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Occupational Therapy (OCTH)


Students must successfully complete and pass all previous OCTH semester courses in order to register for subsequent OCTH semesters and continue in the program.


OCTH 101. INTRODUCTION TO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY. 2 Credits.

Provides an overview of occupation, the practice of occupational therapy, disability awareness, and community supports for individuals with disabilities. The students become aware of the diversity of occupational therapy practice, practice environments, and occupational therapy practitioners.

OCTH 500S. APPLIED ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: accepted into the occupational therapy program. Corequisite: OCTH 500SP.
An intensive review of human anatomy and biomechanics as it pertains to the practice of occupational therapy. An understanding of basic anatomy and biomechanical principles is a critical foundation for both evaluation and intervention. Provides a comprehensive overview of musculoskeletal anatomy as well as the neurological, circulatory, and respiratory systems that support human movement. A strong introduction to the biomechanics and kinesiology of the human body. Companion course to OCTH 500SP.

OCTH 500SP. APPLIED ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS PAS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: accepted into the occupational therapy program. Corequisite: OCTH 500S.
Companion performance and simulation to OCTH 500S.

OCTH 501S. APPLIED HUMAN ANATOMY FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY. 4 Credits.

This course is an intensive review of human anatomy and physiology as it pertains to the practice of occupational therapy. It is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to learn anatomical structures and the functional relationships of these structures to each other. Cadaver dissection is a critical component of all labs.

OCTH 502S. CLINICAL KINESIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS. 3 Credits.

This course is an overview study of human movement in a person/environment context. The study of the normal biomechanics and kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system is seen as a prerequisite to the application of assessment procedures, data collection, and assessment interpretation for the planning of therapeutic interventions in occupational therapy. Incorporation of clinical problems and pathokinesiology are also included through a structured inquiry-based case-study process. The lab portion of the class also trains students in the basic principles and application of manual muscle testing, goniometry, and principles that enhance strength and activity tolerance. To enhance student learning, designated assignments, and course laboratory activities. Application of content knowledge and a synthesis of how it relates to occupational performance will be emphasized. Students will be expected to use the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process as a mechanism for expressing physical performance elements in the practice of occupational therapy.

OCTH 503S. APPLIED NEUROLOGY. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses. Corequisite: OCTH 503SP.
An overview of the neurological function and process in the human body. Normal neurologic development throughout the life span is the primary focus. Companion course to OCTH 503SP.

OCTH 503SP. APPLIED NEUROLOGY PAS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses. Corequisite: OCTH 503S.
Companion performance and simulation to OCTH 503S.

OCTH 504S. THEORY AND FOUNDATIONS. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Introduces the current OT practice framework, which defines domain and process. Provides opportunities to understand the historical and current evolution of occupational therapy’s philosophy and theory development, along with the contributions of theorists within the profession. Students learn the process of theory development and analyze selected practice models and frames of reference for application to OT evaluation and intervention.

OCTH 505S. IMPACT OF HUMAN DISEASE ON OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE. 1 Credit.

Pre-requisites: accepted into the graduate MOT program and completed all required entrance prerequisites.
Provides an overview of human disease and injury processes occurring throughout the lifespan. The etiology, course, prognosis, treatment, and management of each condition are explored. Designed to introduce a variety of injuries and disease processes encountered in the field of occupational therapy.

OCTH 506S. CLINICAL PRACTICE SKILLS I. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: accepted into the occupational therapy program.
Designed to provide entry level occupational therapy students’ knowledge and skills in practice skills and policy. Focuses on four main elements of practice including basic clinical skills, clinical writing and documentation, professional roles and policy, and ethics. The intent is to establish basic skills that can be further developed in practice specific courses to enable them to demonstrate entry-level practice competencies.

OCTH 507S. ACTIVITY ANALYSIS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses. Corequisite: OCTH 507SP.
Covers how to analyze daily activities and discover their therapeutic value to support intervention strategies with persons who are experiencing dysfunction in occupational performance. Students integrate theory and knowledge of OT Practice Framework to progress to in-depth analysis of occupational performance. Students learn how to synthesize information from a variety of sources and apply it to creating, adapting, and grading therapeutic activities. Companion course to OCTH 507SP.

OCTH 507SP. ACTIVITY ANALYSIS PAS. 1 Credit.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses. Corequisite: OCTH 507S.
Companion performance and simulation to OCTH 507S.

