Curriculum & Course Descriptions

OTMS-5000: Foundations of Occupational Therapy
This course introduces the foundations of the occupational therapy profession by overviewing the history and philosophy of the profession; contextual issues and service models influencing contemporary practice; effects of disability and hospitalization on occupational performance; and professional roles and functions as part of the interdisciplinary team. This course also introduces task analysis, therapeutic use of activities, and therapeutic use of self to students. Varying practice areas and client populations within occupational therapy practice will be reviewed. Additionally, the analysis of ethical principles, guidelines, and theories will be discussed to provide the foundation of occupational therapy education and practice.

OTMS-5001: Human Anatomy
This course is an in-depth study of the human body structure, functions, and abnormal motion, with emphasis on the neuro-musculoskeletal systems. Structural interrelationships shall be examined as the basis for normal functions and to understand structural and functional dysfunctions of body structures that affect body functions and occupational performance. The course facilitates students understanding of neuro-motor and musculoskeletal aspects of human performance skills required to participate in meaningful occupations. Directed laboratory experiences are comprised of cadaver prosection, study of skeletal materials and anatomical models, surface anatomy and palpation, joint and muscle function, and digital learning materials. Students obtain the background knowledge that assists them to understand, analyze and interpret neuro-motor and musculoskeletal body structures and functions that hinder occupational performance.

INDI-5002: Kinesiology
This course is the study of human movement. Principles of biomechanics, kinematics, and kinetics are applied to students’ foundations in musculoskeletal anatomy. Topics include Kinetic and kinematic analysis of normal and abnormal movement. Awareness Through Movement labs and written log assignments provide the opportunity to apply kinesiological principles to functional movement.

OTMS-5002: Kinesiology Laboratory
Laboratory experiences in the assessment of muscle and joint function including goniometry, manual muscle testing, kinematics, and kinetic analysis of activity

OTMS-5112: Master's Project I
This course introduces research as a tool for evidence-based practice (EBP), advancing clinical effectiveness, and promoting professional competency. Students will begin to understand, critique, and design research studies and quality improvement projects that inform practice and service delivery. Students will learn the components of a research proposal and understand how to prepare effective proposals. Select topics include fundamentals of designing and evaluating a research study, measuring variables, selecting a sample, standardized and non-standardized testing, and data-informed decision-making. Students apply their understanding of research concepts to critique published examples of evidence-based practice in occupational therapy. In addition, students select from a choice of faculty-generated research projects, conduct a preliminary literature review, and draft a research proposal.  

OTMS-5005: Group Process
In this course, students will study principles and theories of group dynamics and use of groups and therapeutic activities in occupational therapy. Additionally, students will study principles of occupation, activity, and occupation-based performance, including performance areas, contexts, and components. Exploration of sociocultural variables as they influence adaptive behavior and the health-illness continuum will occur. The focus is on skill development in planning, implementing, and evaluating theory-based activity groups. With experiential learning being the primary instructional method of the course, students will participate in and observe the group process during the class. Furthermore, an emphasis is placed on skill development in administering assessments of occupational performance and conducting activity analysis to facilitate engagement in meaningful occupation (e.g., occupation-based intervention, purposeful activity, preparatory methods).

ANAT-5101: Human Neuroanatomy
This course consists of the study of the central nervous system, including laboratory examination of gross morphology of the human brain in both fresh and stained material. Includes basic anatomy, systems and tracts, vascular system, and integrative function of the nervous system as evidenced in behavioral phenomena. Journal club component requires synthesis of information about clinical applications of neuroanatomy concepts.
 
MSCI-5211: Medical Sciences
Lecture, case-study presentations, and discussion of etiology, symptoms, and medical management of patients with medical, pediatric, neurologic, and orthopedic diagnoses.
 
OTMS-5105: Theory & Practice I: Psychosocial Intervention
An introduction to the practice of occupational therapy in psychosocial dysfunction, with a focus on issues in the mental health practice arena. The application of frames of reference and evidence-based literature of evaluation, treatment planning, implementation, and outcomes assessment. Skill development in case study method, group process techniques, and clinical reasoning. 
 
OTMS-5111: FW I: Psychosocial Intervention
During this course, students will attend clinical fieldwork in a mental health/psychosocial setting. There will be supervision in the exploration of the practice of occupational therapy for different psychiatric conditions with an emphasis on developing clinical reasoning skills, translating didactic knowledge into clinical skills, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and preparation for Level II Fieldwork.
 
OTMS-5108: Activities of Daily Living
In this course, students will analyze and explore performance in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The course addresses principles and techniques in activities of daily living for individuals with disabilities.  Students will learn to evaluate and select assistive technology devices to facilitate the performance of ADL/IADL by people with disabilities. Additionally, knowledge and skill development related to assessing and adapting the environmental context to enhance posture, mobility, physical access, and participation in occupations. This includes accessible design, modification of home and work environments, seating and positioning, and wheelchair prescription and maintenance. 
 
