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Course Descriptions

OTH 300 Introduction to the OT Process
The study of the philosophy, history, development of the profession of occupational therapy; review of the scope and standards of practice, including roles and tasks of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant; models of practice including community-based practice, wellness and health maintenance; orientation to the occupational therapy process including referral, evaluation, goal-setting, plan of care, program implementation, and plan for discontinuation of services; and introduction to concepts of activity analysis, AOTA Uniform Terminology, therapeutic use of self, family-centered service, rural health and diversity.
3 credits

HPS 306 Introduction to Human Health
Students are provided an introduction to health, wellness, and prevention across the lifespan. Includes study of structure and function of the human body within the context of performance of occupations; development from infancy through older adulthood with focus on components of occupation; role of occupation in the promotion of health and prevention of disease and disability; and effects of health, disability, disease processes, and traumatic injury on the individual within the context of family and society. Students will learn universal precautions that apply to populations across the lifespan and health care settings. Case-based discussion will be used to integrate material from the course and other corequisite courses.
3 credits

OTH 307 Measurement and Statistics
Theoretical and practical introduction to graphic representations of data, normal curve model, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation, and inferential statistics. These are related to occupational therapy practice through critiques of scientific publications, application to assessment tools used in occupational therapy, and case-based discussion of statistical information. Students will collect and analyze data using computer software in laboratory and field experiences. Prerequisite: Student must be enrolled in the professional occupational therapist education program.
3 credits

OTH 315 OT Issues I
This course provides an introductory study of major trends and issues that affect the delivery of occupational therapy services, including but not limited to: diversity, ethics, servant-leadership development, societal and professional changes and expectations, managed care, role delineation, collaboration with health service professionals, and service delivery systems. The relationship between theory, human health, and human occupation will be identified, and the student will be introduced to professional documentation.
3 credits

OTH 321 Occupational Engagement Theory & Modules of Practice
An introduction to the study of conceptual foundations which underlie occupational therapy practice across the lifespan. Discussion will primarily focus on conceptual and practice models that guide occupational therapy with the occupation-based models being of primary emphasis. Other topics will include background information related to therapy, critical thinking, and a variety of grand theories that serve as a basis for occupation-based models. An overview of potential assessment and approaches used with individuals or populations will accompany the discussion.  
3 credits

OTH 322 Fundamentals of Occupational Engagement
This course serves as an introduction to the application of occupational therapy's unique contribution to health through engagement in occupation. With the context of the occupational therapy practice framework, as it applies to individuals across the lifespan and in a variety of service settings, students engage in in-depth discussion of the occupational therapy process and in direct application of purposeful activity, use of activity/craft as therapeutic media, low level assistive technology devices and professional communication skills. Cases are used to facilitate student understanding of topics addressed in this course.
3 credits

OTH 323 Fundamentals of Group Leadership in Occupational Therapy
Students develop leadership abilities through experiential participation in the group process. Emphasis is placed on exploring a variety of leadership skills necessary to provide effective interventions in a group setting.
1 credit

OTH 340 Community Partners Seminar
Course provides the opportunity for students and their preceptors to engage in servant-leadership through community service. Students and their faculty preceptors will engage in a minimum of 10 hours of community service learning with individuals in agencies whose partnering relationship with the University of Mary Occupational Therapy Education Program match in need, commitment, vision, and mission. In addition to service learning, students will perform an environmental scan and participant observation to generate a descriptive overview of programs and people comprising their assigned partnering agency or program. An introduction to evidence-based practice is incorporated in preparation for first steps of the needs-assessment process. Students meet regularly with their preceptor to discuss their service-learning experiences and project segments and to reflect on their overall experience.
1 credit

OTH 395, 495, 595 Independent Study in Occupational Therapy Practice
Opportunity for students to explore focused areas of occupational therapy practice with a faculty preceptor. Based on their interests, students propose a topic for study to faculty. When approved, students complete their project, generally within a one-semester time frame, with direction from their preceptor.
1-4 credits

OTH 400 Fundamentals of Occupation
This course is designed to provide Track II occupational therapy students (those with an AA degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant or with a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in a related field) with the fundamental skills related to occupational therapy. Information provided in this course includes portions of all 300 level courses in the professional occupational therapy education program and offers the student opportunity to develop foundational skills required for progression in the OT curriculum. The areas will include: Occupation Based Practice (Nature of Occupation), Theory I (Models of Practice in Occupational Therapy), Evidence Based Practice, Fundamentals of OT Intervention and the OT Process, Human Health, and an Overview of Issues in Occupational Therapy including documentation, ethics, cultural competence, OT/OTA relationships, legislation affecting OT practice, and reimbursement systems.
8 credits

