Course Sequence 

 

Summer Year 1:

OT 6500 – Human Gross Anatomy for Occupational Therapy – 4 credits

This lecture course is designed to provide OT students a comprehensive understanding of normal human anatomy. We take a regional approach and divide the course content into five modules to cover (1) back, (2) upper extremity, (3) trunk (thorax, abdomen, pelvis), (4) lower extremity, and (5) head & neck regions. We emphasize the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system in each region, and the essential nerve and vascular innervations. The purpose is to provide students the foundational knowledge throughout the OTD program to better understand human function and occupation.

OT 6501 – Human Gross Anatomy for Occupational Therapy Lab – 2 credits

This lab course coincides with the OT 6500 Anatomy Lecture course. Through hands-on experiential learning with cadaver dissection and virtual anatomy technology, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system in different body regions, and the relevant nerve and vascular innervations. We follow the anatomy lecture course to set up five lab modules: (1) back, (2) upper extremity, (3) trunk (thorax, abdomen, pelvis), (4) lower extremity, and (5) head & neck regions. The purpose is to enhance students’ learning outcomes from lecture material through visualization and exploration of the human body and strengthen the understanding of the functional relationships between structures.

OT 6600 – Medical Conditions Across the Life Span – 4 credits

This course introduces the student to a variety of medical conditions affecting individuals across the lifespan with an emphasis on conditions frequently encountered in various settings in which occupational therapists may practice. The course covers content related to the etiology, pathology, symptomatology and medical/surgical management of selected medical conditions which affects an individual’s ability to participate in occupational endeavors.

OT 6700 – Doctoral Seminar I: Profession of Occupational Therapy – 2 credits

This course provides the students with an understanding of the historical foundation of the profession of occupational therapy, focusing on core concepts of the profession. This course is designed to introduce students to the Occupational Therapy process and introduces The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain & Process (OTPF) 4th edition (AOTA, 2020), an official document for the profession. Students examine their role in the creation of practice-based evidence in occupational therapy. This course supports students in the development of critical reading and writing skills with particular relevance to understanding human occupation and the practice of occupational therapy through scientific inquiry. This course is designed to introduce students to foundational concepts about clinical applications of research that will ultimately support them in their research and capstone projects.

Fall Year 1:

OT 6800 – Functional Movement Across the Lifespan – Analysis and Assessment – 4 credits

In this course students will develop an understanding of clinical human anatomy and biomechanical principles underlying human movement and their application to occupational performance and how it changes across the lifespan. Students will perform detailed regional analyses of the upper and lower extremities and the trunk. Assessment procedures, including palpation, muscle strength testing, range of motion, and flexibility testing will be learned in order to analyze their relationships to occupational performance.

OT 6900 – Social and Cultural Determinants of Health and Occupation Across the Lifespan – 3 credits

This course focuses on the effects of occupations on health and how societal and cultural determinants influence an individual’s quality of life throughout the life span. Students apply relevant theories and constructs to understand the social and cultural effects on the development of human occupation.

OT 7150 – Analysis and Adaptation of Occupation – 3 credits This second semester course focuses on philosophical assumptions, and core concepts of the occupational therapy profession including the OT Code of Ethics, occupation-based theories, models of practice, and frames of reference.  Additionally, this course will follow lifespan development from infancy through older adults and the relevant occupational engagement at each stage. Through using the flipped class design, the lab component provides the students with an opportunity for interactive, dynamic, hands on activities to develop an understanding of occupation, activity analysis, evaluation of ADLs/IADL and professional documentation.

OT 7200 – Neuroscience: Assessing Human Performance – 4 credits

This course, including lecture and lab sections, introduces students to the basic neuroanatomical structures and neurophysiological functions to allow them to build foundational knowledge throughout the OTD program. We cover neuroscience terminology, cellular neurophysiology, structure & functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems and address human behavior and performance in relation to the nervous systems.

The lecture section is divided into four modules covering from the cellular level of the nervous system to different systems (e.g., autonomic nervous system, somatosensory system, motor system) and the higher-level neural functions (e.g., language, memory, emotion). Students will also be asked to focus on pathophysiology and clinical manifestations, along with prevention in occupational therapy.

The lab section provides hands-on experience and clinical application of material covered in lecture. A variety of assessments and diagnostic procedures will be utilized to establish students’ knowledge and skills needed in occupational therapy.

OT 7350 – FW 1A and Skills for Occupation Based Practice Seminar I – 2 credits

This course is the first occupation-based practice seminar of the 3-seminar Level I FW sequence. It is an essential element of the first Level 1 FW Experience as it facilitates the integration of information students are learning in the didactic courses through clinical observations and application in traditional Level I FW sites for approximately 40 hours over semester. Faculty lead reflective questions help the students focus on specific factors during the FW experience to facilitate students’ understanding of occupation and task analysis in practice and the importance cultural competency. The students are also introduced to the concept of “soft skills”” such as empathy, active listening, and flexibility and the important role they play in developing therapeutic relationships.

OT 7500 – Doctoral Seminar II: Advanced Statistics for Health Professions – 3 credits

The Doctoral Seminar II is the second seminar course in the Doctoral Seminar Series. The Doctoral Seminar II will provide students the skills needed to perform advanced statistical analysis of occupational performance data for research and practice. Students will develop knowledge and skills to choose, apply and interpret appropriate quantitative statistics to conduct research in occupational therapy and health-related professions. The course will cover descriptive, correlational, and inferential statistics beyond basic statistical analysis such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), multiple regression modeling, and combining regression and ANOVA (ANCOVA) etc., and non-parametric tests. Students will have hands-on experience utilizing a statistical software program.

