inside.ewu.edu

Occupational Therapy

 Lucretia A. Berg, Chair
department web page

Faculty

Lucretia A. Berg, Serena Dewey, Danielle DiLuzio, Kaylynn Garrison, Leanna McManus, Dane Vulcan.

Adjunct Faculty: Andrew Cole, Felicia Reilly, Haley Zizzi.

Emeritus Faculty: Diane Norell.

Degree

MOT–Occupational Therapy 

Required courses in this program of study may have prerequisites. Reference the course description section for clarification.

The Profession

Occupational Therapy (OT) is an evidence-based, client centered profession that facilitates participation in day-to-day life activities throughout the lifespan.  Humans are occupational beings who derive meaning and value from the things they want and need to do.  The ability to engage in meaningful occupations is an important determinant of overall health, well-being, and life satisfaction.

Our Mission
  • To develop person-centered occupational therapists of the highest integrity who practice with a strong occupation-based foundation from which they support and promote quality of life and full participation.
  • To prepare students for a broad scope of practice with consideration for addressing the needs of the underserved.
  • To deliver an academic program which meets a spectrum of educational needs for students and professionals, in collaboration with community partners, while demonstrating teaching and learning excellence.
  • To develop emerging practitioners to critically review and provide innovative and cost-effective client services.
Our Vision
  • We envision a globally active community of students, faculty, and community partners who demonstrate a respect for diversity, a passion for learning and a commitment to person-centered, occupation-focused and evidence-based practice.
Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging

The Department of Occupational Therapy (DOT) is dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging (DEIJB). We are committed to a shared understanding of DEIJB that encompasses but is not limited to, individual/group differences, cultural/social differences, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic class, age, religious beliefs, and mental and physical abilities.  We demonstrate this dedication by honoring the lived experiences of each individual and striving to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for teaching and learning. We believe that all faculty, staff, and students should be valued and as a result, we want them to feel a sense of belonging within our program. We seek to create future occupational therapy practitioners that are culturally humble and responsive, and who seek opportunities to expand their understanding of culture and identity within the clientele we serve.  

Accreditation: the Occupational Therapy Program at Eastern Washington University is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 501E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is 301.652.6611. Website: www.acoteonline.org.

General Admission Requirements

Eastern provides two methods for students seeking entry into the profession as an occupational therapist:

  • Option for any student with an earned Bachelor degree by the start of the summer term of the year after application - Entry into graduate studies and the MOT course sequence upon admission into the program.
  • Option for Eastern Washington University students in approved undergraduate degree programs – Students who are pursuing an approved Bachelor degree program at Eastern Washington University can enter the MOT program through the undergraduate to graduate pathway. Currently, approved undergraduate programs participating in this path are: (1) Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science and (2) Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Psychology. In the junior year, students in these approved majors may apply to the MOT via this path by choosing the Combined Bachelors to Masters link in OTCAS. If accepted, the first year of the MOT course sequence dually count towards completing the bachelor degree and MOT degree and the second year of the MOT course sequence and fieldwork level II experiences solely count towards the MOT degree. Note, if accepted, the first year of MOT, while dually earning academic credit, students will be assessed tuition as a graduate level student. Review the MOT website for additional information.

International students must be admitted to Graduate Studies. Information can be found on the International Graduate web page.

Specific Official English Proficiency Test Scores for admission to the MOT program:

TOEFL iBT = 92     PBT = 580     PTE = 63     ELTS = 7.0

General admission requirements for both entry methods are described below.

A.  Prerequisites. Prerequisite coursework may be taken at Eastern Washington University (EWU) or at any other accredited university, or college.  At the time of submission of the application, applicants must have completed at least eight prerequisite courses listed below. All prerequisites must be taken for credit (not through certificate programs), and only courses in which applicants have received a passing grade of a P or a 2.0 (letter grade equivalent of C) or higher will satisfy the requirements. Prerequisite courses are input directly into the OTCAS application. If applicants have any questions about these prerequisite courses, please email ot@ewu.edu. If the applicant has not completed 8 out of 10 prerequisites, then a plan of completion must be submitted with OTCAS application.