OTMS-5206: Community Practice I: Relationship & Assessment
In this first course of the three-semester Community Practice Sequence, students identify and initiate a collaboration with a community organization that has no occupational therapists on staff. The organization has a potential need for occupational therapy contributions. Students will gain knowledge and complete a needs assessment for the identified organization. Concurrent lectures and discussions allow students to reflect on ways occupational therapy skills can be applied in non-traditional practice settings.
 
OTMS-5112: Master's Project II
Students will continue to refine skills in professional and scientific writing by revising and completing the research proposal, as they learn the primary approaches of research design, methods, data collection, and analysis; how to report research results in a scholarly manner utilizing current APA guidelines; and apply knowledge of research designs, data collection, and analysis while evaluating published research articles to inform ethical and evidence-based clinical decisions and the development of successive drafts leading to a completed Master's Project.

OTMS-5303: Theory & Practice II: Neurorehabilitation
This course examines the theory and practice of occupational theory in the assessment and intervention of clients who have sustained stroke, head injury, and other progressive neurological disorders. Additionally, theories of information processing are applied to occupational therapy intervention for clients experiencing cognitive and perceptual limitations. The focus will be on developing knowledge and skills to build competency in addressing neurological, cognitive, and perceptual impairments that impact occupational performance. The course will include bimonthly ECHO session participation.  Project ECHO in conjunction with the Bridge Program provides virtual case conferences with an interprofessional care team to provide learning to enhance the care of older adults. 
 
OTMS-5305: Theory & Practice III: Orthopedic & Physical Rehabilitation
This course examines the theory and practice of occupational therapy for adults with physical impairments who participate in rehabilitation programs in inpatient, acute care, outpatient, and home care settings. Additionally, principles and objectives of the orthotic and prosthetic process in rehabilitation will be covered, with a focus on upper limb, static and dynamic splint fabrication, selection of commercial orthotic devices, and appraisal of upper and lower limb orthotics and prosthetics. Principles and methods of screening, assessment, clinical reasoning, and formulation and implementation of treatment plans are emphasized. After this course, students will acquire knowledge and entry-level skills in occupational therapy evaluation and treatment in physical rehabilitation. Through lectures, reading and written assignments, and classroom discussions, students will demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical bases for occupational therapy practice in physical rehabilitation. 
 
OTMS-5304: Occupational Therapy for Adults and Older Adults
Theory and practice of occupational therapy for adult and older adult clients who participate in therapy at hospitals, rehabilitation programs, geriatric, and home care settings. Includes special problems and considerations of the geriatric client. Principles and methods of screening, assessment, clinical reasoning, and formulation and implementation of treatment plans.  
 
OTMS-5311: FW I: Adult & Geriatric Rehabilitation
During this course, students will attend clinical fieldwork in a setting serving adult and/or geriatric clients. Emphasis is placed on developing clinical reasoning skills with a supervised exploration of the practice of occupational therapy for adults of all ages with a variety of orthopedic, neurological, medical, and surgical conditions. The focus of the course is translating didactic knowledge into clinical skills, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and preparation for Level II Fieldwork.
 
OTMS-5306: Community Practice II: Marketing & Resources
Occupational therapy practice in community settings. Students participate in the field practicum selected for Community Practice I to develop skills in marketing occupational therapy services and developing resources for community programs.   
 
OTMS-5312: Master's Project III
As the culminating course in the Master’s Project research sequence, students will be guided through the final stages of their Master’s Project, focusing on data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings. Students will critically analyze their study results, develop a comprehensive discussion section—including implications, limitations, and conclusions—and prepare a final manuscript & presentation suitable for submission to professional and/or peer-reviewed outlets. 

OTMS-5215: Introduction to Early Intervention (optional; elective for SEI students only)
Students will learn the basics of the early intervention process from its historical underpinnings to practical guidelines to practice in a variety of early intervention settings. This course will be provided online with practical assignments and papers, field trips, bulletin board discussion
groups, and e-mail communication. During this course, the student will participate in an Early Childhood Internship which includes daycare intensive and NICU follow-up experience with the interdisciplinary team members, and continue in subsequent courses.

OTMS-5401: Administration & Professional Issues
This course involves the application of theories, concepts, and principles of management, supervision, professional ethics, and other issues relevant to practice in occupational therapy are covered in this course. Students will develop an understanding of healthcare systems, organizational structure, financing, and quality assurance in occupational therapy practice. Managerial, supervisory, and consultant roles for OTRs and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) in facility-based, private practice, and school-based occupational therapy practice are also reviewed. 
 
OTMS-5409: Theory & Practice IV: Young Children
This course examines the theoretical foundations and practice of occupational therapy in pediatric populations, with a particular emphasis on the young child from birth through preschool and their families in the context of environment and culture. This course presents theories, models of practice, and therapeutic approaches in early intervention and preschool environments within the context of state and federal laws in the context of occupational performance. This course covers occupational therapy observation, assessment measures, and collaboration in evaluation processes, intervention planning, and implementation, including intervention techniques, from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Course material will emphasize principles and methods of evaluation to include clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills and incorporate evidence-based practices with young children.  
 
