SHS: Occupational Therapy

Course Descriptions-Occupational Therapy (BS/MS Program)

OT 100 Level II Fieldwork-Psychosocial Dysfunction

This is the first full-time 12-week clinical experience for students and takes place at selected Psychosocial treatment facilities. Students have the opportunity to practice their new knowledge and clinical skills under the supervision of a registered / licensed occupational therapist. Students will have completed their Psychosocial studies and the basic courses. Students will be able to assess, evaluate, goal-plan, develop treatment plans, and document patient care efficiently and effectively by the end of this affiliation. A seminar is scheduled periodically to help students and faculty to maintain contact, to work on areas of weakness, and to pre-empt problem areas (i.e. communication problems among the student, the faculty, and the clinical placement). Students have this forum to discuss their concerns and positive experiences. (3 credits)

OT 122 Growth and Development I

Provides students with a knowledge of developmental theories and factors influencing the normal developmental processes. Developmental norms and sequences are examined both longitudinally and horizontally, with emphasis on motor, perceptual, cognitive, language, and psychosocial tasks. Beginning skills in observation of normal infants and children are developed. (2 credits)

OT 123 Growth and Development II

This is a continuation of OT 122. It focuses on the theories, processes, and patterns of adolescent and adult development. (2 credits)

OT 130 Psychosocial Studies and Group Process I

This course integrates the theory and practice of occupational therapy in the area of Psychosocial dysfunction. It introduces psychiatric setting terminology and diagnosis, and reviews psychological theories. It provides an overview of Psychosocial occupational therapy and examines the frames of reference and techniques utilized by the occupational therapist. A group dynamics lab is included to enable the student to utilize skills learned in this course under the guidance of the faculty, and to further enhance the students' professional and personal growth. Prerequisite to OT 131. (3 credits)

OT 131 Psychosocial Studies and Group Process II

This is the continuation of OT 130. It continues to integrate theory and practice in the Psychosocial setting. The students further explore the frames of reference, terminology, and diagnosis utilized, the evaluation and treatment techniques available, pharmacological information, and current ethical and social issues regarding mental illness. Analysis of modalities and the development of group treatment designs are incorporated into the coursework. The group dynamics lab continues to be a part of this course. Level I fieldwork experiences for this course include observation of and participation in the evaluation and treatment of mentally handicapped individuals. Prerequisite to OT 100. (3 credits)

OT 135 Substance Abuse Seminar

This seminar course focuses on the physiological, sociological, and psychological effects on the abuser and those around him/her. Current treatment models and methods are examined, and the occupational therapist's role in the evaluation and treatment of the abuser is explored. (1 credit)

OT 150 Kinesiology

Kinesiology is the study of human motion. This lecture/laboratory course includes the study and evaluation of joint motion and muscle function. Students learn to palpate joints, bony prominences, and muscles, as well as to test muscle strength and range of motion. Analysis of functional movement is also included. (4 credits)

OT 170 Introduction to Occupational Therapy

Lectures and presentations introduce students to the essential aspects of their role as health-care practitioners. Areas discussed include: definition of roles, patient-therapist communication, observation skills, chart reading, and note writing. Students also begin to learn about activity analysis and the use of media in occupational therapy through lectures and labs. (3 credits)

OT 175 Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice I

Lectures and discussions introduce the student to basic occupational therapy theories, terminology, and treatment modalities. Knowledge from previous and concurrent courses (i.e., anatomy, kinesiology, neurosciences, growth and development) is integrated with OT-specific approaches to evaluation and intervention techniques. Analysis of activities, goal-setting and treatment-planning, and documentation methods are further developed through labs and assignments. Prerequisite to OT 100 and OT 270. (3 credits)

OT185G Service Learning in Elder Care

This course provides the students with an opportunity to participate in an experiential learning program in elder care coordinated with health promotion, current trends in occupational therapy, human growth and development and gerontology courses. Students will provide a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service and will participate in monthly 1 ½ hour seminars to gain insight and understanding about issues related to aging and the needs/concerns of elders and the impact of institutions, economics, and social policy on elders. Students will participate in seminars with faculty facilitators in student-oriented discussions. (1 credit) This course is not currently being offered, but may be in the future.

