Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

Course Descriptions

OTAI 100 | OTAI 201 | OTAI 250
OTAI 105 | OTAI 205 | OTAI 260
OTAI 110 | OTAI 210 | OTAI 275
OTAI 120 | OTAI 220 | OTAI 285
OTAI 198 | OTAI 230 |
OTAI 199 | OTAI 240 |

OTAI 100
Introduction to Occupational Therapy
This course introduces students to the profession of occupational therapy by examining its history, development, philosophy, and theoretical foundations. Professional roles of the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), education, credentials, employment setting, and ethics are discussed. Documentation using uniform terminology, medical terminology, and effective communication skills are introduced. Common conditions seen throughout human development are discussed. Finally, the student will begin to examine the importance of professional organizations and professional behaviors. 3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture
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OTAI 105
Level IA Fieldwork
This course will consist of observations in various settings appropriate to occupational therapy service but not necessarily within a therapy department or under an occupational therapy professional. This experience will be used to develop the student’s skills in the occupational therapy process. The student may advance to hands-on interaction with the designated setting. The student will also develop professional behaviors and effective communication skills. 1 units min / 1 units max, Laboratory
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OTAI 110
Group Dynamics in Occupational Therapy
Group dynamics and the role of the occupational therapy assistant in planning an occupational therapy treatment group are introduced and practiced in this course. Training and practice in interpersonal skills necessary for effective communication with clients, families, significant others, other health care professionals and the public will be provided. 2 units min / 2 units max, Laboratory
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120 OTAI
Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology
This course studies the musculoskeletal and nerve systems of the human body in relationship to movement and occupational performance. Although the entire system will be studied, the greater emphasis will be placed on the upper extremity and shoulder girdle. Students will learn innervations of muscles, muscle grouping for function, and common problems seen when these systems are affected by disease or injury. Analysis of movement in specific life tasks will be performed. The student will be introduced to the various tools and methods for assessing joint measurement and muscle strength. This course will also cover terminology used in assessing motor function. Lecture: 1 hr; Laboratory: 3 hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to the OTA program or permission of instructor.
2 units min / 2 units max, Lecture
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198 OTAI
Analysis of Human Occupation
In this course, the student learns to analyze activities used in human occupations and to recognize function or dysfunction, which will impact the performance of life skills. The student will begin to develop observational skills and problem solving techniques that will later be used in treatment. The teaching-learning process will be explored, along with the therapeutic use of self. Emphasis will be placed upon appropriate treatment, relating it to ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic factors that impact individuals. Lecture: 0: Laboratory: 3 hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to OTA program or permission of instructor.
units min / 1 units max, Laboratory
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199 OTAI
Positioning, Transfers, and Mobility
This course will introduce the student to positioning, transfers, and mobility. Common techniques and equipment to enhance human performance will be covered. Students will have hands-on experience in the use of these techniques and equipment. Lecture: 0; Laboratory: 3 hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to the OTA program and permission of instructor.
1 units min / 1 units max, Laboratory
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200 OTAI
Adaptive Equipment, Techniques, & Splinting
This course is designed to assist the student in developing skills in applying Occupational Therapy techniques and principles for individuals with various disabilities. The student will learn to analyze the need for intervention and apply methods such as adaptive techniques, adaptive equipment, splints and slings to lessen the affects of disabilities. The student will develop the communication skills necessary for documentation and reports. Students will demonstrate competency by completing and presenting a variety of tasks related to course topics. Lecture: 0; Laboratory: 3 hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to the OTA program or Permission of instructor.
1 units min / 1 units max, Laboratory
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201 OTAI
Adaptations and Assessment
This laboratory course will develop skills in performing assessments, adaptations, and utilization of electronic aids to daily living. Various tools used in area clinical setting as well as home, workplace, and environmental assessment will be included. Planning for and teaching the use of adaptations to compensate for occupational performance deficits related to the individual's environment will be addressed. Lecture: 0 Laboratory: 3 hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to OTA program or permission of instructor.
1 units min / 1 units max, Laboratory
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205 OTAI
Level 1B Fieldwork
