Occupational Therapy Assistant A.A.S.

This course provides a continuation of the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as metabolism, nutrition, acid-base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement.

This course introduces occupational therapy (OT) theory, practice, philosophy, and principles. Emphasis is placed on providing a basic understanding of the profession as well as beginning to develop interaction and observation skills. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the domain and practice of occupational therapy, practice settings, and professional roles, OT terminology, activity analysis, principles, process, philosophies, and frames of reference.

This course introduces the roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and the occupational therapist (OT) in occupational therapy practice and facilitates the development of professional behaviors and skills. Topics include professional ethics, supervisory roles, responsibilities, and collaborative professional relationships; credentialing, certification, and licensure; documentation, which communicates the need and rationale for occupational therapy services; therapeutic use of self; and professional identity and professional behaviors; and observation skills.

This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and argumentative strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data and incorporating research findings into documented argumentative essays and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to summarize, paraphrase, interpret, and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using standard research format and style. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition.

This course provides training in understanding and using principles of normal human movement. Topics include terminology, structures of the body associated with movement, principles of motion, analysis of movement, joint structure and its impact on motion, and muscle actions. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in identifying terms associated with movement, motions, structures, normal ranges and directions of motion, and general principles of human movement; and apply biomechanical principles to safe and efficient functional mobility activities.

This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.

This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication in both dyadic and group settings. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, apply basic principles of group discussion, and manage conflict in interpersonal communication situations.

This course provides introductory-level clinical training opportunities. Emphasis is placed on observational and basic interactional skills in a setting with a culturally diverse client population. Upon completion, students should be able to use observational and interactional skills to relate effectively with clients under the guidance/direction of fieldwork supervisors.

This course provides an examination of the various psychological disorders, as well as theoretical, clinical, and experimental perspectives of the study of psychopathology. Emphasis is placed on terminology, classification, etiology, assessment, and treatment of the major disorders. Upon completion, students should be able to distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior patterns as well as demonstrate knowledge of etiology, symptoms, and therapeutic techniques. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Social/Behavioral Sciences.

This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts.

This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills needed for working with individuals experiencing various psychosocial conditions to help them achieve participation in life through engagement in occupation. Topics include mental health conditions, applicable theories and principles, symptoms of dysfunction, assessment and treatment of individuals, planning and facilitating therapeutic groups, client safety, therapeutic use of self, and psychosocial aspects of practice.

This course provides preparation for Fieldwork II experiences using skills/knowledge gained in OTA-140 and OTA-240 to promote integration into the professional community. Topics include interview skills, resume production, conflict resolution, professional presentations, participation in research activities, and completion of all forms required for Fieldwork II. Upon completion, students should be able to independently complete employment-seeking activities and provide in-service training.

This course provides clinical experience under the direct supervision of experienced occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistant practitioners working in various practice settings. Emphasis is placed on final clinical preparation for entry-level practice in the profession. Upon completion, students should be able to meet all critical competencies for entry-level practice established by the curriculum, AOTA guidelines, and regulatory bodies.

This course provides closure to the educational program in conjunction with clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on portfolio development and presentation, program evaluation, analysis and synthesis of clinical experiences, and final preparation for the certification examination. Upon completion, students should be able to enter the occupational therapy (OT) workforce with an understanding of themselves as OT professionals, and with supporting documentation demonstrating progress toward meeting competencies set forth by the profession and regulatory bodies.