Course Descriptions

HAO 600: Foundations and Theory of Occupational Therapy

This course provides students with an understanding of the core principles of occupational therapy using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework.  The  primary theories, models, and frames of reference that guide occupational therapy practice are introduced and applied using problem-based learning facilitate future clinical courses.

HAO 601: Group Process, Client Communication, and Therapeutic Use of Self

This course consists of didactic instruction combined with laboratory experiences to educate students in the theories and principles of group process in behavior, group dynamics and client communication skills in various occupational therapy treatment settings.  The intentional relationship model witll be used in developing and understanding therapeutic use of self.

HAO 602: Occupational Therapy Task & Contextual Analysis

This course introduces students to the components of and process of activity analysis.  Students utilize their knowledge of occupational therapy and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework to analyze the domains of occupational therapy for a variety of occupations.

HAO 603: Occupations Across the Lifespan

The course provides students with knowledge of developmental theories and factors influencing the normal developmental process. Developmental norms and sequences are examined with emphasis on physical (sensory and motor), cognitive, and psychosocial tasks. Cultural and environmental influences on development are also discussed. The coursework covers prenatal, child, adolescent, and adult development.

HAO 610: Functional Human Anatomy

Provides an anatomical review of all bodily systems in order for students to acquire a basic working knowledge of the functional structure of the human body. Provides foundational knowledge for all other courses in the Occupational Therapy Program. Students will apply knowledge learned to formulate hypotheses about occupational dysfunction associated with abnormalities within systems. Utilizes critiques of research to expand on knowledge from lecture and lab.

HAO 611: Functional Neuroscience

The course presents an integrated approach to the general principles of organization and function of the autonomic, peripheral and central nervous systems.  These principles will be presented in a systems approach to Neuroscience.  The anatomy of a system will be followed with its physiology, pathophysiology relation to human function and clinical relevance to the occupational therapist.  Clinical topics will include neurological testing, control of posture and balance, pain, muscle tone and spasticity, feedback versus feed-forward control, reflex versus voluntary control, control of reaching and locomotion, perception, and learning.

HAO 612: Movement for Occupational Performance

This course will provide students with an understanding of how to analyze movement using motor learning, motor control, motor development, and principles of kinesiology that relate to occupational performance.

HAO 613: Conditions in Occupational Therapy

This first-year occupational therapy course will address clinical diagnoses, symptomatology, and prognosis of many major clinical conditions commonly encountered in current practice. In addition, there will be an emphasis on the impact of disease on individual physical, cognitive and emotional function and on families and society.  Case studies will be utilized within this course to enable students to relate major theories and frames of reference to treatment approaches for common diagnoses and medical conditions.  

HAO 620: Assessment & Intervention in Mental Health

This course will explore the psychosocial aspects of disability as they affect the function of the individual, the family and the community.  Lectures and presentations will be related to the recognition of psychosocial problems and how they can be better understood, minimized, or eliminated. Provision of mental health services across all levels of care will be delineated   Multicultural factors will be discussed as they relate to mental illness and the recovery process.  The course exposes the occupational therapy student to the DSM V and the pharmacology of major mental illnesses.  Psychosocial theories guiding assessment and intervention will be thoroughly discussed.  Interviewing skills are demonstrated and practiced in the lab sessions.  The use of group theories, the structure and function of groups in treatment, the analysis of group treatment and group activities and the therapeutic use of self are the focus in laboratory and lectures.  Students will be introduced to and given the opportunity to practice a variety of assessments utilized in psychosocial occupational therapy practice.  This course is to provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function as an occupational therapist in a psychosocial/mental health treatment setting.

HAO 621: Assessment & Intervention in Physical Rehabilitation

The course focuses on occupational therapy and physical disabilities as they pertain to the adult population. Injury, illness, and disease and the affect on the functioning of the individual in self-care, work, and leisure are explored. It provides students with knowledge, laboratory experiences, and a framework to provide services to adults with physical dysfunction. This course addresses occupational therapy values, theory and practice, including frames of reference, evaluation, treatment planning, and selection of age-appropriate occupations to support occupational performance, occupational analysis, and discharge planning. Students are provided with opportunities to demonstrate development of entry level documentation skills (evaluation, treatment planning, progress notes, discharge planning) and experiences to develop oral communication skills in preparation for fieldwork. The course is designed with laboratory sessions providing students with varied opportunities to develop an entry level knowledge base and broad based clinical skills to successfully complete Fieldwork Level I and II experiences with a variety of clients in multiple types of traditional or community-based settings.

HAO 622: Assessment & Intervention of Young Children

Presents occupational therapy theories, assessments, and treatment processes as they pertain to the pediatric population for children birth to five years of age. Reviews the predominant models of current practice and integrates effective treatment interventions. Emphasizes abnormal  development, acute and chronic medical conditions and their resulting effects on the central nervous system, orthopedic and musculoskeletal systems. Reviews major causes of disability, the etiology and prognoses. Discusses the impact on the family system and the cultural implications. Students learn to select and adapt age and developmental stage appropriate evaluations and treatment intervention strategies. Teaches students to analyze occupation-based activities. 

