Associate in Applied Science
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Degrees and Certificates
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Occupational Therapy Assistant,
Courses
AH 101: Science of Success: Allied Health
Credits 1This is a practical one-credit course that provides the tools and skills necessary to get a strong start
with the transition for new students at NDSCS. This course will introduce students to campus
resources, policies and procedures and cover topics such as time management, study skills, goal
setting, wellness, financial literacy, and professional development. (F, S, O)
OTA 101: Introduction to Occupational Therapy
Credits 3This lecture/lab course is designed to introduce the student to the profession of occupational therapy in the context of current and emerging areas of practice. An overview of the history, philosophy, ethics, tenets, and core values of the profession is presented. Students are introduced to the practice framework, activity analysis, the concepts of theory, models, frames of references and client-centered practice. (F-first year)
OTA 102: Disability Awareness
Credits 1This lab class provides student with practice in organizing and presenting information about various disabilities to the general public. In class activities include guest speakers and discussions. Students may also have the opportunity to plan and carry out structured activities with members of the community in the classroom. Activities outside the classroom may include puppet shows to community groups and presentations to health classes. Corequisites: All fall semester first year courses. (F-first year)
OTA 105: Medical Terminology
Credits 2This online course is a study and practical application of medical vocabulary. Includes recognition, analysis, definition, spelling, pronunciation, and combination of medical terms from prefixes, suffixes, roots, and combining forms. In this course, medical terms related to all major body systems will be covered with emphasis on medical vocabulary used in rehabilitation and occupational therapy. Corequisites: All fall semester first year courses. (F-first year)
OTA 110: Introduction to Muscle Function
Credits 2This course is designed to assist the student to explore and explain how movement occurs from a musculoskeletal orientation. The structure of the human body in relation to joints, trunk, and extremities (with emphasis on the upper extremity) is examined and analyzed in terms of functional movement required for all areas of occupation. Classroom and lab experiences will help the student gain an understanding of what normal movement is and what affects it. Principles of exercise are introduced and manual muscle testing and goniometric measurement are discussed and practiced. Corequisites: BIOL 220/220L and all fall semester first year courses. (F-first year)
OTA 111: Therapeutic Media
Credits 1This course lecture/lab covers the role of the OTA in the therapeutic use of self in context of roles and performance patterns throughout the lifespan. Students are introduced to the theories related to occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, activity analysis and grading and adaptation of tasks. Students will learn about group dynamics, group process, learning styles, teaching process, expected roles and student self analysis. Students will practice basic techniques and procedures used in media. Prerequisites: All fall semester first year courses. Corequisites: All spring semester first year courses. (S-first year)
OTA 112: Documentation
Credits 1This lecture/lab course is an introduction to medical note writing. Documentation requirements for both the clinical and school-based areas of occupational therapy practice are emphasized. AOTA guidelines, legal and reimbursement guidelines and an analysis of documentation formats are included. Written and oral communication skills including mechanics in note writing such as spelling and grammar as well as proper word usage are practiced. Uniform terminology, practice framework and the impact of OT models and frames of references are also addressed. Prerequisites: All fall semester first year courses. Corequisites: All spring semester first year courses. (S-first year)
OTA 113: Physical Disabilities I: Theory-Practice
Credits 3This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the occupational therapy process in physical disabilities resulting from illness, disabling conditions, or injury. This lecture/lab course will focus on how occupation forms the core of the profession. It will prepare students to apply theoretical treatment approaches to enhance occupational performance of persons with these types of physical conditions. Evaluation tools and treatment techniques applied to specific diagnoses will be studied and practiced. Theories and practice models/frames of references are examined and applied to guide the evaluation and intervention process. Orthotic and adaptive devices utilized with specific diagnosis will be explored. Laboratory activities reflect current and emerging intervention processes and techniques. Prerequisites: All fall semester first year courses. Corequisites: All spring semester first year courses.(S-first year)
OTA 114: Pediatrics I - Theory and Practice
Credits 2This course lecture/lab is designed to enable the students to investigate and understand the prevalent disabilities occurring during the early years (birth to 21 years of age) and to begin to implement occupational therapy treatment for a variety of disabilities. Students will also study the theories and clinical techniques used to effectively implement occupational therapy treatment techniques in pediatric settings. Evaluation tools, treatment techniques, documentation and approaches applied to specific diagnoses will be examined and practiced. A basic overview of sensory-integrative development, handwriting and adaptive equipment will be addressed. Students will discuss how occupation is the core of the profession and guides treatment. Prerequisites: All fall semester first year courses. Corequisites: All spring semester first year courses. (S-second year)