OT 198 Special Topics-Undergraduate

This course number is for use with special coursework offered by the department on a special-case or experimental basis. Courses using this designation will be given a descriptive suffix and will have a regularly prepared course outline filed with the OT office. (2-4 credits)

OT 199 Undergraduate Independent Study

This, in most cases, is an elective course where the student may do individual work on a topic of interest. The student will work with an instructor in a tutorial manner. The student and instructor will develop a plan of activities, assessment strategies, and criteria commensurate with the credits and agreed upon topic. This agreement will be filed in the student’s OT department record. Upon successful completion of these activities, the student will receive a grade for the course. This course may be taken pass/fail, at the request of the student, or by the department. (1-3 credits)

OT 200 Level II Fieldwork-Physical Dysfunction

This is the second full-time, 12-week clinical experience under the supervision of a Registered/Licensed Occupational Therapist. The focus is on physical disabilities. Students will have completed the studies necessary to integrate theory and practice into clinical skills. The student is able to treat the "whole" person, acknowledging the psychological impact of his/her disability, and utilizing newly acquired clinical skills to treat the physical disability. By the end of the clinical experience, the student should be able to assess, evaluate, goal-plan, develop treatment plans, and treat and document patient care efficiently and effectively.

A seminar is scheduled periodically to maintain contact between the student and faculty, in order to work on areas of weakness, pre-empt problem areas among the student, faculty, and clinical site, and to allow a forum for students to discuss their concerns and/or positive experiences. (3 credits)

OT 205 Gerontology

The aging process, with its physiological, sociological, and psychological effects, is reviewed. Theories, issues, and techniques specific to geriatric rehabilitation, home care, day treatment programs, hospice, and injury prevention and safety are covered. The roles of the occupational therapist in acute care, rehabilitation, and community programs are emphasized. Students learn assessment techniques, treatment planning strategies, and methods of utilizing community resources to maximize the function of the elderly. (2 credits)

OT 215 Pediatrics

This required course is designed to allow students to gain basic understanding of pediatric disorders that affect the central nervous system, and musculoskeletal system maturation with resultant effects on function. Students also learn about the impact of abnormal development on the child's function, and the conditions for selecting age and stage-appropriate treatment. This course incorporates discussion of the settings for pediatric OT, including school-based and early intervention. (3 credits)

OT 260 Prosthetics and Orthotics

Information on artificial limbs, braces, and splints is presented and discussed. Lecture and lab activities allow the occupational therapist to design and fabricate splints using a variety of materials, and to train patients in their use. Information on the design, biomechanical principles, fit, and function of prostheses and orthotics is presented. Patient treatment, training, and prosthetic/orthotic care are included. (3 credits)

OT 265 Rehabilitation Design

This course centers on adapting the environment to improve the patient's quality of life. It examines the therapist's ability to help the impaired individual reintegrate into society. The use of wheelchairs, adaptive activities of daily living (ADL) equipment, resolution of architectural barriers, mobility training and assistors, and current technologies as they apply to patient care and treatments are covered. Environmental design, technological aids, adaptive seating, fabrication and use of technological aids are included. (2 credits)

OT 270 Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice II

As in OT Theory and Practice I, this course continues to concentrate on OT theories, frames of references, approaches, terminology, treatment, and modalities. It integrates various models with the knowledge base from previous and concurrent courses. It focuses on the assessment and treatment processes of pediatric occupational therapy, treatment planning, and treatment modalities analysis. Students also learn to develop treatment approaches based on numerous therapeutic techniques in conjunction with adaptive equipment, orthotic management, and other strategies. Level I fieldwork is included. Prerequisite to OT 275. (4 credits)

OT 275 Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice III

OT Theory and Practice III includes the treatment principles and procedures necessary to effectively restore function and/or support compensatory abilities in those that have physical impairment(s), dysfunction, disability or handicaps. This course includes FWI experiences (and required seminar) and will integrate prerequisite course knowledge to provide the occupational therapy student with the basic skills necessary for entry-level practice in the area of physical dysfunction. Prerequisite to OT 276. (3 credits each)

OT 276 Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice IV

This is a continuation of learning undertaken in OT 275, OT Theory and Practice III and continues to focus on the treatment principles and procedures necessary to effectively restore function and/or support compensatory abilities in those that have physical impairment(s), dysfunction, disability or handicaps. This course includes FWI experiences (and required seminar) and will integrate prerequisite course knowledge to provide the occupational therapy student with the basic skills necessary for entry-level practice in the area of physical dysfunction. Prerequisite to OT 200. (3 credits)

OT 295 Research Design and Statistics I

This is the first half of a two-part sequence of courses instructing students in OT-related research methodology. Building on knowledge gained from the prerequisite statistics course, students are acquainted with general research methods, processes and procedures, use of statistics in practice and research, instrument development, literature review and exploration, and the use of computers in research practice. This course introduces the student to proposal development activities which culminate in the research project and thesis in the final year. Research ethics and issues are also discussed. Prerequisite to OT 296. (2 credits)

OT 296 Research Design and Statistics II

This is the second half of the course sequence in research methodology as applied to Occupational Therapy practice. Students build on the learning from the prior semester and additional opportunities to practice research skills, and develop proposal designs are provided. Research methods and procedures, use of statistics in practice and research, instrument development, literature review and critique, proposal preparation, publication, and the use of computers in research practice are included. Research ethics and issues are discussed using student observations and thesis ideas. Course objectives include development of a viable proposal for the final research project. Prerequisite to OT 395. (2 credits)