HAO 623: Assessment & Intervention in School-Based Practice

Presents occupational therapy theories, assessments, and treatment processes as they pertain to the pediatric population for children and adolescents in the school-based setting. The course reviews the predominant models of current practice and integrates effective treatment interventions. Emphasizes abnormal  development, acute and chronic medical conditions and their resulting effects on the central nervous system, orthopedic and musculoskeletal systems. Reviews major causes of disability, the etiology and prognoses. Discusses the impact on the family system and the cultural implications. Students learn to select and adapt age and developmental stage appropriate evaluations and treatment intervention strategies. Teaches students to analyze occupation-based activities.

HAO 624: Assessment and Intervention in Substance Abuse Treatment

This online course addresses the physiological, sociological, and psychological effects of substance abuse on the abuser and his/her environment. Drug classifications will be presented, along with effects and withdrawal symptoms. Treatment models, philosophies, and methods are discussed. Students will learn how to design both individual and group interventions. The occupational therapist’s role in the evaluation and treatment of substance abuse across the life-span and across disabilities will be explored and discussed in detail. The use of 12-step programs and alternative treatment models will be reviewed, as will prevention programs, such as smoking cessation. 

HAO 625: Physical Agent Modalities

This course presents physical agent modalities utilized as adjuncts to occupational therapy treatment.  Reviews therapeutic applications of heat and cold, ultrasound, paraffin, TENS and functional electric stimulation.  Provides opportunity to practice applications. Addresses physiological effects of physical agents and their clinical uses and contraindications.

HAO 626: Assessment and Intervention of the Older Adult 

This course focuses on the role of occupational therapy with the aged within geriatric rehabilitation settings (in-patient, out-patient, and home care), long-term care programs, wellness & safety programs, hospice, and community-based programs (socialization, day treatment, adult day care programs), and alternative housing environments. In order for occupational therapists to understand the needs of older persons, the course addresses the aging process and its physiological, sociological, and psychological effects, with attention to heterogeneity and older person's strengths and capabilities. Students also learn about common impairments and disabilities and rehabilitation needs of older persons. Students will develop and demonstrate skills in evaluation, treatment planning and therapeutic adaptation, documentation, and discharge planning (including collaborative client and family education), and demonstrate knowledge of assistive devices, equipment, and technology/ environmental modifications to support community living and to improve the quality of life of older persons.

The course also addresses the importance of evidence-based practice, including occupational therapy, life-long learning and professional development, the benefits of collaborative OT-OTA partnerships and the relationships between policy, legislation and practice. Additional topics include aging and gender issues, successful aging, and community and home safety. 

HAO 627: Technological Applications in Occupational Therapy

Centers on adapting the environment to improve the client's quality of life. Examines the therapist's ability to help the patient reintegrate into society. Areas covered include the Americans with Disabilities Act, mobility, (power and manual), seating/positioning systems, adapted toys, augmentative communication systems, computer access, environmental control units, independent living aids, driver rehabilitation, and vocational adaptations.

HAO 628: Contemporary and Emerging Practice in Occupational Therapy

Discusses the delivery of occupational therapy services in emerging areas of practice.  Provides students with alternative models of service delivery and occupational therapy practice.  Explores role development and delineation; ethical practice; malpractice; liability concerns; insurance reimbursement; scope of practice and licensure statutes related to emerging areas.

HAO 629: Wellness and Health Promotion in Occupational Therapy

Discusses the role of occupational therapy in wellness and health promotion and prevention. Students examine theories and evidence-based practice toward gaining and understanding of occupational therapy within this practice area for various populations.

HAO 630: Community-to-Global Practice Implications in Occupational Therapy

Presents the importance of occupation as a precursor to health, and of occupational therapy as a health promoting profession. Examines the theories and applications of occupational science through a review of the professional literature and class discussion. This occupational perspective of health will be the foundation for each student's design of a community-based practice program. Reviews social theories, socio-cultural and socio-political trends that impact the individual's health status and the delivery of health care services. 

HAO 631: Professional Behaviors

This course introduces professional behaviors, including basic communication and documentation skills, with a focus on expectations of fieldwork sites.  Students will learn the concept of reflective practice, and how to use a reflective journal.  Introduces their professional portfolio as a means to document clinical competence.  Examines the nature of the supervisory process with strategies to maximize the use of clinical and administrative supervision.  Explores cultural competency and the scope of diversity in health care.  This course emphasizes the importance of life-long learning through continuing education and other methods.  Explores the supervisory process in the context of its use for personal and professional growth. Discusses the role of the occupational therapy assistant as a colleague and collaborator.  Includes lectures, presentations, role-plays, and other exercises to achieve learning objectives.