1. Abnormal Psychology5
2. General Biology (with lab)5
Note—The course must include chemistry of atomic structure and cell functions. A college chemistry for non-majors or chemistry for the health sciences course can be substituted.
3. Human Anatomy or Anatomy & Physiology I with lab5
4. Human Physiology or Anatomy & Physiology II with lab5
Note—Completion of the full Anatomy and Physiology series (BIOL 232, BIOL 233 and BIOL 234) at Eastern Washington University satisfies the medical terminology prerequisite. It is recommended to complete the full series (three quarters) if taken at EWU.
5. Intermediate English Composition or Technical Writing5
Note—A course designated by a college/university or academic department as “writing intensive” can also fulfill this requirement. Applicants who have already earned a Master’s degree in a different field are exempt from this requirement.
6. Medical Terminology2
Note—This requirement is waived for applicants who are Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs). Completion of the full Anatomy and Physiology series (BIOL 232, BIOL 233 and BIOL 234) at Eastern Washington University satisfies the medical terminology prerequisite. It is recommended to complete the full series (three quarters) if taken at EWU.
7. Introduction to Sociology (contact department for list of accepted courses)5
Note—Content includes concepts, principles and theories of sociology that explains social behavior in non-psychological terms to understand how human beings fit their activities together into a system of social arrangements. Must include multiple social systems.
8. General Psychology/Introduction to Psychology4-5
Note—We will accept transcripted Advanced Placement credit in Psychology showing as equivalent to a course at an accredited institution.
9. Lifespan (Human Development or Developmental Psychology)4-5
10. Statistics5
Total Credits45-47

Note: Completion of a course equivalent to EWU's Introduction to Occupational Therapy, OCTH 101 is highly recommended as preparation to enter the MOT program at EWU. Contact ot@ewu.edu for more information. 

B.  Formal Application to the Master of Occupational Therapy degree (direct entry or Combined Bachelor’s to Master of Occupational Therapy path) online at OTCAS which includes the following components:

  1. Volunteer or work experience of 40 hours with persons with disabilities.  At least ten of the forty hours of shadowing or observing an occupational therapist.  Hours must be submitted on the approved log form located on the Occupational Therapy website.
  2. Submission of transcripts to OTCAS.  If transcripts contain narrative evaluations, the applicant will need to have these reviewed by the institution so they can provide us with supplementary documentation.
  3. Responses to all EWU specific questions within the OTCAS application.
  4. Minimum of three letters of recommendation submitted to OTCAS directly from recommender:
  • One letter of recommendation from a licensed and/or registered occupational therapist practitioner.
  • One letter of recommendation from a college professor/instructor or a letter from an employer (of 6 months or more).
  • One letter of recommendation from a character reference from someone not related to the applicant.

C.  Full acceptance into program must be met before first summer semester (June)

  1. Completion of an interview with the Department of Occupational Therapy.
  2. Completion of ALL prerequisite courses with a passing grade of a P or a 2.0 (letter grade equivalent of C) or higher.
  3. Requirements for admission to EWU as a graduate student (minimum of 3.0 cumulative college GPA).
  4. Direct Entry applicants only: Undergraduate Bachelor's degree completion by June of the application year.
  5. Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy applicants only: Successful verification by Department of Occupational Therapy of satisfactory progress towards completion of undergraduate degree at EWU from EWU Undergraduate advisor.  The applicant may send an email to ot@ewu.edu for a list of approved undergraduate majors.

E.  Other

  • Public Speaking–applicants are expected to be proficient in public speaking.
  • Computer Competency–applicants are expected to be proficient with and must have access to a computer.  If this is an area needing skill building the applicant is advised to pursue appropriate training experiences.

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

The Occupational Therapy program at EWU provides an entry-level Master of Occupational Therapy degree program taught by faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized in the occupational therapy profession.  Our mission is to prepare entry-level graduates to provide occupational therapy services with distinctiveness and compassion, in a variety of professional practice environments. The program provides the foundation of skills in general practice competencies, leadership skills, and creative and critical thinking processes, to facilitate the development of an innovative, entry-level occupational therapist. Additionally, graduates demonstrate a commitment to the common good, creative life-long learning, and high ethical standards for professional practice.

Students engage in coursework designed to build practice skills across the lifespan in physical, mental and preventive care paradigms to enhance occupational performance. Emphasis is placed in community-based and client-centered activities through interactive class core competencies models essential for successful practice in rural, underrepresented, and underserved areas. Cultural humility, as related to service delivery, is integral to the program. Students are also actively engaged in scholarship activities, resulting in a completed capstone project relevant to occupational therapy and must pass a final comprehensive oral examination.

The full-time Master of Occupational Therapy program, housed on EWU’s scenic Spokane campus, begins each year in June. The two-and-a-half-year course of study is organized around a cohort model primarily taught in-person with select courses offered online or hybrid.  Student cohorts interact and build community as they work together toward degree completion. Classes and fieldwork will be completed in sequence, culminating with two, 12-week Fieldwork Level II experiences.

Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy

Review the Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy information section. 

Final Comprehensive Examination

In the last term, the student must pass the final comprehensive examination for the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Degree which includes a presentation and oral defense of the master’s capstone project presented to the department and graduate committee. Additionally, the student is given an oral examination administered by the student’s graduate committee which is composed of two departmental faculty members and one graduate faculty member from outside the department. The focus of the examination is the student’s capstone project and general questions related to the profession of occupational therapy and its practice. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination is required before enrollment in OCTH 695S.