OT 300 Advanced Fieldwork Elective

Students spend 8 weeks full-time in a clinical experience of their choice (preferably a specialty area). This may be done either under the supervision of a Registered/Licensed Occupational Therapist, or under the supervision of someone approved by the OT program director, if done in a non-traditional setting. Students will have completed all coursework necessary for graduation, except the final thesis. Students reaching this level are expected to integrate theory and practice easily, to communicate well in a professional manner and to present a professional image, to demonstrate good problem-solving skills with the ability to initiate self-learning, and to exhibit the basic skills of an entry-level occupational therapist. (2 credits)

OT 340 Current Trends in Occupational Therapy Practice

Students are provided with an opportunity to explore innovative non-traditional areas of practice. They have the opportunity to hear and to meet therapists who have developed private practices, consulting firms, or who have branched out into new territories. Students design an alternative work place and/or practice through a paper and/or experience (with the permission of the faculty), justifying purpose, skills, modalities, and need via OT theory and frames of reference. Standard operating procedures, the AOTA Code of Ethics, licensing and certification rules and regulations, and OT role delineations in community and non-traditional settings are also reviewed. (2 credits)

OT 350 Specialty Area Seminar

The student is expected to select one of the specialty areas listed and to be involved in seminars focusing only on that specialty. Highly skilled clinicians provide input into the specialty area through case discussion, enhancement of treatment techniques, review of literature, and current trends. Specialty areas include: Hand Therapy; School-Based Occupational Therapy; Gerontology; Adult Rehabilitation; Child Rehabilitation; Psychosocial Adult; Psychosocial Child; Developmental Disabilities. Fieldwork and field trips related to the subject area discussed are integrated with readings and discussions. Note: Seminars offered are dependent on student interest and availability of clinical experts. (3 credits)

OT 355 Advanced Clinical Reasoning

This course focuses on the development of clinical reasoning skills with a strong emphasis on the study of case examples in specialty areas of physical dysfunction and psychiatry covering a variety of populations and diagnoses. Lab experiences will allow the student to practice advanced evaluation and treatment techniques, lead group discussions, and critique theories of practice. In addition, this course will expand the student’s knowledge of sensory integration techniques, evaluation, and treatment to include both child and adult populations with a variety of diagnoses. Laboratory activities are integrated with classroom material. (3 credits)

OT 360 Advanced Clinical Neurology

Reviews neurophysiological concepts in motor control, stressing implications for the management of major motor deficits encountered in everyday clinical practice. Includes examination, critique, and skill development in treatment approaches using neurobiological principles. (3 credits)

OT 361 Cognitive Rehabilitation

Provides students with advanced knowledge in the processes of cognitive rehabilitation, evaluation, and treatment of individuals with cognitive deficits. Structure, pathology, and prognosis are reviewed. The roles of a variety of health professionals on the cognitive rehab team are discussed. Theoretical research findings and practical skills are integrated. (3 credits)

OT 362 Vocational Readiness

This course is designed to advance the student’s knowledge and skills in the evaluation and training of vocational and pre-vocational clients in schools and vocational settings. Emphasis is on the occupational therapist’s role in the assessment and training of handicapped children, adolescents, and chronically disabled adults. Theories of occupational choice, vocational exploration, training, and adjustment are explored. Students will be exposed to standardized assessment interview and observational tools. Principles for program planning for sheltered work, supported work, work hardening, and work activities are presented. Social, ethical, and financial issues relating to vocational readiness are discussed. (3 credits)

OT 363 Advanced Clinical Orthopedics

This is an advanced course focusing on the orthopedic population across the life span. The main emphasis will be placed on rehabilitation principles and protocols in the orthopedic patient. The course will be a combination of lecture and lab in which practical skills will be instructed in regard to therapeutic techniques and the use of physical modalities. (3 credits)

OT 370 Advanced Analysis and Synthesis of Activity

Seminar and laboratory activities examine the development and adaptation of therapeutic occupations. It includes advanced analysis of work, self-care, and leisure, and review of the relevant literature. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning used in selecting and modifying activities for a wide range of patients. Activity group protocols are developed, tested, and critiqued. Philosophical issues related to the use of therapeutic activities are discussed. (3 credits)

OT 375 Advanced Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice

Students explore and examine new or developing theories, models, and frames of reference. Students analyze and critique ideas, which may include academic, clinical, and/or administrative designs and literature, especially as they relate to the profession as a whole. Level I fieldwork experiences are customized for the student. (3 credits)

OT 395 Thesis Research I

Students prepare their proposals either as a quantitative or qualitative analysis. Students will also discuss and comment on the proposals of their peers in seminar sessions. (3 credits)