HAO 650: Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy

This course provides students with the core knowledge in locating and critically appraising research evidence.  Students will develop the skills to critique qualitative and quantitative research.  The basics of methodologies, data collection, description, and analysis will be provided. 

HAO 651: Introduction to Research Approaches and Designs

Provides a foundation for future professional and scholarly activities and stresses the importance of research for informed practice decisions. Students learn basic research concepts and statistical applications for the research process.  Students learn to review and critique published, peer-reviewed research, identify research topics of interest, and initiate the literature review process. Students learn the tools needed to critique commonly used assessment tools in occupational therapy and to use and interpret standardized scores. Requires the CORIHS human subjects research training. Emphasizes professional writing skills for publications and professional presentations. Provides students beginning reserach and critical inquiry skills through learning current occupational therapy related research methods and by the design of research grant proposals.

HAO 652: Statistics in Occupational Therapy Research 

Presents fundamentals of statistics and data analysis. Topics include descriptive statistics, statistical inference, tests for experimental comparisons, correlation, regression, and nonparametric tests. Students learn to use available computer programs for data management and statistical analysis.  Discusses validity and reliability of various statistical techniques.

HAO 660: Health Care Policy and Advocacy in Occupational Therapy

Provides students with an overview of important information and trends in health care delivery and policy in the 21st century.  Includes topics such as health care systems; health policy and advocacy; information technology; medical genetics and pharmacogenetics; geriatrics; health law; health literacy; health disparities; and other contemporary topics. Presents opportunities for students to explore in depth one special interest area. 

HAO 661: Management and Business Fundamentals in Occupational Therapy

This course builds on previously learned management concepts examining in greater detail the specific responsibilities of the manager of occupational therapy services. Students will learn the mechanics of designing and implementing an occupational therapy department, program or practice. Financial, legal and administrative issues will be discussed, along with marketing strategies. Lectures and class discussions will prepare the student for the culminating course assignment of designing a unique occupational therapy practice.

HAO 662: Visionary Leadership in Emerging Practice

Students explore innovative, non-traditional, and emerging areas of occupational therapy practice. Students meet and dialog with occupational therapy practitioners and/or other health care professionals who have developed private practices, are consultants, and are involved in emerging areas of practice.  Presents timely articles concerning health care trends and non-traditional/emerging practice areas. This course builds upon student’s prior knowledge and coursework and integrates the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Standards of Practice Standards of Practice, Core Values and Attitudes of Occupational Therapy, and the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Code of Ethics, with attention to current and potential Occupational Therapy (OT)/Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) partnerships in community and non-traditional settings.

HAO 680: Fieldwork IA

The first of three introductory level I clinical experiences.  Offers the opportunity to identify symptomatology, observe treatment interventions and formulate treatment plans in a psychosocial practice setting.  Promotes effective communication skills used with patients and professionals.  Uses reflective journals to monitor development of professional behaviors and skills.

HAO 681: Fieldwork IB

The second of three introductory level clinical experiences.  Offers the opportunity to identify symptomatology, observe treatment interventions and formulate treatment plans in a physical disabilities practice setting.  Promotes effective communication skills used with patients and professionals.  Uses reflective journals to monitor development of professional behaviors and skills.

HAO 682: Fieldwork IC

The third of three introductory level clinical experiences.  Offers the opportunity to identify symptomatology, observe treatment interventions and formulate treatment plans in a pediatric practice setting.  Promotes effective communication skills used with patients and professionals.  Uses reflective journals to monitor development of professional behaviors and skills.

HAO 683: Fieldwork IIA

Fieldwork IIA is an in-depth clinical experience in the delivery of occupational therapy services. According to AOTA guidelines, this fieldwork is designed to promote clinical reasoning and reflective practice; transmit values and beliefs that enable the application of ethics related to the profession; enable the student to communicate and model professionalism as a developmental process and career responsibility; and develop and expand a repertoire of occupational therapy assessments and interventions related to human occupation and performance. This first of three level II fieldwork experiences exposes the student to a variety of clinical conditions in a specific practice area for 12 weeks on a full-time basis.

HAO 684: Fieldwork IIB

This second clinical fieldwork experiences provides the occupational therapy student with opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills learned thus far in the curriculum. Students will be assigned to a fieldwork site for 12 weeks on a full-time basis in a particular area of practice.

HAO 690: Doctoral Certification & Capstone Project Proposal

Students must demonstrate proficiency on a certification practice exam to demonstrate entry-level practice competency, a requirement prior to their doctoral studies.  After passing the exam, students will be provided with an overview of the residency experience and identify their desired outcomes for their residency experience.

HAO 691: Capstone Residency

The doctoral residency develops students with the advanced skills (beyond the generalist level) necessary to achieving higher-level practice-scholar competencies.  The students will implement the capstone project proposal developed in the prior capstone course. 

HAO 692: Capstone Project Completion and Dissemination

The student will complete their capstone project results and disseminate in a written or oral format.