This course will consist of observations in various settings appropriate to occupational therapy service but not necessarily within a therapy department or under an occupational therapy professional. This experience will be used to develop the student's skills in the occupational therapy process. The student will also develop professional behaviors with the designated setting. The student will also develop professional behaviors and effective communication skills. Lecture: 0; Laboratory: 1 hr. Prerequisites: Admission to OTA program and permission of instructor.
1 units min / 1 units max, Laboratory
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210 OTAI
Pediatric Issues in Occupational Therapy
The student will study the domain of concern for occupational therapy in the pediatric population. An examination of how physical, emotional, and cognitive processes begin, change, and develop from birth to adolescence will be presented. Concepts of occupation in pediatrics will be presented. The student will view treatment holistically while learning normal developmental milestones, and various disabilities. Lecture: 2 hrs; Laboratory: 3 hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to the OTA program and Permission of instructor.
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture
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220 OTAI
Adult Issues in Occupational Therapy
The student will study the domain of concern for occupational therapy in the adult population. An examination of how physical, emotional , and cognitive processes change through adulthood will be presented. Concepts of occupational therapy throughout this specific life span will be incorporated. The student will view treatment holistically, while learning changes of life roles throughout adulthood. Lecture: 1.5 hrs; Laboratory: 1.5 hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to OTA program and permission of instructor.
2 units min / 2 units max, Lecture
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230 OTAI
Mental Health
Normal and dysfunctional behavior will be studied using the occupational therapy process as it pertains to mental health practice settings. The course will also explore alternative methods and settings for mental health practice. Lecture: 2 hrs; Laboratory: 3 hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to OTA program and permission of instructor.
3 units min / 3 units max, Lecture
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240 OTAI
Physical Dysfunction
This course includes study of physical conditions commonly seen by Occupational Therapy. Review of diagnosis, instruction on treatment, and applications will be presented. The student will be introduced to practice models that guide treatment application. These treatment applications include procedures for multiple conditions. Lecture: 2.5 hrs; Laboratory: 4.5 hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to OTA program and permission of instructor.
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture
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250 OTAI
Community Needs
The focus of this course is on current and/or emerging practice areas that include the needs of the immediate community. A specific focus will be on occupation-based practice, which may include holism and wellness models utilized across the life span. Lecture: 1 hr; Laboratory: 3 hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to OTA program and permission of instructor.2 units min / 2 units max, Lecture
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260 OTAI
Clinical Transition and Management
Issues such as the following will be examined: transition from student to practitioner, relationships between the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and other health care professionals, licensing requirements, the need for professional memberships, job search strategies, professional resources, and reimbursement. Students have opportunities to synthesize knowledge and skills taught throughout the program. Lecture: 2 hrs; Laboratory: 0. Prerequisites: Admission to OTA program and permission of instructor.2 units min / 2 units max, Lecture
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275 OTAI
Level IIA Fieldwork
This experience gives students the opportunity to apply skills in the treatment setting. Students will cooperate with the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) in planning and implementing treatment programs for clients with a variety of diagnoses and age ranges. Psychosocial, motor, and cognitive problems will be addressed as applicable. Students will have the opportunity to function in the clinical setting under supervision of an experienced practitioner. It is expected at the completion of this experience that the student will be functioning at an entry level of practice. The student must complete this course within 18 months of successful completion of academic preparation and have the permission of the program faculty. Lecture: 0; Laboratory: 20 hrs. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all previous Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) courses and permission of the instructor.
4 units min / 4 units max, Laboratory
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285 OTAI
Level IIB Fieldwork
This experience gives students the opportunity to apply skills in the treatment setting. Students will cooperate with the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) in planning and implementing treatment programs for clients with a variety of diagnoses and age ranges. Psychosocial, motor, and cognitive problems will be addressed as applicable. Students will have the opportunity to function in the clinical setting under supervision of an experienced occupational therapy practitioner. It is expected at the completion of this experience that the student will be functioning at an entry level of practice. The student must complete this course within 18 months of successful completion of academic preparation and have the permission of the program faculty. Lecture: 0; Laboratory: 20 hrs. Prerequisites: Successful completion of (Level II A Fieldwork) and permission of instructor.
4 units min / 4 units max, Lecture
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