OTMS-5413: Theory & Practice V: School Age
This course examines the theoretical foundations and practice of occupational therapy in pediatric populations, with a particular emphasis on children from kindergarten to high school, which includes transitions to vocational and post-secondary education as well as a study of family dynamics in the context of environment and culture. In addition to school-based practice, this course also includes topics in pediatric acute care, home care, and specialized services such as assistive technology, telerehabilitation, and emerging areas of practice. Course materials will emphasize principles and methods of evaluation and intervention to include clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills, formulation and implementation of intervention plans, and incorporating evidence-based practices with school-aged children. 

OTMS-5003: Assistive Technology
During this course, students will attend clinical fieldwork in a pediatric setting. There will be s This course will deepen students knowledge in the principles of assistive technology in occupational therapy practice with clients across the lifespan. 

OTMS-5205: Cognition & Perception
This course explores the foundational theories of cognitive and perceptual development, alongside information processing models, and their application in occupational therapy interventions. Students will learn to assess and address cognitive and perceptual dysfunctions in both children and adults, emphasizing the impact on functional performance and occupation.

OTMS-5411: FW I: Pediatrics
During this course, students will attend clinical fieldwork in a pediatric setting. There will be supervised exploration of the practice of occupational therapy for a variety of pediatric conditions from birth to 21 including developmental delays, neurological disorders, autism, orthopedic, medical, and surgical conditions. Emphasis is on the development of clinical reasoning skills, translating didactic knowledge into clinical skills, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and preparation for Level II Fieldwork.
 
OTMS-5406: Community Practice III: Service
This course involves occupational therapy practice in community settings. Based on previous work in Community Practice I and II, students provide goal-directed programs throughout the entire semester at their assigned practicum sites. Pre- and post-surveys are developed, administered, and analyzed to determine the efficacy of the individual projects. The students present their projects and data at an annual community practice exchange fair.
 
OTMS-5315: Topics in Early Intervention (optional; elective for SEI students only)
Students will explore current issues in early intervention. Topics will include best practice, embedded coaching and working with families, special patient populations, assessment and outcome development for IFSPs and assistive technology. This course will include an online course experience with practical assignments and papers, discussion group posts, and e-mail communication.

OTMS-6011: FW II: Affiliation I
This course involves three months of full-time clinical fieldwork with implementation of knowledge, skills, values, and ethics within an occupational therapy practice setting. There is application of clinical reasoning skills to individualized client assessment, treatment planning, and treatment. There will also be refinement of specific practice skills as used in the assigned setting, utilization of the clinical supervision process for professional growth, collaboration with clinical educators in research and clinical projects of mutual interest, and development of professional leadership skills.
 
OTMS-5107: Occupational Therapy in Early Intervention (optional; elective for SEI students only)
This is an elective course that will continue to incorporate embedded coaching model and specific interventions in the practice area of early intervention, working with children under 3 years and their families as part of the Specialization in Early Intervention for OTs (SEI-OT). This course will require students to discuss assigned course materials for each seminar meeting, participate in online discussions, and apply concepts taught in completed pre-requisite courses. Students will analyze and incorporate common issues working with young children and families.

OTMS-6111: FW II: Affiliation II
This course involves three months of full-time clinical fieldwork with implementation of knowledge, skills, values, and ethics within an occupational therapy practice setting. There is application of clinical reasoning skills to individualized client assessment, treatment planning, and treatment. There will also be refinement of specific practice skills as used in the assigned setting, utilization of the clinical supervision process for professional growth, collaboration with clinical educators in research and clinical projects of mutual interest, and development of professional leadership skills.
 
OTMS-6115: Early Intervention Reflections Seminar (optional; elective for SEI students only)
This course will provide opportunities to discuss their fieldwork experiences in EI. Students will engage in Communities of Practice (CoP) which address dilemmas and create solutions in a group context. Students will also share and discuss Natural Environment Rating Scales (NERS) experience and engage in reflective supervision as part of the SEI. This on site seminar course will require that the student discuss fieldwork experiences, participate in on-line discussions, apply concepts taught in all online courses they have completed and analyze and incorporate practice issues in working with young children and families.

OTMS-6211: Fieldwork II: Specialty Elective
For three months, students embark on an immersive full-time clinical fieldwork experience within an occupational therapy practice setting. During this period, they put their knowledge, skills, values, and ethics into practice, honing specific techniques relevant to their assigned environment. This experience sharpens their clinical reasoning abilities as they engage in personalized client assessments, devise treatment plans, and execute treatments. Under the guidance of clinical supervisors, students pursue professional growth, collaborating with clinical educators on shared research and clinical projects. They also cultivate professional leadership skills. Additionally, students undertake another full-time clinical fieldwork ranging from six to twelve weeks in a different setting, broadening their exposure beyond their initial Fieldwork II experiences.
 
OTMS-5612: Independent Study in Occupational Therapy Elective