OCTH 509S. APPLIED NEUROLOGY FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: PAS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: concurrent enrollment with OCTH 503S; passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Students demonstrate an understanding of human neurological processes. Application of knowledge concerning neurological process and occupational performance is emphasized. Through practical application of skills, students execute and interpret basic assessments of reflexes, sensation, vision, vestibular function, movement functions, balance, cognition, and sensory processing.

OCTH 510S. GROUP PROCESS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses. Corequisite: OCTH 510SP.
Focuses on applying occupational therapy principles and theories to develop skills of professional communication, evaluations of behaviors, and creating and implementing group-based interventions. Companion course to OCTH 510SP.

OCTH 510SP. GROUP PROCESS PAS. 1 Credit.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses. Corequisite: OCTH 510S.
Companion performance and simulation to OCTH 510S.

OCTH 511S. ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM AND CROSS-CULTURAL LEARNING. 4 Credits.

Pre-requisites: accepted into the occupational therapy program.
Engages in interprofessional and ethically grounded learning to promote collaboration, professionalism, and understanding across health and social care disciplines. Through lectures, practice, and discussion, students explore occupational therapy’s role within diverse teams and communities, emphasizing professional behavior, communication, ethical decision-making, and the impact of health systems on practice.

OCTH 512S. FIELDWORK II SEMINAR. 1 Credit.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Focuses on preparation for the transition from classroom to Fieldwork Level II (FW II) experiences. Students have the opportunity to identify and analyze the Level II fieldwork expectations, explore the supervisory and interdisciplinary team relationships, review professional and ethical behavior, develop a Level II Fieldwork Portfolio, review AOTA, NBCOT, and the state of Washington licensure requirements, and begin preparation for job searches.

OCTH 513S. CLINICAL PRACTICE SKILLS II. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Focuses on preparation for the transition from classroom to Fieldwork Level II (FW II) experiences. Students have the opportunity to identify and analyze the Level II fieldwork expectations, explore the supervisory and interdisciplinary team relationships, review professional and ethical behavior, develop a Level II Fieldwork Portfolio, review AOTA, NBCOT, and the state of Washington licensure requirements, and begin preparation for job searches.

OCTH 515S. INTER-PROFESSIONAL AND CROSS-CULTURAL LEARNING FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY. 1 Credit.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
This customized course facilitates participation in inter-professional (IP) and cross-cultural learning opportunities. This course runs in conjunction with related courses in other health care and public health programs and requires each student to participate in IP and cross-cultural learning experiences.

OCTH 517S. GROUP PROCESS PAS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: concurrent enrollment with OCTH 510S; passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Focuses on several advanced skills of professional communication, behaviors, and interventions. Emphasis is on, a) intentional use of self; b) group facilitation, b) group process, c) interpersonal communication, and d) a reflective evaluation process used for building interpersonal communication skills. Advanced professional communication skills and group development/process skills are necessary tools for emerging and traditional practice arenas in occupational therapy.

OCTH 520S. PRINCIPLES OF EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
This is the first of two courses introducing evidence-based practice and the process of critical inquiry. This course prepares students to become knowledgeable consumers of research and professional literature as it relates to the practice of occupational therapy. Students develop competence in identifying, locating, retrieving, understanding, and applying the principles of research to the practice of occupational therapy.

OCTH 522S. RESEARCH METHODS IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Introduces the process of critical inquiry regarding research methods across the quantitative and qualitative spectrum. Prepares students to be knowledgeable consumers of research and professional literature relating to the practice of occupational therapy. Students develop competence in critiquing and applying research methods to the application of evidence-based practice in occupational therapy.

OCTH 523S. ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses. Corequisite: OCTH 523SP.
Offers the opportunity to identify, evaluate, and critically analyze the psychometric properties and application of several of the most commonly used evaluation and assessment tools used in occupational therapy. Offers the following information and experiences: 1. knowledge of the psychometric principles, 2. analysis of the assessment properties, 3. critical selection of appropriate assessment tools, and 4. standardized assessment use and documentation of results. Companion course to OCTH 523SP.

OCTH 523SP. ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE PAS. 1 Credit.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses. Corequisite: OCTH 523S.
Companion performance and simulation to OCTH 523S.

OCTH 524S. RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: accepted into the occupational therapy program.
Introduces the process of critical inquiry and research methods across quantitative and qualitative approaches. It prepares students to be informed consumers of research and professional literature in occupational therapy, developing skills to critique and apply evidence to support evidence-based practice.

