizes the importance of leadership in context, interdisciplinary teaming and the nature of change processes and diffusion of innovations. Also includes a focus on clinical practice and preparing for the board exam. This course is a continuation of OT 581 Clinical Practice I.

OT 585  Level II Fieldwork - D  4-12 cr  

A directed experience in evaluation, planning and implementing occupational therapy services under the supervision of an experienced, certified occupational therapist. Designed to emphasize clinical reasoning, entry-level skill acquisition and integration of didactic knowledge with practice.

OT 590  Special Topics -  1-6 cr  

A variable topics course covering areas not available in other occupational therapy courses. A subtitle identifying the topic will be entered on the student's record.

OT 598  Independent Study in OT  1-6 cr  

Special studies directly relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. The student will select an area of interest in which they wish to become more proficient. A faculty member will provide guided study, supervision and assistance in developing appropriate learning experiences.

Faculty

Faculty NameFaculty DepartmentFaculty PositionDegrees Held
Brock, Catherine W. Occupational Therapy Assistant ProfessorBS, Univ of Alabama-Birmingham
OTD, Univ of Alabama-Birmingham
Deacy, Robin Melinda Occupational Therapy Assistant ProfessorBS, Univ of Alabama-Birmingham
CERT, Univ of Alabama-Birmingham
MS, Univ of Alabama-Birmingham
CERT, Univ of Alabama-Birmingham
PHD, Univ of Alabama-Birmingham
O'Connor, Tracy Lynn Occupational Therapy Assistant ProfessorBS, Auburn University
MS, Auburn University
BS, Tuskegee University
DOT, University of St Augustin- HS
Somerville, Sue Ellen Occupational Therapy Assistant ProfessorBS, Mount Mary College
MS, Mount Mary College
DOT, Mount Mary College
Taylor, Candra Occupational Therapy Assistant ProfessorBS, Samford University
MS, Univ of Alabama-Birmingham
CERT, Univ of Alabama-Birmingham
MBA, Auburn University
Thompson, Tara Jade Occupational Therapy Assistant ProfessorBGS, Univ of Louisiana at Monroe
MSOT, University of South Alabama
OTD, University of St Augustin- HS
Wooster, Donna M. Occupational Therapy Associate ProfessorAS, Quinsigamond Community College
BS, Worcester State College
MS, University of Connecticut
PHD, University of South Alabama