HPS 405 Advanced Anatomy
A detailed study of bony landmarks and musculoskeletal system of the human body underlying occupational therapy assessment and intervention. Gross anatomy includes the anterior and posterior abdominal walls, the back, upper and lower extremities, and the head and neck.
6 credits

OTH 406 Human Health: Early Lifespan
A study of human health in the context of occupation and childhood, adolescence and families. Content will focus on wellness from physical and psychological perspectives, preventative measures for health maintenance, and on the influence of disease on occupation performance of early lifespan tasks and routines. Study of characteristics and symptoms as applicable to the occupational therapy evaluation and intervention process will be emphasized in case based discussions.
4 credits

OTH 408 Kinesiology
An in-depth study of the science of human movement in the context of activity and from biomechanical, neuromuscular, and anatomical perspectives, this course includes principles and methodology of body mechanics, posture and movement analysis, splint fabrication, and muscle strength testing. Students will learn muscle palpation, manual muscle testing, dynamometry, range of motion, goniometry, and motion analysis. Orthotic application and human prosected models will be used to facilitate understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and assessment and its relationship to occupational performance. The use of case stories and problem-based learning will introduce clinical signs and symptoms associated with biomechanical disease and injury for integration into occupational performance.
4 credits

OTH 409 Behavioral Neuroscience I
An introduction to the study of the central and peripheral nervous systems of the human body. Major topics addressed are neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, nervous system development, sensory systems, and motor systems. Laboratory experiences with testing and examination of functions associated with a healthy nervous system, acquired and developmental aberrations, and traumatic insult are included in the context of occupation and occupational therapy evaluation processes. Uses case stories for integration and application. This course uses Web resources to enhance learning.
4 credits

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OTH 415 OT Issue II
This course is a study of major trends and issues that impact the standards of occupational therapy practice and the delivery of occupational therapy services to persons in the early lifespan. These include, but are not limited to, ethics, servant-leadership development, occupational therapy management and marketing, supervision of personnel, collaboration with families and professionals, reimbursement and documentation, legislation, diversity, rural health, health promotion and wellness, and service delivery systems, models, and approaches. The course will cover topics and field experiences with emphasis on their relationship to occupation-based practice for individuals and populations in early lifespan (infants, children, adolescents, young adults).
3 credits

OTH 421 Occupational Engagement of Infants & Toddlers
Application of occupational therapy’s unique contribution to the health of infants and toddlers through engagement in occupation. Within the context of the occupational therapy practice framework and based on frames of reference guiding occupational therapy practice, students apply the occupational therapy process including referral, evaluation, goal setting, intervention planning, intervention implementation, and discharge planning. Students will differentiate normal and abnormal development as it relates to occupations of infants and toddlers. Students apply evaluation and intervention techniques used in occupational therapy practice through a variety of active learning opportunities including cases, laboratory activities, and client interaction. Students critically analyze the impact of frames of reference on evaluation and intervention in occupational therapy.
4 credits

OTH 422 Occupational Engagement of Children & Adolescents
Application of occupational therapy’s unique contribution to the health of children and adolescents through engagement in occupation. Within the context of the occupational therapy practice framework and based on frames of reference guiding occupational therapy practice, students apply the occupational therapy process including referral, evaluation, goal setting, intervention planning, intervention implementation, and discharge planning. Students will differentiate normal and abnormal development as it relates to occupations of children and adolescents. Students apply evaluation and intervention techniques used in occupational therapy practice through a variety of active learning opportunities including cases, laboratory activities, and client interaction. Students critically analyze the impact of frames of reference on evaluation and intervention in occupational therapy.
3 credits

OTH 423 Group Leadership in Occupational Therapy: Early Lifespan
Students enhance leadership abilities by modeling skills for planning, implementing, and reviewing outcomes of service with groups or populations. Emphasis is placed on providing effective interventions in a group setting with individuals in the early lifespan.
1 credit

OTH 424 Fieldwork with Individuals in the Early Lifespan: Level I
Level I Fieldwork is infused with several elements of the occupational therapy curriculum to promote synthesis of learning (ACOTE 1998 STANDARDS.SECTION B: 10.5). Level I Fieldwork that is completed with specific segments of the lifespan are embedded into the occupational therapy curriculum in order to provide students the opportunity to discuss the impact of selecting occupations relevant to the client's occupational performance. Students enrolled in this course gain a minimum of 40 hours of practical application with individuals birth to age 21.
1 credit

