Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS Degree Courses

The first of a two-semester sequence especially designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields as well as any student desiring an in-depth undergraduate transfer course. The course focuses on the interdependent relationships between the structure and functions of body systems and the ways these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure the survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include levels of organization, the chemistry of life, support/movement, integration/control, and coordination. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

The second of a two-semester sequence designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields or wishing an in-depth undergraduate transfer course in the biological sciences. The course focuses on interdependent relationships between the structures and functions of body systems and the way these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include systems associated with circulation, maintenance, elimination and continuity. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in BIO-168.

Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material.

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement scores or equivalent.

This course introduces the student to the healthcare system and provides an opportunity to explore a wide variety of health careers/professions. Students will explore ethical and legal responsibilities within the healthcare system including expectations for professional behavior. This course will allow for certification in common healthcare requirements.

This course provides an introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes with emphasis in such areas as learning, cognition, motivation, personality, behavioral disorder, therapy, and social influence. An understanding of the impact of both theoretical perspectives and experimental evidence on the formulation of the science of human behavior is also stressed. Psychological theories and principles are utilized to explain and predict behavior.

This course presents the foundation necessary to develop a basic medical terminology vocabulary. Emphasis on the components of terms as related to each body system will be provided. The course further provides the student with the opportunity to properly spell, pronounce and utilize medical terms in relation to pathological conditions, tests, and procedures. Common medical abbreviations will also be discussed for each system.

This is a one semester, liberal arts mathematics course that satisfies the minimum general education requirement for math. The course is designed to impart math skills which are helpful in everyday life as well as to expose students to areas of mathematics they may not have seen before. Topics include problem-solving skills, set theory, algebra, consumer mathematics, probability, and statistics. Other topics may be included.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D- in MAT-063 or appropriate placement score.

This course introduces the key concepts of occupational therapy as a health and wellness profession. The roles of occupational therapists are explored, including in traditional and emerging health care, community-based, and education settings. The course will introduce foundational and philosophical concepts, professional ethics, and the emergence of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the profession. Students will participate in activities to developing an understanding of the occupational therapy process and the skills needed by a healthcare professional.

This course provides a comprehensive study and in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of the central, peripheral, somatosensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems. Special emphasis is placed on examining the functions of the nervous system and the neurological basis of dysfunction related to occupational performance.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B in BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C in PSY-111, SPC-101, and ENG-105.

This course introduces students to the oral communication process and how it affects human interaction There will be an emphasis on developing interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills. Students will be involved in activities that provide opportunity for the understanding and improvement of their oral communication skills.

This course studies the interrelationship between the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and musculoskeletal system and analysis of functional movement required for engagement in occupation. Formal and informal biomechanical assessment methodologies are presented. Students will utilize assessment data for the occupational therapy process in collaboration with the occupational therapist to plan client-centered treatment sessions.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B in BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C in PSY-111, SPC-101, ENG-105, MAT-110, HSC-108, HSC-113, OTA-101, and OTA-120.

The course will introduce the development and emergence of human occupational performance throughout the lifespan by exploring areas of occupation, occupational roles, habits and routines. Students will learn to analyze occupational tasks and functional activity demands, grade and adapt activities, and build the basic skills necessary for teaching therapeutic activities to meet the needs of occupational therapy consumers, either individually or in groups. Emphasis will be placed on the use of occupation-based media as a means of understanding a client’s cognitive and functional performance. The significance of context and environment will also be explored in relationship to program planning and implementation of therapeutic interventions. Additional topics include an introduction to note writing and goal development.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B in BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C in PSY-111, SPC-101, ENG-105, MAT-110, HSC-108, HSC-113, OTA-101, and OTA 120.

This is the first of three courses that focuses on the various aspects of professional issues which will allow the student increase their skills as they transition to a clinician. The course will focus on various types of documentation, advocacy, types of research, and locating, selecting, and comprehending scholarly reports.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in SPC-101, MAT-110, HSC-113

The first in a sequence of courses addressing conditions causing disruption of occupational behaviors, skills, and life roles in humans throughout the lifespan. This course presents occupational and developmental frameworks for understanding the occupational nature of infants and children through the adolescent period, their families and caregivers. Means of applying the occupational therapy process by the occupational therapy assistant is studied within the contexts of a variety of disorders, conditions, and circumstances affecting this period of human development.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-102, OTA-103, and OTA-105.

Structured experiential learning will provide opportunities for the student to solidify knowledge, develop and practice professional skills and behaviors utilized in the occupational therapy process with infants and children through the adolescent period and their families in a variety of settings.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-102, OTA-103, and OTA-105.

The first in a sequence of courses addressing psychosocial conditions causing disruption of occupational behaviors, skills, and life roles in humans throughout the lifespan. This course presents occupational and developmental frameworks for understanding the occupational nature of infants and children through the adolescent period, their families and caregivers. Means of applying the occupational therapy process by the occupational therapy assistant is studied within the contexts of a variety of mental health disorders, conditions, and circumstances affecting this period of human development.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-102, OTA-103, and OTA-105.