OCTH 530S. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND MENTAL HEALTH. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program. Corequisites: OCTH 530SP.
Focuses on the provision of occupational performance, client-centered, recovery-based, and evidence-based approaches to occupational therapy in mental health. Provides the learner with foundational skills in the evaluation, analysis, and intervention planning critical to effective occupational therapy service provision for adolescents, adults, and older adults with mental illness. Companion course to OCTH 530SP.

OCTH 530SP. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND MENTAL HEALTH PAS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program. Corequisite: OCTH 530S.
Companion performance and simulation to OCTH 530S.

OCTH 531S. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND ADULTS. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program. Corequisite: OCTH 531SP.
Students develop knowledge and skills on how disabling conditions impact occupational performance, treatment planning, documentation, use of assessment tools, evidence-based practice, frames of reference, and service implementation. Companion course to OCTH 531SP.

OCTH 531SP. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND ADULTS PAS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program. Corequisite: OCTH 531S.
Companion performance and simulation to OCTH 531S.

OCTH 532S. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND PEDIATRICS. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program. Corequisite: OCTH 532SP.
Provides learners with theories, knowledge, and application opportunities related to evaluation, analysis, and intervention planning for children with special needs in varied pediatric occupational therapy practice settings. Focuses on the provision of occupational therapy services with children. Specific skill building will focus on evaluation, interpreting evaluation information, and designing evidence-based intervention. Companion course to OCTH 532SP.

OCTH 532SP. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND PEDIATRICS PAS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program. Corequisite: OCTH 532S.
Companion performance and simulation to OCTH 532S.

OCTH 533S. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND OLDER ADULTS. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program. Corequisite: OCTH 533SP.
Provides an understanding of theoretical basis and intervention skills applied in the occupational therapy process with the older adult. Topics include: review of physiological and psychosocial aspects of typical aging and the relationship to occupational performance, occupational therapy evaluation and intervention skills for common health conditions affecting functional performance in the aging population, and special topics in occupational therapy geriatric. Companion course to OCTH 533SP.

OCTH 533SP. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND OLDER ADULTS PAS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program. Corequisite: OCTH 533S.
Companion performance and simulation to OCTH 533S.

OCTH 535S. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND MENTAL HEALTH: PAS. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: concurrent enrollment with OCTH 530S; passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Focuses on the provision of occupational performance, client-centered, recovery-based, and evidence-based approaches to occupational therapy in mental health. Provides the learner with an opportunity to apply foundational skills in the evaluation, analysis and intervention planning critical to effective occupational therapy service provision for individuals with mental illness.

OCTH 536S. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN ADULTS: PAS. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: concurrent enrollment with OCTH 531S; passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Students develop knowledge and skills on how disabling conditions impact occupational performance, treatment planning, documentation, use of assessment tools, evidence-based practice, frames of reference, and service implementation. This course is the performance and simulation that accompanies the lecture, practice, and discussion course OCTH 531S.

OCTH 537S. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: PAS. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Provides opportunities for practical application of theories and practice skills for children with special needs in a variety of practice settings. Focuses on practicing and simulating provision of occupational therapy services with children including: assessment, interpreting evaluation information, and designing evidence-based intervention. Students working under faculty supervision apply knowledge and skills with children, families, and other professionals.

OCTH 538S. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND OLDER ADULTS: PAS. 2 Credits.

Notes: A section of this course is to be taken concurrently with the related section of OCTH 533S. Success in both courses will need to be demonstrated in order to demonstrate competence in addressing occupational performance concerns of older adults and to progress to the next level of course work.
Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Provides opportunities to apply knowledge and skills related to occupational therapy assessment, planning, intervention, and consultation for the older adult. Occupational therapy principles and theories are applied through classroom discussion and skill development in preparation for, and through delivering and being evaluated on, services to older adults under supervision in the community.

OCTH 540S. HEALTH AND WELLNESS. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Provides an overview of occupational performance within the scope of health promotion, wellness, and lifestyle modification for both mental and physical wellness. Students explore and demonstrate the ability to promote improved health and wellness through participation in occupations. Content and assignments focus on both traditional and contemporary approaches to disease prevention, maintenance, and reversal for both individual and population health.

OCTH 541S. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Designed as a vehicle to help occupational therapy students to integrate previous learning by providing opportunities for occupational assessments, needs identification, and the selection and design of both high and low technology devices to maximize client independence in their occupational performance areas. Designed to incorporate an inter-professional experience with community members who assist students with creating products and providing technology solutions.

