OCTA (Occupational Therapy Assistant)

OCTA 1000 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy - 2 Credits

This course provides an overview of occupational therapy that includes the history, philosophy and theoretical foundations of the profession, as well as current issues in the field. Topics include: treatment models; factors contributing to health, wellness and dysfunction; and the impact of multicultural factors in treatment. The relationship of the certified occupational therapy assistant to other health professionals is explored. Professional standards and ethics are addressed, including state regulations, credentialing requirements and membership in professional organizations. Lecture: 2 hours (2.5 hours in summer session due to condensed time frame)

OCTA 1010 - Fundamentals of Treatment I - 4 Credits

This course covers collaboration with the Occupational Therapist in data gathering, evaluation, treatment planning and treatment implementation designed to improve occupational performance. It offers experiential learning in the analysis, selection, use, adjustment, adaptation and fabrication of assistive devices, as well as appropriate documentation of all aspects of the therapy process. (Corequisite: OCTA 1020 and 1070) Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours

OCTA 1020 - Wellness and Pathology - 3 Credits

This course uses the concept of a wellness and pathology continuum to focus on the study of diagnoses frequently seen in clients referred for occupational therapy services. It addresses the impact of these illnesses on performance components and performance areas, as well as the typical outcome expected as a result of therapy.(Corequisite: OCTA 1010 and 1070) Lecture: 3 hours

OCTA 1030 - Fundamentals of Treatment II - 4 Credits

This course approaches the concept of activity analysis through the definition of occupational performance areas, task components and occupational challenges. Individual and group activities are analyzed and graded in the context of relevant occupational environments. (Prerequisite: OCTA 1010, 1020, 1070, RHAB 1110; Corequisite: OCTA 1040, 1050, 1060 and 1080) Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours

OCTA 1040 - Gerontologic Occupational Therapy - 3 Credits

This course examines the aging process and offers an overview of medical conditions and precautions associated with treatment of the elderly client. Therapeutic modalities of treatment are practiced in the laboratory setting. (Prerequisite: OCTA 1010, 1020, 1070, RHAB 1110; Corequisite: OCTA 1030, 1050, 1060 and 1080) Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2.5 hours

OCTA 1050 - Pediatric Occupational Therapy - 4 Credits

This course examines the physical and social needs of the growing child and explores their impact on the learning and adaptation processes that accompany the development of performance skills. It includes an overview of diseases and disabilities that may affect children seen in school-based occupational therapy, accompanied by theory and practice as it relates to this population. (Prerequisite: OCTA 1010, 1020, 1070, RHAB 1110; Corequisite: OCTA 1030, 1040, 1060 and 1080) Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours

OCTA 1060 - Level I Fieldwork - 1 Credit

This is the first clinical experience in which students participate. It consists of a combination of 40 hours of fieldwork in a variety of practice settings located within the Lifespan Health Care System. (Prerequisite: OCTA 1010, 1020, 1070, RHAB 1110; Corequisite: OCTA 1030, 1040, 1050 and 1080) Clinical: 40 hrs

OCTA 1070 - Tests and Measurements for Occupational Therapy Assistants - 2 Credits

This course focuses on the methodology for joint measurement and manual muscle testing. Emphasis is placed on the study of the upper extremities. (Corequisite: OCTA 1010 and 1020) Lecture: 1 hour, Lab: 2 hours

OCTA 1080 - Therapeutic Activity Group Skills - 2 Credits

Therapeutic activity groups are frequently used in physical rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, mental health programs and wellness programs. This course provides students with an opportunity to explore the use of group activity for therapeutic effect. Students design their own group and conduct it in a community setting. There is an emphasis on occupational therapy framework and theory in designing groups. Lecture: 1 hour Lab: 1 hour

OCTA 2010 - Psychosocial Occupational Therapy - 4 Credits

This course reviews psychiatric disorders and the interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of conditions commonly exhibited in clients referred to occupational therapy in a mental health setting. Topics of discussion include: clinical description and etiology of mental health diagnoses; use of the clinical team; legal issues; nomenclature; and alternatives to hospitalization, including outpatient programs; supervised living apartments; group homes and case management. Use of therapeutic groups and 1:1 interventions and treatment are practiced in lab. (Prerequisites: OCTA 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, 1080, RHAB 1110; Corequisite: OCTA 2020) Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours

OCTA 2020 - Physical Rehabilitation and Health - 4 Credits

This course teaches techniques for management of physical dysfunction cases typically referred to occupational therapy. Topics include screening, evaluation, treatment planning and implementation, interventions and prevention techniques as utilized by occupational therapy assistants in a variety of clinical settings. Supervision concepts and reimbursement systems are discussed. Therapeutic intervention and treatment modalities are practiced in the laboratory setting. (Prerequisites: OCTA 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, 1080, RHAB 1110; Corequisite: OCTA 2010) Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours

OCTA 2030 - Service Delivery and Management - 8 Credits

This course consists of two different fieldwork assignments, each of which lasts eight (8) weeks. It is designed to assist students with transitioning into the clinical setting, where they apply clinical reasoning skills learned in the OTA program. (Prerequisites: OCTA 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, 1080, 2010, 2020, RHAB 1110; Corequisite OCTA 2040) Fieldwork: 32-40 hours/wk

OCTA 2040 - Service Delivery and Management Seminar - 2 Credits

This course consists of lecture, demonstration, group discussion, student presentation and fieldwork assignments that are designed to assist students with transitioning from the classroom to the clinic setting. It allows students to share their fieldwork experiences with peers, expanding the knowledge base that each student will take into employment. (Prerequisites: OCTA 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, 1080, 2010, 2020, RHAB 1110; Corequisite OCTA 2030) Lecture: 2 hours