OTH 440 Community Partners Seminar
Course provides the opportunity for students and their preceptors to engage in servant leadership through community service. Students and their faculty preceptors will engage in a minimum of 10 hours of community service learning with individuals in agencies whose partnering relationship with the University of Mary occupational therapy education program match in need, commitment, vision and mission. In addition to service learning, students will perform a needs assessment in collaboration with each respective community partner, analyze data retrieved, and begin to explore strategies from evidence-based literature to identify needs prioritized by both student and community partner. Students meet regularly with their preceptor to discuss their service-learning experiences and project segments, and to reflect on their overall experience.
1 credit

OTH 506 Human Health: Adult/Later Lifespan
This course is an advanced study of the phenomenological aspects of human health in the context of occupation, adulthood, and the aging process. Content will focus on wellness from physical and psychological perspectives, physical and cognitive changes with aging, preventative measures for health maintenance, and on the influence of disease on occupational performance. Study of characteristics and symptoms as applicable to the occupational therapy evaluation and intervention processes will be emphasized in case-based discussions and appraisals.
4 credits

OTH 507 Concepts and Practice of Research
Addresses methods employed in conducting quantitative and qualitative research, development of the research proposal, and grantsmanship. Includes critique of research studies including various methodologies and application to informed practice decision making. Prerequisite: Student must be enrolled in the professional occupational therapy educational program.
2 credits

OTH 508 Therapeutic Modalities and Essentials of Splinting
Occupational therapists use physical agent modalities as an adjunct of therapy to enhance occupational performance. This course provides students with the theory and technical application of commonly used physical agent modalities as they relate to various clinical conditions throughout the lifespan. The course addresses the physical and biophysical changes that occur with the application of thermal or electrical agents. Students will use clinical reasoning to select and apply the appropriate agent to determine the body's response for indicated pathological conditions. This course also emphasizes the principles of orthotics and upper extremity prosthetics in occupational therapy. Students employ critical thinking skills to design and fabricate splints or other orthotics to attain intervention goals for selected clinical conditions across the lifespan. This course serves as evidence for certification in physical agent modalities.

OTH 509 Behavioral Neuroscience II
This course is a continuation of the study of the central and peripheral nervous systems of the human body. It focuses on neural control of human behavior with emphasis on emotion and affect, motivation, sleep arousal, hemispheric lateralization, learning, memory, and neuroplasticity. This course uses case-based discussion and problem-solving for integration and application. Laboratory experiences focus on assessments for cognition, perceptual motor, and psychosocial performance in the context of education.
4 credits

OTH 510 Seminar in Occupation Based Practice
Advanced study of occupation as an essential foundation for occupational therapy practice. Occupations will be studied using case-based analysis to explain how humans use time for productive, meaningful activities in the context of habits, routines, and lifestyles. Current issues in the study of occupation will be discussed using focus groups and forums.
1 credit

OTH 515 OT Issues III

Major trends and issues that impact the standards of occupational therapy and  practice and  delivery of occupational therapy services to the adult and older adult are emphasized. These include ethics, servant-leadership development, occupational therapy management and marketing, supervision of personnel, collaboration with families and professionals, current reimbursement and documentation pertinent to adults and elders, managed care, legislation, diversity, rural health, health promotion and wellness, and service delivery systems.
3 credits

OTH 521 Occupational Engagement of Adults
Application of occupational therapy’s unique contribution to the health of adults through engagement in occupation. Within the context of the occupational therapy practice framework and based on frames of reference guiding occupational therapy practice, students apply the occupation therapy process including referral, evaluation, goal-setting, intervention planning, intervention implementation, and discharge planning. Students employ clinical reasoning and critical thinking to design service delivery to prepare clients for community reentry; and to select and adapt purposeful activities to attain intervention goals and promote health and wellness as it relates to occupations of adults. Students apply evaluation and intervention techniques used in occupational therapy practice through a variety of active learning opportunities including cases, laboratory activities, and client interaction. Students critically analyze the impact of frames of reference on evaluation and intervention in occupational therapy.
4 credits

