Course Descriptions
Occupational Therapy Assistant Course Descriptions
- OCCP-100 - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT 1 5 credits
- Students will be introduced to the field of occupational therapy and how it relates to other health services. They will learn about expectations for professional behavior, different frames of reference which inform practice, and the structure and foundation of the national organization. During laboratory sessions, students will study cognitive, sensory, and motor skills to analyze crafts, self-care skills, and recreational activities. COREQUISITES: PSYC-100, ENGL-100, BIOL-132, OCCP-100L.
- OCCP-200 - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT 2 5 credits
- Emphasis in this course is on the development, restoration and compensation of occupational performance. The student will acquire the knowledge and practical skills necessary to participate in the screening, evaluation, and treatment process for patients with physical dysfunction. The student will be educated in the principles of remedial, habilitative and rehabilitative practice and have the opportunity to observe these skills in area facilities and the campus Rehab clinic. PREREQUISITE: OCCP-100; CONCURRENT: BIOL-232, OCCP-201, OCCP-202, OCCP-200L.
- OCCP-201 - PHYSICAL PATHOLOGY 3 credits
- Emphasis in this course is on normal development and physical disabilities caused by neurological, orthopedic impairment or insult, cardiovascular problems and the degenerative process. The principles of medical practice and, if applicable, educational intervention used with these specific health problems will be identified. PREREQUISITE: OCCP-100; CONCURRENT: OCCP-200, BIOL-232 PSYC-325.
- OCCP-202 - MOVEMENT AND FUNCTION 2 credits
- In this course students will study the principles of human movement or kinesiology. Their understanding of the material will provide tools to solve clinical problems such as modifying equipment, improving safety in the home and at work, and developing activity programs. PREREQUISITES: OCCP-100, BIOL-132, ENGL-100, PSYC-100; COREQUISITES: OCCP-200, OCCP-201, BIOL-232, OCCP-202L.
- OCCP-300 - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT 3 5 credits
- Emphasis in this course is on the psychosocial aspects of occupational performance and the role of the COTA in the therapeutic process. The student will acquire the knowledge and practical skills necessary to participate in occupational therapy treatment of patients with psychosocial dysfunction. The student will be educated in the principles of mental health and will have opportunities to observe these skills in area facilities. In the lab the students will apply various frames of that inform practice. PREREQUISITES: OCCP-200, OCCP-201, OCCP-202, PSYC-325, SOCL-100, ENGL-200; CONCURRENT: OCCP-301, OCCP-302, HCAR-300, MAST-211, OCCP-300L.
- OCCP-301 - PSYCHOSOCIAL PATHOLOGY 3 credits
- The classification system for psychiatric diagnoses helps professionals in occupational therapy understand their patients' problems, communicate with one another, and design clinical interventions. This course will explore how medical practitioners view individuals with mental health problems and the implications of psychiatric symptoms for our clients' functional abilities. PREREQUISITES: OCCP-200, OCCP-201, OCCP-202. CONCURRENT: OCCP-300, OCCP-302, HCAR-300, MAST-211.
- OCCP-302 - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MEDIA 3 credits
- This course builds on the information presented in the physical dysfunction classes during the prior semester. In order for some patients to improve or maintain their functional capabilities in the home, workplace, and community, they may need special equipment or electronic technology. Students will learn about a variety of assistive devices and modalities such as wheelchairs, adaptive control switches, and computer systems. PREREQUISITES: OCCP-200, OCCP-201, OCCP-202, PSYC-325, ENGL-200; CONCURRENT: OCCP-300, OCCP-301, HCAR-300, OCCP-302L.
- OCCP-400 - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT SEMINAR 2 credits
- This course is designed to foster critical thinking, application of theory and professional roles and behaviors. Sharing practical experiences will be encouraged. Students will be assisted in preparation for employment and the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants. PREREQUISITES: OCCP-300, OCCP-301, OCCP-302; CONCURRENT: OCCP-411 or OCCP-412.
- OCCP-411 - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PRACTICUM 1 (8 WEEKS) 5 credits
- Eight weeks of full-time fieldwork experience conducted under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist in the area of psychosocial or physical dysfunction. The purpose of this experience in to further application of academic and technical skills. PREREQUISITES: OCCP-300, OCCP-301, OCCP-302; CONCURRENT: OCCP-400.
- OCCP-412 - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PRACTICUM 2 (8 WEEKS) 5 credits
- Eight weeks of full-time fieldwork experience conducted under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist in the area of psychosocial or physical dysfunction. The purpose of this experience in to further application of academic and technical skills. PREREQUISITES: OCCP-300, OCCP-301, OCCP-302; CONCURRENT: OCCP-400.

