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School of Health Professions  :  Occupational Therapy Education  :  MOT  :  Curriculum  :  Course Descriptions  

Course Descriptions for the BS/MOT Program

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Mailing address
KU Dept. of OT Education
Attn: MOT Admissions
Mail Stop 2003
3901 Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City, KS 66160

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SUMMER 1

OCTH 388 Human Anatomy (6 credit hours)
Lectures and demonstrations of models and dissected material covering the most important features of gross anatomy including detailed study of bones, muscles, blood vessels, and peripheral nerves. Emphasis on functional anatomy of the extremities, head, neck, and back. Assigned dissections of the human cadaver is accomplished by each student.

OCTH 395 Orientation to the Occupational Therapy Profession (3)
Overview of the KUMC curriculum and philosophy of the occupational therapy profession; structure and function of the national, state, and local professional associations and regulating bodies. Introductory concepts of the Ecology of Human Performance Framework and the occupational therapy process.

FALL 1

OCTH 401 Theory and Practice in Occupational Therapy (2)
Foundation concepts of the profession, including the role of occupation in the development of occupational competence and self-identity, maintenance of health and well-being, and adaptation to life-altering circumstances. Application of clinical reasoning, classical and contemporary occupational therapy conceptual frameworks, and interpersonal/intersubjective communication skills in the occupational therapy process. Interrelationships of theory, research and practice, professional development and professional contribution.

OCTH 415 Communication and Professional Relations (1)
This course provides laboratory instruction and selected exploratory experiences to develop effective professional communication skills and to facilitate professional growth through self-awareness. An awareness of group process is developed through self-reflection, leadership activities and group tasks. The importance of communication to artful practice is stressed and opportunities to practice effective communication occur in a group setting.

OCTH 422 Analysis and Adaptation of Occupations I (4)
This course focuses on the analysis of occupations and person variables that affect performance in daily life.

OCTH 430 Practicum I (2)
Students will use clinical reasoning skills to analyze a person's performance as they participate in work, leisure, and self care activities in natural environments. Professional behavior is emphasized.

OCTH 435-Lifespan Development from an Occupational Perspective (4)
Analysis of occupational roles and performance as it relates to human development from conception through old age and death. Students will develop an understanding of how cognitive, psychosocial and physical aspects of the person affect function across the lifespan. Supports for occupational performance as well as disruptions to performance and adaptations to disabilities will be discussed within the context of age and culture.

OCTH 455 Neuroscience Analysis of Occupational Performance (3)
Principles of basic and applied neurology are introduced. Functions of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems; sensory input, central processing, and output mechanisms and how systems interact to produce appropriate responsiveness to environmental demands are discussed. Students appraise human behavior in relation to function and dysfunction of the nervous system, both in recognizing potential behavioral signs when a specific neurological site is presented, and in hypothesizing about neurological involvement when given a description of an individual with a deficit. Common central nervous system disorders seen by occupational therapists will be discussed.  Sara—This course needs to move to Fall 1.

SPRING 1

OCTH 445 Contexts of Occupation (2)
This course focuses on developing clinical reasoning abilities that incorporate a consideration of context variables in intervention planning, a variety of intervention options, and an understanding of service provision models as applied in a variety of service systems.   Sara—This course needs to move to Spring 1.

OCTH 462 Physical Considerations in Facilitating Occupational Performance (3)
This lecture course examines the impact of selected physical conditions on person variables and occupational performance. An understanding of injury and disease processes is paired with the occupational therapy assessment and intervention methods appropriate to the problem.

OCTH 468 Facilitating Physical Performance Lab (1)
This lab course introduces students to preparatory methods used by occupational therapists to facilitate performance in daily life activities.

OCTH 470 Practicum I (2)
Selected field experiences in a variety of contexts and service provision models where occupational therapy is provided to persons with disabilities. Students will participate in service provision to individuals/families with occupational therapy mentors and other service providers. Use of critical thinking and problem solving are required in reflecting on experiences.

OCTH 472 Psychiatric Considerations in Facilitating Occupational Performance (3)
An overview of psychiatric disorders and their impact on person variables and occupational performance is provided along with general occupational therapy approaches to these disorders. Includes DSM classifications, psychotropic drugs, behavioral interventions, and an appreciation for the experience of the person with a mental illness.

OCTH 482 Analysis and Adaptation of Occupations II (2)
This course focuses on adapting and modifying occupations and activities to meet variations in performance skill and person abilities (body functions/structures). An understanding of occupation as a therapeutic medium and the appropriate selection of intervention strategies will be emphasized.

OCTH 490 Evaluation and Assessment of Occupational Performance (2)
This course provides an overview of the occupational therapy evaluation process. Selection, interpretation, and documentation of assessments will be examined. Assessment of occupational performance across the lifespan will be addressed and will include standardized, non-standardized assessments within a person centered and contextually relevant approach.