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OTH 522 Occupational Engagement of Aging Adults
Application of occupational therapy's unique contribution to the health of aging adults through engagement in occupation. Within the context of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework and based on frames of reference guiding occupational therapy practice, students apply the occupational therapy process including referral, evaluation, goal-setting, intervention planning, intervention implementation, and discharge planning. Students employ clinical reasoning and critical thinking to design service delivery, to prepare clients for community reentry, to prepare clients for life changes occurring as a result of the normal aging process, and to select and adapt purposeful activities to attain intervention goals and promote health and wellness as it relates to occupations of aging adults. Students apply evaluation and intervention techniques used in occupational therapy practice through a variety of active learning opportunities including cases, laboratory activities, and client interaction. Students critically analyze the impact of frames of reference on evaluation and intervention in occupational therapy.
3 credits

OTH 523 Group Leadership in Occupational Therapy: Adults and Aging Adults
Students refine leadership abilities by synthesizing skills such as planning, implementing, and evaluating outcomes; introspective analysis of self as therapeutic agent; and the impact of interpersonal dynamics within the group process. Emphasis is placed on providing effective interventions in a group setting with individuals who are adults or aging adults.
1 credit

OTH 524 Fieldwork with Individuals in the Adults or Aging Adults Lifespan: Level I
Level I Fieldwork is infused with several elements of the occupational therapy curriculum to promote synthesis of learning (ACOTE 1998 STANDARDS.SECTION B: 10.5). Level I Fieldwork that is completed with specific segments of the lifespan are embedded into the occupational therapy curriculum in order to provide students the  opportunity to discuss the impact of selecting occupations relevant to the client's occupational performance. Students enrolled in this course gain a minimum of 40 hours of practice application with individuals, adults and older adults age 21 through senescence.
1 credit

OTH 530 Advanced Application of Technology
Advanced Technological Applications will provide students with knowledge and skills in assessment, funding, and use of specific, complex technology available for clients with disabilities and occupational therapists. These devices can be used to develop or enhance the work, leisure, or self-care skills of individuals across the lifespan who have disabilities. They can also enhance the students' productivity through use of general information technologies (e.g., computers, telecommunications, and the Internet) and to share information resources on disabilities, independent living, and health and wellness with the community
2 credits

OTH 540 Community Partners Seminar
Students engage with their assigned partner as servant leaders to implement and then assess strategies addressing needs identified through a formal needs assessment. As with previous Community Partners in Service course work, students participate in 10 hours of service learning, which is directly related to completion of final segments of the campus-community partnership project. Students meet regularly with their preceptor to discuss their service learning experiences and project segments, and to reflect on their overall experience.
1 credit

OTH 560 Therapeutic Use of Self
Students in this course address a unique aspect of service delivery. The focus of course work is based on the holistic nature of health, which is achieved by incorporating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of each individual. Students build on their personal insight as a means of developing a value complex that incorporates servant leadership and that is essential for delivery of future intervention with individuals, groups and/or populations. Opportunity exists for the student to engage in discussion, projects, and field experience as a methodology to personally evaluate appropriate therapeutic use of self.
1 credit

OTH 565 Statistics
Effective occupational therapists, teachers, and administrators must have a basic understanding of the application of statistical concepts and procedures utilized in conducting research. Students develop an understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics for the purpose of statistically analyzing and interpreting research findings.
3 credits

OTH 600 Master's Project: Directed Study in OT
The Community Partners in Service Project culminates in a scholarly study (Master's Directed Study) that will culminate in this course and that will contribute to the development of body of knowledge relevant to the profession of occupational therapy. The resulting research study will conclude in a formal presentation for the university community, respective community partners, the professional public, and other guests. In addition, students will generate components for their professional portfolio including: A reflection letter, resume, three products in addition to the Master's Directed Study, and a matrix for the Community Partners in Service Project. As with previous Community Partners in Service course work, students participate in 10 hours of service learning that are directly related to completion of final segments of the campus-community partnership project.
2 credits

OTH 615 Advanced OT Issues (4 week session)
This course is designed to help students integrate practice experience from level II Fieldwork with theoretical knowledge learned during previous didactic course work (theory, human occupation, human health). Students engage in learning opportunities designed to facilitate professional leadership necessary to effect change and to prepare for indirect service role functions.
1 credit

OTH 681 Level I FW: Community Based
Community Based Practice Community Partners in Service occurs during the second through sixth semesters of the professional program. The purpose of this project is to develop agents of change to improve health profession education, civic responsibility and the health of populations in our communities. As part of the experience, students complete 10 hours of level I fieldwork (service learning) per semester for five semesters working closely with their assigned faculty preceptor (fieldwork educator) and community leader(s). Students are matched with community-based programs and social agencies that are currently not served or are underserved by occupational therapy. In addition to fieldwork experience associated with the Community Partners in Service Project, the program ultimately results in a master's paper following two years of servant leadership and research.
1 credit