Fieldwork

Students must complete Level II Fieldwork within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.  Degree is conferred upon completion of Level II Fieldwork OCTH 695S.

National Certification Examination

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist administered by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). In addition, most states require licensure to practice. However, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy

Pursuing the MOT via the Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy path allows qualified EWU students to complete a Baccalaureate degree and take graduate level courses within the Master of Occupational Therapy program on an accelerated (advanced standing) schedule. Contact Graduate Programs for more information about advanced standing.

Students may pursue the MOT via the Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy path in one of two ways:
  1. As an enrolled Eastern Washington University student pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science with an Occupational Therapy track, or
  2. As an enrolled Eastern Washington University student pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Psychology with an emphasis in Occupational Therapy.

Once the student has decided on a major, they must meet with the selected program’s advisor to plot their degree plan and determine when they should submit their application to OTCAS for the MOT via the Combined Bachelor's to Masters of Occupational Therapy.

  1. For the BS degree in Exercise Science leading to the Master of Occupational Therapy degree program contact Dr. Katrina Taylor.
  2. For the BS degree in Health Psychology leading to the Master of Occupational Therapy degree program contact Dr. Kayleen Islam-Zwart.

Prior to submitting an application to OTCAS, the student pursuing the chosen Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy track, will need to complete all EWU and selected program graduation requirements.  It is expected that the student may still need to complete the final upper division courses plus any remaining prerequisites when submitting the application to OTCAS.

Combined Bachelor To Master Of Occupational Therapy Criteria
  1. Prior to November 15 [baccalaureate junior year], students are highly encouraged to apply to the MOT via the Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy path (see Master of Occupational Therapy admission requirements).
  2. Successful completion of the Exercise Science or Health Psychology program (completed by June of the baccalaureate graduation year, within 16 months after acceptance to the Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy path).
  3. Meet requirements for admission to EWU as a graduate student (minimum of 3.0 cumulative college GPA).
  4. Admission to Graduate Studies at Eastern Washington University (located at 206 Showalter Hall, Cheney WA 99004, 509.359.6297).
Admission Requirements To The Master Of Occupational Therapy Program (MOT)

To be admitted to the MOT via the Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy path, applicants must first meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School as outlined elsewhere in this catalog (with the exception of being awarded a baccalaureate degree). The admission process to the Master of Occupational Therapy is highly competitive. The requirements listed elsewhere in this catalog are the minimum acceptable requirements to apply to the program and are not indicative of the competitive range of students generally accepted into the program.

Additional Requirements Must Be Completed Prior To Admission Into The Program:
  1. Qualify and apply for admission into Eastern Washington University Graduate Programs (206 Showalter Hall, Cheney, WA 99004, 509.359.6297);
  2. Complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution by June 30 of the year following acceptance into the Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy path;
  3. Candidacy.
To be advanced to Master’s Degree Candidacy, graduate students in an approved major at Eastern for MOT via the Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy path must have met the following requirements:
  1. Submitted an Undergraduate Graduation Application for graduation in Exercise Science or Health Psychology by the deadline indicated on the University's academic calendar for posting of the bachelor's degree before August of year two of the MOT course sequence;
  2. In conjunction with the student's advisor run a degree audit in DegreeWorks and clear candidacy to the MOT through the Graduate Programs office;
  3. Have an academic plan showing satisfactory progress in one of the approved Combined Bachelor to Master of Occupational Therapy undergraduate majors at Eastern Washington University;
  4. Completed the first semester of the MOT course sequence with a minimum GPA ≥3.0 in all courses;
  5. Removed any/all deficiencies regarding graduate requirements;
  6. Met with OT graduate advisor to confirm the required course of study as well as requirements for advancing MOT candidacy and graduation;
  7. Received approval for advancement to candidacy from the Dean of Graduate Studies or the dean’s designee.

Occupational Therapy Courses

Note: OCTH 101 is a quarter based undergraduate course.
All graduate level courses are semester based.
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.

This course is to provide an overview of occupation, the practice of occupational therapy, disability awareness, and community supports for individuals with disabilities. The students will become aware of the diversity of occupational therapy practice, practice environments, and occupational therapy practitioners.

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 FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY. 3 Credits.

This course is an overview of the neurological function and process in the human body. Normal neurologic development throughout the life span will be the primary focus. Application of knowledge concerning neurological process and occupational performance will be emphasized.

OCTH 504S. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY THEORY AND FOUNDATIONS. 4 Credits.

This course introduces students to the current occupational therapy practice framework, which defines domain and process. It 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 will learn the process of theory development and analyze selected practice models and frames of reference for application to occupational therapy evaluation and intervention. The course will also explore the application and importance of occupational therapy practice models and frames of reference to the development of new knowledge, ongoing research, and the advancement of the profession.