FALL 2

OCTH 704 Planning and Intervention in Occupational Therapy (2)
Using a problem based clinical reasoning approach this course examines the impact of common medical conditions on occupational performance with individuals of all ages. Students will practice developing plans and interventions for occupational performance problems presented by varying medical conditions.

OCTH 710 Service Management: Delivery Systems (1)
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of how the systems in which service occurs impacts practice. Financial, regulatory, and personnel issues across a variety of systems will be addressed.

OCTH 720 Occupational Therapy Practice Models (8)
In a series of modules this course introduces the student to selected occupational therapy practice models. Theoretical background, assessments, and interventions approaches common to each model are described. The lab component of this class consists of two parts: 1) learning of assessment and intervention techniques specific to different practice models and 2) practice in selecting and applying appropriate practice models for different occupational performance problems.

OCTH 730 Practicum III (2)
Selected field experiences provide opportunities for critical thinking and problem solving in a variety of contexts and service provision models where occupational therapy is provided to persons with disabilities. Students will have opportunities to provide assessment and intervention to at least one individual with a psychosocial dysfunction and one individual with a physical disability under the supervision of an occupational therapy mentor. Students will determine the relevant variables for intervention, work collaboratively with others within the setting and analyze and reflect upon their experience.

OCTH 783 Evidence-Based Practice (2)
This course will address the parameters and criteria for evidence-based practice. Students will evaluate the status, beliefs, and practice of the profession, and will develop skills at synthesizing and presenting evidence to service recipients. Students will also formulate a decision-making paradigm for their future practice decisions.

SPRING 2

Part a (JAN, FEB, MAR)

OCTH 770 Level II Fieldwork, part 1 (6)
A required full-time, three-month supervised experience in a facility meeting specified criteria. Qualified occupational therapists supervise the experience. Students will be exposed to a variety of age ranges and disabilities within different service delivery systems. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of required academic coursework with a cumulative gradepoint average of 3.0.

Part b (APR, MAY)

OCTH 715 Supervision, Team Relations, and Management Communication (1)
This course emphasizes entry-level skills related to supervision, teamwork, and communication within practice environments.

OCTH 727 Professional & Technical Writing (1)
Students will achieve competency in scientific writing and use of the American Psychological Association (APA) style. Prerequisite: OCTH 725

OCTH 750 Case-Based Clinical Reasoning (2)
Student will apply the clinical reasoning process to individuals with occupational performance needs. Cases will be presented from the student's Level II fieldwork experience. In a problem solving format, student will evaluate services received by the individual and discuss alternatives given a variety of situations.

FALL 3

Part a ... (JUL, AUG, SEP)

OCTH 780 Elective Level II Fieldwork, Special Topics (6)
An elective (optional) full-time, three month, supervised experience in a facility meeting specific criteria. Qualified occupational therapist will supervise this experience. This fieldwork would allow students to pursue areas of special interest. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of required academic coursework, OCTH770, and cumulative grade-point average of 3.0.

Part b ... (OCT, NOV, DEC)

OCTH 775 Level II Fieldwork, part 2 (6)
A required full-time, three month supervised experience in a facility meeting specified criteria. Qualified occupational therapists will supervise this experience. Students will be exposed to a variety of age ranges and disabilities within different service delivery systems. Ages, disabilities, and service provision systems for this course will differ from the student's prior fieldwork experience. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of required academic coursework, Level II, part 1, and a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0.

SPRING 3

OCTH 725 The Research Process (2)
An introduction to the scientific method as it applies to occupational therapy, including problem identification, design, methodology, and evaluation. Research consumer skills are a major focus so that students may profit from professional literature and contribute to efforts of this nature.

OCTH 755 Issues and Trends Seminar (1)
Students will analyze key professional, political, and cultural issues and trends that impact service provision and the populations served by occupational therapists.

OCTH 760 Professional Development and Leadership in Service Management (3)
Exploration of professional responsibilities, professional career development opportunities, and preparations for employment. Service management content will build on previous service management course, and will develop an understanding of leadership, administration, and management of occupational therapy services.

OCTH 765 Family and Community Service Systems (2)
Through lecture and a community project, student will examine various systems that impact service delivery with individuals. Students will complete a semester long project with an individual centered on facilitating occupational performance needs.

OCTH 776 Population-Based Clinical Reasoning (2)
Student will apply the clinical reasoning process to populations with occupational performance needs. Students will prepare a program plan for a population by identifying needs of the population, potential funding sources, personnel, settings, and best practice program elements. Advanced clinical reasoning of cases will also be included.

OCTH 790 Research Practicum (2)
Students in this course will carry out a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and write a research paper reporting findings of the study. Prerequisite: OCTH 725