Students will be participant-observers in settings providing occupational therapy services to children and/or adolescents. Emphasis will be placed on development of professional work habits and supervisory collaboration.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-102, OTA-103, OTA-105

This is the second of three courses that focuses on the various aspects of professional issues which will allow the student increase their skills as they transition to a clinician. This course will concentrate on principles of teaching and learning process in various settings, health literacy, advocacy, billing, measuring outcomes and documentation, supervision, communication, health and wellness for the client and occupational therapy practitioner, managing one’s career, and intraprofessional role of occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-102, OTA-103, and OTA-105

The second in a sequence of courses addressing psychosocial conditions causing disruption of occupational behaviors, skills, and life roles in humans throughout the lifespan. This course presents theoretical frameworks and models for understanding the occupational nature of early to middle adulthood at home, at work, and in the community. Approaches to applying the occupational process by the occupational therapy assistant is studied within the contexts of a variety of psychosocial disorders and conditions, and circumstances affecting this period of human development.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-201, OTA-202, OTA-204, OTA-221, and OTA-222.

Structured experiential learning will provide opportunities for the student to solidify knowledge, develop and practice professional skills and behaviors utilized in the occupational therapy process for individuals experiencing disruption in social, emotional and interactional abilities needed for adaptive occupational performance. Both individual and group intervention strategies are explored.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-201, OTA-202, OTA-204, OTA-221, and OTA-222.

Students will be participant-observers in settings providing occupational therapy services to adult consumers with psychosocial conditions. Emphasis will be placed on application of didactic information, development of professional work habits, and supervisory collaboration.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-201, OTA-202, OTA-204, OTA-221, and OTA-222.

This course will investigate the business and management issues as well as the role and responsibility of the occupational therapy assistant. Topics include literacy education, teaching and learning process for educational settings, evidence-based practice, leadership and management in occupational therapy, organizational planning, culture in the work place, changes that occur, management and supervision, financing and budgeting, professional standards, ethical and legal considerations, interprofessional and intraprofessional relationships.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-201, OTA-202, OTA-204, OTA-221, and OTA-222

The second in a sequence of courses addressing physical conditions causing disruption of occupational skills and life roles in humans throughout the lifespan. This course presents theoretical frameworks and models of practice for understanding the occupational nature of early to middle adulthood at home, work and in the community. Approaches for applying the occupational process by the occupational therapy assistant is studied within the contexts of a variety of physical disorders including conditions, and circumstances affecting this period of human development.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-311, OTA-312, OTA-313, and OTA-314

Structured experiential learning will provide opportunities for the student to solidify knowledge, develop and practice professional behaviors utilized in the occupational therapy process for individuals experiencing disruption in motor and sensory-perceptual abilities needed for adaptive occupational performance.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-311, OTA-312, OTA-313, and OTA-314

The third in a sequence of courses addressing conditions causing disruption of occupational behaviors, skills and life roles in humans throughout the lifespan. This course presents theoretical frameworks and models for understanding the occupational nature of late adulthood at home, at work, and in the community. Approaches to applying the occupational therapy process by the occupational therapy assistant is studied within the context of a variety of disorders, conditions, and circumstances affecting this period of human development.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-311, OTA-312, OTA-313, and OTA-314.

Structured experiential learning will provide opportunities for the student to solidify knowledge, develop and practice professional skills and behaviors utilized in the occupational therapy process with elder consumers in a variety of settings.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-311, OTA-312, OTA-313, and OTA-314.

Students will be participant-observers in settings providing occupational therapy services to adult consumers with physical dysfunction. Emphasis will be placed on development of profesional work habits and supervisory collaboration.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-311, OTA-312, OTA-313, and OTA-314.

The first of two courses consisting of 8 weeks of full-time community-based clinical education. Students will participate in the delivery of occupational therapy services, in collaboration and with supervision from a currently licensed or credentialed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant. They will work with individuals at different point of the lifespan, experiencing disruption of occupational performance.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-315, OTA-316, OTA-401, OTA-402, and OTA-403.

The second of two courses consisting of 8 weeks of full time community-based clinical education. Students will participate in the delivery of occupational therapy services, in collaboration and with supervision from a currently licensed or credentialed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant. They will work with individuals at different points of the lifespan, experiencing disruption of occupational performance.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in OTA-502 including a passing score of the AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Student

This course is the final course of three for aspects of professionalism which focuses on the various topics as a student increases their skills with transitioning to a clinician. The course will concentrate communicating the distinct nature of occupational therapy to variety of individuals, increasing knowledge of the occupational therapy practice’s aspect of business management, process of the requirements credentialing for and licensure, competency-based supervisory process, scholarly activity and communication of information, strategies for ongoing professional development in practice and academic settings, and professional responsibility in regards to liability.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in OTA-502. Passing score of the AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Student