OCTH 542S. LEADERSHIP AND EMERGING PRACTICE. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program. Corequisite: OCTH 542SP.
Focuses on leadership and management in diverse and emerging practice settings. Students participate in lecture, discussion, and community experiences to explore occupational therapy leadership theories, principles, and strategies. Students apply leadership concepts by comparing and analyzing current themes, opportunities, and challenges in both traditional and emerging practice areas through the completion of a community-based project. Companion course to OCTH 542SP.

OCTH 542SP. LEADERSHIP AND EMERGING PRACTICE PAS. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program. Corequisite: OCTH 542S.
Companion performance and simulation to OCTH 542S.

OCTH 591S. CLINICAL FIELDWORK I: ADULTS. 1 Credit.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses.
Introduces the adult fieldwork experience, integrates application of classroom knowledge to the clinical setting, and offers opportunities in developing a therapeutic rapport and understanding the needs of the client.

OCTH 592S. CLINICAL FIELDWORK I: PEDIATRICS. 1 Credit.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses.
Introduces the pediatric fieldwork experience, integrates application of classroom knowledge to the clinical setting, and offers opportunities in developing a therapeutic rapport and understanding the needs of the client.

OCTH 593S. CLINICAL FIELDWORK I: MENTAL HEALTH. 1 Credit.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses.
Introduces the mental health fieldwork experience, integrates application of classroom knowledge to the clinical setting, and offers opportunities in developing a therapeutic rapport and understanding the needs of the client.

OCTH 595S. CLINICAL FIELDWORK I. 1 Credit.

Notes: Must be repeated three times for a total of 3 credits. Students will have three separate rotations of level 1 fieldwork within the program. Graded Pass/Fail.
Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
Introduces students to the fieldwork experience, integrates application of classroom knowledge to the clinical setting, and offers opportunities in developing a therapeutic rapport and understanding the needs of the client.

OCTH 599S. DIRECTED STUDY. 1-4 Credits.

Independent and directed study.

OCTH 601S. PROFESSIONAL PROJECT I. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
This is the first in a series of two courses where students engage in synthesis Capstone projects to support the requirements for the Master of Occupational Therapy degree. Students establish timelines for completion of their project which may be done in either group or individual format linked to one of the three threads: 1. research, 2. clinical skills, or 3. community engaged scholarship. Faculty mentors work with students to determine semester goals.

OCTH 602S. PROFESSIONAL PROJECT II. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous term courses in the OT program.
This is the second of two required courses in which Master of Occupational Therapy students continue to work with their faculty mentor toward the completion and dissemination of their Capstone project, as initiated in OCTH 601S. All projects require the completion of a professionally-written scholarly document highlighting the student’s process and results; the format of which will be determined individually by each Committee Chair. Publication/presentation of work is highly encouraged.

OCTH 691S. CLINICAL FIELDWORK LEVEL II: ROTATION 1. 8 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses.
This experience is done on a full-time basis (40 hours per week for three months). The advanced internship experience is conducted at a clinical and/or community site in which treatment for persons of all ages with physical dysfunction, and behavioral and/or mental health disorders affecting occupational performance occurs. Students must complete two level II fieldwork rotations (24 weeks or 960 hours) within 24 months of completing their professional OT academic program before graduating.

OCTH 692S. CLINICAL FIELDWORK LEVEL II: ROTATION 2. 8 Credits.

Pre-requisites: passed all previous OT program courses.
This experience is done on a full-time basis (40 hours per week for three months). The advanced internship experience is conducted at a clinical and/or community site in which treatment for persons of all ages with physical dysfunction, and behavioral and/or mental health disorders affecting occupational performance occurs. Students must complete two level II fieldwork rotations (24 weeks or 960 hours) within 24 months of completing their professional OT academic program before graduating.

OCTH 695S. CLINICAL FIELDWORK LEVEL II. 8 Credits.

Notes: must be repeated twice for a total of 16 credits and is graded Pass/Fail.
This experience is done on a full-time basis (40 hours per week for six months). The advanced internship experience is conducted at a clinical and/or community site in which treatment for persons of all ages with physical dysfunction, and behavioral and/or mental health disorders affecting occupational performance occurs. Students must complete two semesters (24 weeks or 960 hours) of Fieldwork Level II within 24 months of completing their professional OT academic program before graduating.