OT 396 Thesis Research II

Students complete their research project including their literature review, data analysis or written theses. Each student is encouraged to prepare his/her project for publication in an appropriate professional publication. Upon completion, students present their projects to their faculty, peers, and invited guests. The curriculum is designed to allow the students to complete their projects within the published curriculum schedule. Should a student be unable to do this, he/she will be required to continue registration until an acceptable project has been completed. (3 credits)

OT 398 Special Topics-Graduate

This course number is for use with coursework offered at the graduate level by the OT department on a special-case or experimental basis. Courses may be developed because of special student or faculty interest in a given topic, as special electives, or in response to the needs of clinical faculty. Courses using this designation will be given a descriptive suffix and have a regularly prepared course outline filed with the OT department. (2-4 credits)

OT 399 Graduate Independent Study

This, in most cases, is a graduate elective course where the student may do individual research or clinical work in an area of interest. The student will work with an individual instructor in a tutorial manner. The student and instructor will develop a plan of activities and assessment strategies and criteria commensurate with the credits and topics agreed upon. This agreement will be filed in the student’s OT department record. It is expected that the student will produce a written document as the result of this course. Upon successful completion of these activities, the student will receive a grade. This course may be taken on a pass/fail basis, at the request of the student, or by the department. (1-3 credits)

Health Science Courses for Occupational Therapy

HS101 Physiology

Provides an understanding of the physiological mechanisms by which the human body functions in health and in disease. Particular emphasis is given to the neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. The student is expected to develop an approach to patient data that is based on the mechanisms of physiological function. (5 credits)

HS 104/105 Human Gross Anatomy

This course is specifically designed for the occupational therapy and physical therapy curriculum as an introduction to the structure and function of the human body. It is a prerequisite for most other OT courses. The entire human body is discussed in lecture and dissected in the laboratory. The musculoskeletal system is studied in detail. As mentioned previously, there exists a pedagogical difference between the two campuses: Long Island campus use human cadaver dissection while the New York City campus employs the use of multimedia computers, models, and other types of audio-visual materials. (7.5 credits)

HS 190 Neuroscience

Provides the student with integrated understanding of the organization of the nervous system including its structural and functional aspects. (4 credits)

HS 201, 202, 203 Independent Study-Community Service

Each student is required to complete an independent study that involves community service to individuals afflicted with physical or mental health problems, their families and friends. Upon completion of the community service, the student prepares a paper, presentation, or project related to this experience. The two major objectives of this course are (1) to increase the student’s appreciation of the difficulties experienced by the patient, his family and friends, when illness and disability occur, and (2) to sensitize the student to the personal satisfaction gained by community service and the potential benefits of integrating community service with a lifelong career as a healthcare practitioner.

HS 202 and 203 may be taken as additional electives, upon approval of the student’s adviser, in the same or subsequent semesters. Students may complete this requirement at any time between acceptance to the program and graduation. The specifics of the experience and project undertaken are negotiated on an individual basis between the student and the department faculty member advising the student for the project. (1 credit each)

HS 240 Human Disease Processes I

This is the first of two courses covering medical terminology, pathology, etiology, pharmacology, diagnosis, and treatment of medical and developmental conditions commonly seen by occupational therapists. Emphasis is placed on the impact of the disease on the individual’s sensorimotor, cognitive, psychosocial, and occupational performances. Included in the sequence are general medical and surgical, orthopedic, neurological, and cardiopulmonary conditions. Some developmental, genetic, and psychiatric conditions are also addressed, although these areas are covered in other courses. (3 credits)

HS 241 Human Disease Processes II

This is the second of two courses covering medical terminology, pathology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of medical and developmental conditions commonly seen by occupational therapists. See above for details. (3 credits)

HS 247 Health Promotion/Patient and Professional Education

Lecture, discussion, and activities cover the concepts of health, disease, and prevention. Students learn about the health-care worker’s role in prevention of disease. Public health and prevention principles and models are explored. Program planning and evaluation, ethical issues, and value clarification are included. This seminar and laboratory refines the OT student’s skills in developing effective strategies for communicating and teaching information and procedures to patients, staff, and others responsible for patient care. The efficacy of various educational approaches is explored. Skills in the development and presentation of audiovisual and personal instruction are practiced and assessed. (2 credits)

HS 350 Administration/Health-Care Delivery

Two important challenges for the occupational therapist into the century are administration and health-care delivery. In addition to clinical skills, therapists must have specific knowledge and skills in order to assume and obtain leadership positions. This course will provide the student with an introduction to the basic skills needed in administration and health-care delivery, i.e., understanding of regulations and standards, management theory, organizational structure, personnel and public relations, marketing strategies, program and facility planning, financial management, ethics, quality assurance measures, and communication skills, both written and verbal. (2 credits)