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

This course provides an overview of human disease and injury processes occurring throughout the lifespan. The etiology, course, prognosis, treatment and management of each condition will be explored. The course is designed to introduce the student to a variety of injuries and disease processes encountered in the field of occupational therapy. Emphasis will be placed on providing necessary, precautionary and practical information of each disease within a framework of group process and problem solving related skills. Further, the impact of disease and injury on occupational performance and quality of life will be explored. Considerations for the practice of occupational therapy will be discussed with a focus on clinical judgment, team collaboration and global treatment interventions.

OCTH 506S. PRACTICE SKILLS AND ETHICS. 2 Credits.

This course is designed to provide entry level occupational therapy students’ knowledge and skills in practice skills and policy. The course will focus on four main elements of practice including basic clinical skills, clinical writing and documentation, professional roles and policy, and ethics. The intent is for the student to establish basic skills that can be further developed in practice specific courses to enable them to demonstrate entry-level practice competencies.

OCTH 507S. ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS OF OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE. 3 Credits.

This course will teach students how to analyze daily activities and discover their therapeutic value to support intervention strategies with persons who are experiencing dysfunction in occupational performance. Students will integrate theory and knowledge of OT Practice Framework to progress to in-depth analysis of occupational performance. Students will learn how to synthesize information from a variety of sources and apply it to creating, adapting, and grading therapeutic activities.

OCTH 510S. GROUP PROCESS LPD. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: concurrent enrollment with OCTH 517S.
This course focuses on applying occupational therapy principles and theories to develop skills of professional communication, evaluations of behaviors, and creating and implementing group-based interventions.

OCTH 512S. FIELDWORK II SEMINAR. 1 Credit.

This course will focus on preparation for the transition from classroom to Fieldwork Level II (FW II) experiences. Students will 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.

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. 1 Credit.

Pre-requisites: concurrent enrollment with OCTH 510S.
This course 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.

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: admission to the Occupational Therapy program.
This course introduces the process of critical inquiry regarding research methods across the quantitative and qualitative spectrum. It 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. 3 Credits.

Student will have 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. The course 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.

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

This course will focus on the provision of occupational performance, client-centered, recovery-based, and evidence-based approaches to occupational therapy in mental health. The course 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.

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

Students will 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 lecture practice and discussion for the practical skills will be demonstrated in the companion performance and simulation course OCTH 536S.

OCTH 532S. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. 3 Credits.

This course 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. The focus is on the provision of occupational therapy services with children. Specific skill building will focus on evaluation, interpreting evaluation information, and designing evidence-based intervention. Analysis of childhood occupations, disabling condition.

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

Notes: A section of this course is to be taken concurrently with the related field application section of OCTH 538S. Success in both courses is needed to demonstrate competence in addressing occupational performance concerns of older adults and to progress to the next level of course work.
This course provides students with an understanding of theoretical basis and intervention skills applied in the occupational therapy process with the older adult. Topics include: a) review of physiological and psychosocial aspects of typical aging and the relationship to occupational performance, b) occupational therapy evaluation and intervention skills for common health conditions affecting functional performance in the aging population, and c) special topics in occupational therapy geriatric.

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

This course will focus on the provision of occupational performance, client-centered, recovery-based, and evidence-based approaches to occupational therapy in mental health. The course 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.

Students will 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.

This course provides students with opportunities for practical application of theories and practice skills for children with special needs in a variety of practice settings. The focus is 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 will apply knowledge and skills with children, families and other professionals.

OCTH 538S. OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND OLDER ADULTS: PAS. 1 Credit.

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.
This course 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: OCTH 522S with a grade ≥C.
This course 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. Course content and assignments focus on both traditional and contemporary approaches to disease prevention, maintenance, and reversal for both individual and population health.

OCTH 541S. TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENABLING OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE. 3 Credits.

This course is 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. The course is 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 IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY. 4 Credits.

This course 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.

OCTH 595S. CLINICAL FIELDWORK I. 1 Credit.

Notes: Must be repeated three times for a total of 3 credits. Graded Pass/Fail.
The Clinical Fieldwork Level 1 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 client.

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

Independent and directed study.

OCTH 601S. PROFESSIONAL PROJECT I. 3 Credits.

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. 2 Credits.

This is the second of two required courses in which Master of Occupational Therapy students will 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 695S. CLINICAL FIELDWORK LEVEL II. 1-16 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. The student 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. The student may elect to enroll in one or two additional semesters of FW II for further experience in an area of special interest. Upon successful completion of the required FW II experience and graduation with a Master of Occupational Therapy Degree (MOT), the student will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).Graduates must initially pass the NBCOT exam before practicing as an occupational therapist in the United States. Most states require licensure in order to practice however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.