OTA 115: Behavioral Health: Theory/Practice-Children and Adolescents
Credits 2In this one semester online course students learn about mental health issues that impact the child/adolescent client's occupational performance. Throughout the semester, students will develop treatment plans and activity plans to help children/adolescents achieve functional outcomes within areas of occupation. One Friday/Saturday face-to-face classroom session creates the environment for students to observe and practice occupational therapy assessments and intervention strategies. Prerequisites: All fall semester first year courses. Corequisites: All spring semester first year courses. (S-first year)
OTA 151: Fieldwork Level I-Experience I
Credits 1Designed to provide the student with exposure to a variety of practice settings, personnel, and clients across the life span. Using psychosocial/behavior health approcal observation and documentation skills are practiced, as well as participation in client services per discretion of the clinical supervisor/faculty. Students engage in a variety of activities in psycholocial settings over spring semester (40 hrs). Prerequisites: All fall semester first year courses. Corequisites: All spring semester first year courses. (S, first year)
OTA 160: OTA Refresher Course
Credits 2This OTA course is only open to students who have partially completed the program and plan on re-entering it. This online course will provide the student with learning activities related to the profession of occupational therapy. The OT Practice Framework will be summarized as a framework for delivery of occupational therapy services. There will also be a review of various occupational therapy practice areas, frames of references, AOTA Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and the Core Values of the profession. This course will address clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and activity analysis. Review of medical terminology and muscle function will be included. Course content may be tailored to meet the needs of each student. (O, F, S)
OTA 192: Experimental Course
Credits 1A course designed to meet special departmental needs during new course development. It is used for one year after which time the course is assigned a different number.
OTA 213: Physical Disabilities II: Theory and Practice
Credits 2This course is a continuation of Physical Disabilities I and is designed to provide students with an understanding of the occupational therapy process in physical disabilities resulting from illness, disabling conditions or injury. This lecture/lab course will focus on how occupation forms the core of the profession. It will prepare students to apply theoretical treatment approaches to enhance occupational performance of person with these types of physical conditions. Evaluation tools and treatment techniques applied to specific diagnoses will be studied and practiced. Theories and practice models/frames of references are examined and applied to guide the evaluation and intervention process. Orthotic and adaptive devices utilized with specific diagnoses will be explored. Laboratory activities reflect current and emerging intervention processes and techniques. Prerequisites: All first year courses. Corequisites: All fall semester second year courses. (F-second year)
OTA 214: Pediatrics II: Theory and Practice
Credits 3This course is designed to enable the students to investigate and understand the prevalent disabilities occurring during the early years (birth to 21 years of age) and to begin to implement occupational therapy treatment for a variety of disabilities. Students will also study the theories and clinical techniques used to effectively implement occupational therapy treatment techniques in pediatric settings. Evaluation tools, treatment techniques, documentation and approaches applied to specific diagnoses will be examined and practiced. A basic overview of sensory-integrative development, handwriting and adaptive equipment will be discussed. Students will discuss how occupation is the core of the profession and guides treatment. Prerequisites: All first year courses. Corequisites: All fall semester second year courses. (F-second year)
OTA 215: Behavioral Health: Theory/Practice-Adults
Credits 3In this one-semester online course, students learn about mental health issues that impact the adult client¿s occupational performance. Throughout the semester, students will develop treatment plans and activity plans to help adult clients achieve functional outcomes within areas of occupation. One Friday/Saturday face-to-face session creates the environment for students to observe and practice occupational therapy assessments and intervention strategies. Prerequisites: All first year courses. Corequisites: All fall semester second year courses. (F-second year)
OTA 216: Professional Issues
Credits 2This course is designed to enhance the OTA's participation in basic support services in occupational therapy, as well as the legal , ethical, and political influences that affect the delivery of occupational therapy services. Topics addressed include leadership and management, health care team role delineation, reimbursement and documentation, credentialing and licensure, ethical standards of practice, quality assurance, research and the use of evidence-based practice in OT. Prerequisites: All first year courses. Corequisites: All fall semester second year courses. (F-second year)
OTA 217: Simulation Lab
Credits 1This course is designed to address experiential learning and development of occupational therapy entry-level practice competencies. It provides students with opportunities to practice skills and apply theory to develop competency in OT interventions and modalities in a safe didactic environment. Simulation methods may include computer-based case studies, part-task trainers, standardized clients, mannequins, virtual reality and interdisciplinary collaboration. (F-second year)