OTH 682  Level II FW: Early Lifespan*
This 12-week fieldwork course allows students to be actively involved in the process of transition from the student role to the role of entry-level occupational therapy practitioner as it relates to individuals from birth to age 21 years. Students enrolled in Level II Fieldwork courses will have the opportunity to gain field experience in a variety of practice settings through the country, but primarily in North Dakota and contiguous rural states. Students will be expected to apply theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom to the practice environment with individuals and populations. Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in the professional occupational therapy education program and must have successfully completed occupational therapy and support course work leading to eligibility for Level II Fieldwork.
4 credits

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OTH 683 Level II FW: Adulthood/Later Lifespan*
This 12-week fieldwork course allows students to be actively involved in the process of transition from a student role to the role of entry-level occupational therapy practitioner as it relates to individuals and populations in adulthood and gerontics. Students enrolled in Level II Fieldwork courses will have the opportunity to gain field experience in a variety of practice settings through the country, but primarily in North Dakota and contiguous rural states. Students will be expected to apply theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom to the practice environment with individuals and populations. Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in the professional occupational therapy education program and must have successfully completed occupational therapy and support course work leading to eligibility for Level II Fieldwork.
4 credits

OTH 685 Graduate Seminar
Students engage in special study and discussion through use of case method learning that integrates graduate competences, Benedictine values, and experiential learning. Each student prepares a case story based on a real-life experience with a service recipient that occurred while on required fieldwork. Focus is on analysis and synthesis of experiences as related to servant leadership and to emerging as a health care practitioner. Each student facilitates small group and large group peer discussions to engage in professional reasoning and outcome evaluation based on a case story and domains and processes of an occupational therapy framework.
1 credit

Track III

OTH 500 Evidence Based Practice
Students will interpret and communicate research findings as a method of determining practice efficacy. Specific focus is given to occupational-based research.
1 credit

OTH 507 Concepts of Research
This course addresses methods employed in conducting quantitive and qualitative research, development of research proposal, and grantsmanship. Critique of research studies occurs including various methodologies and application to informed practice decision making. (Prerequisites: graduate-level statistics course)
2 credits

OTH 565 Statistics (or equivalent)
Provides a basic understanding of the application of statistical concepts and procedures utilized in research. Students develop an understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics for the purpose of statistically analyzing and interpreting research findings. 
3 credits 

OTH 510 Seminar in Occupation Based Practice
Students engage in advanced study of occupation as an essential foundation for occupation therapy practice. Occupation will be studied using case-based analysis to explain how humans use time for productive, meaningful activities in the  context of habits, routines, and lifestyles.
1 credits

OTH 601 Advanced Theory Guiding Occupation Based Practice
This course provides opportunity to analyze and evaluate conceptual and practice that guide occupational therapy. Emphasis is placed on the occupation-based models including exploration of a variety of grand theories. Other topics include background information related to theory construction and analytical thinking.
2 credits

OTH 630 Concepts of Leadership
Students will apply and occupation-based approach with a given individual, group, or population utilizing the Assistive Technology delivery process, including evaluation, technological intervention and resource coordination.
2 credits

OTH 660 Concepts of Leadership
Students construct an individual philosophy of leadership based on analysis of current literature, filed experience, and group discussion.
1 credit

OTH 700 Master's Directed Study
With guidance of the student's research advisor, a scholarly project will be initiated that will contribute to the development of a body of knowledge relevant to the profession of the occupational therapy.
4 credits

OTH 780 & OTH 781 Field Study in Occupation Based Practice
This intensive practicum-promoted synthesis of theoretical knowledge and practice skills necessary to develop innovative occupation-based practice models that promote occupation performance of individuals or populations that are unserved and/or addressed. Implementation of these models occurs through collaborative practice opportunities in diverse settings.
3 credit hours per course

OTH 785 Graduate Seminar
This course provides a venue for integration of learning experience that have occurred in the program of study for the post-professional degree in occupational therapy. Case method, particularly "case story" is the strategy used to provide each student opportunity to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate occupation-based and evidence based methodology to generate a narrative about a complex client (e.g., individual, group, population, or community). Each student facilitates discussion during debriefing of his/her case with other students.
3 credits 














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