OTA 218: Aging
Credits 2This course provides a concentrated focus on occupational therapy for adults with physical and cognitive deficits, contexts, and client factors. This course examines the basic concepts of aging including theories, trends and policies. Students will study the normal aging process, physical, psychosocial and cognitive dysfunctions common to the elderly. Students will participate in the OT process including screening, evaluation, intervention planning, therapeutic interventions and discharge/follow-up with the geriatric population in the context of occupational performance in order to promote health and prevent disease. This course examines community mobility, aging in place and explores alternative living situations for the geriatric client. The importance of patient, family significant other/caregiver education and documentation to ensure reimbursement in today¿s health care environment is emphasized. Prerequisites: All first year courses. Corequisites: All fall semester second year courses. (F - second year)
OTA 219: Community Models of Occupational Therapy Practice
Credits 2This course introduces the student to emerging areas of occupational therapy practice in the community. These emerging areas of practice are, but not limited to ergonomics, low vision, driving rehab, design and home modifications, and health and wellness. Assessment and intervention strategies will be addressed. Prerequisites: All first year courses. Corequisites: All fall semester second year courses. (F - second year)
OTA 241: Teaching Assistant: Media
Credits 2Optional course which requires student to assist in media lab supervision, demonstrate techniques, participate in classroom maintenance and carry out other duties as assigned. (S)
OTA 252: Fieldwork Level I - Experience II
Credits 1This course is designed to enhance the OTA¿s participation in basic support services in occupational therapy, as well as the legal, ethical and supervisory issues in professional practice. Impacts of the health care delivery system on OT practice will be addressed. Prerequisites: All first year courses. Corequisites: All fall semester second year courses. (F-second year)
OTA 253: Orientation to Fieldwork Level II
Credits 1This course is designed to assist in the transition from the academic setting to clinical practice. Content includes, but is not limited to, supervision styles, stress management and professional behavior. Policies governing fieldwork will be emphasized. This course reviews the OTA's role in the delivery of OT services for disabled individuals in a variety of settings. This course is designed to enhance student's personal and work behaviors in a small group atmosphere. Students will share experiences from Level I fieldwork. Emphasis is on group leadership and facilitation, development of communication and observation skills, and use of self as a therapeutic self. Prerequisites: All first year courses. Corequisites: All fall semester second year courses. (F - second year)
OTA 254: Fieldwork Level II: Experience I
Credits 6Supervised experience of eight weeks or equivalent under the direction of qualified occupational therapy personnel in approved fieldwork sites. The students will work with clients with a variety of physical disabilities, psychosocial dysfunction or developmental delays or disabilities across the life span. The students will be expected to use knowledge and skills acquired in the academic setting to evaluate and treat clients and document according to prescribed regulations. The students will further be expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with AOTA Code of Ethics. Prerequisites: Completion of all academic requirements and Level I Fieldwork. (S-second year)
OTA 255: Fieldwork Level II: Experience II
Credits 6Supervised experience of eight weeks or equivalent under the direction of qualified occupational therapy personnel in approved fieldwork sites. This experience follows Experience I and in a setting that provides therapy to a different population of clients than in the first experience. Client evaluation, treatment implementation and documentation will be expected of the students. The students will further be expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with AOTA Code of Ethics. Prerequisites: Completion of all academic requirements and Level I Fieldwork. (S-second year) *Students must complete two Level II Fieldwork Experiences to be eligible for graduation.
OTA 256: Seminar
Credits 1A culminating seminar designed to aid the transition from student to practitioner. This course provides opportunities for application and integration of academic course work used during fieldwork experiences. Students share experiences of being a part of the OT service team and reflect on how the role of occupational therapy and the occupational therapy assistant are demonstrated and delineated in the various fieldwork experiences. The importance of continued lifelong learning and professional development is stressed. Students complete a practice national certification exam and review the application process for the examination. After completion of at least one Level II Fieldwork Experience students are eligible to take this class. (S-second year)
OTA 292: Experimental Course
Credits 1A course designed to meet special departmental needs during new course development. It is used for one year after which time the course is assigned a different number.
OTA 295: Independent Study
Credits 1A study or in-depth analysis of a selected topic related to Occupational Therapy. This course may be repeated with a new topic. Must have a faculty advisor for project. (F, S)
OTA 299: Special Topics
Credits 1College class in process of development designed to meet student needs or interests or to utilize particular faculty resources. (F, S)