Spring Year 1:

OT 6910 – Orthopedic Assessment and Intervention Across the Lifespan – 4 credits

In this course, students will explore a variety of orthopedic diagnostic conditions and their impact on occupational performance through critical analysis of research evidence and current concepts and techniques utilized in orthopedic rehabilitation. Biomechanical considerations of major orthopedic injuries including injury potential of various human movement activities and methods for injury prevention are explored. Additionally, students will demonstrate orthotic fabrication and use of physical agent modalities with this population.

OT 6920 – Disability Theory, Mental Health and Group Process–Assessment and Intervention Across the Lifespan – 4 credits

In this course students will explore models and theories of practice, diagnostic conditions and disorders, and research evidence for occupational therapy practice with children, youth, and adults, individually and in groups, who present with mental and behavioral health conditions. This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills needed to select and implement specific occupational therapy assessments and interventions including individual and group interventions. This course will focus on individuals living with conditions most likely to benefit from remedial interventions focusing on performance skills and client factors that impact occupational functioning. Students learn through peer-led instruction and dynamic hands-on activities. They complete in-class exercises targeting assessment and intervention and learn by designing, demonstrating, and critiquing therapeutic group sessions.

OT 7450 – FW 1 B and Skills for Occupation Based Practice Seminar II – 2 credits

This course is the second occupation-based practice seminar and corresponding Level I Fieldwork Experience in the 3-seminar sequence. The focus will be on psychological and social factors that influence engagement in occupation. The students will incorporate mental health and group dynamics theories from their didactic courses into their FW I experience. The students will utilize the OT process of assessment, intervention and discharge with individuals with psychosocial impairments and will incorporate therapeutic use of self, ethical principles, occupational justice, and clinical reasoning skills throughout the OT process. The students will participate in approximately 40 hours of supervised clinical experience.

OT 7650 – Research Project Seminar I – 3 credits

This is the first of a series of research project courses that supports the development of the skills needed to develop, implement and disseminate a research project. This course focuses on the skills needed to complete a research proposal. The topics of this course include ethics in the conduct of human subject research, ethical review through institutional review boards (IRB), plagiarism, scientific writing, sound research inquiry and process, literature reviews and methodology plan. Through a series of lectures, small group discussions and hands-on activities, students are guided through the development of a research proposal and a submission to the GSU IRB.

OT 7600 – Doctoral Seminar III: Professional Development to Become an Evidence-Based Practitioner: Quantitative Research Design – 3 credits

The Doctoral Seminar III is the third seminar course in the Doctoral Seminar Series. The Doctoral Seminar III continues developing student scholars who will be able to use scientific evidence for clinical decision-making. Quantitative research methods are explored in the context of clinical inquiry to increase understanding of clinical evidence. Topics of this course include searching the literature, utilizing reference managing programs, quantitative study designs (experimental, quasi-experimental, single-subject, case series, observational studies design, etc.). Students will demonstrate the ability to locate, select, analyze, and critically appraise quantitative studies by identifying the level of evidence, the strength of the methodology, and relevance to the profession of occupational therapy. This course will further develop the skills needed for student research and capstone projects.

CNHP 6200 – Interprofessional Education Seminar – 1 credit

Inter-professional education is a collaborative approach to develop healthcare students as future inter-professional team members. A recommendation by the Institute of Medicine suggests that training future healthcare providers to work in inter-professional teams results in improved healthcare outcomes for patients. The students in this course will closely examine recent trends and research evidence regarding inter-professional collaboration and will participate in an inter- professional team with other healthcare disciplines. Trends in healthcare service delivery, the way in which services are offered, will also be examined. Comparison of service delivery can consider elements such as setting, provider, format, frequency and so forth. Students participate in small group, interactive assignments.

Summer Year 2:

OT 6930 – Neurologic Assessment and Intervention Across the Lifespan I – 3 credits

This course is the first in a pair of courses focused on neurologic rehabilitation. In this course students explore theoretical frames of reference, as well as clinical theories and techniques that use neurophysiological concepts in assessments, and interventions for sensory, cognitive-perceptual, and motor dysfunction. Students will perform evaluations and implement strategies focused on remediation and compensation for activities of self-care, work and play in pediatric, adult, and aging populations. Emphasis will be placed on sensory, cognitive, and perceptual challenges that impact occupational performance. A lecture and lab format is followed with additional practicum experiences.

OT 7660 – Research Project Seminar II – 3 credits

This is the second of a series of research project courses. This course focuses on the skills needed to collect/manage data and implement interventions if needed. The topics of this course include recruitment strategies and procedures, screening, scheduling, assessors training, data collection, data entry and data security. Through a series of lectures, small group discussions and hands-on activities, students are guided through the completion of data collection.

OT 7700 – Doctoral Seminar IV: Professional Development to Become an Evidence-Based Practitioner: Qualitative and Mixed Method Design – 3 credits

The Doctoral Seminar IV continues to develop student scholars who can use scientific evidence for clinical decision-making. The Doctoral seminar IV will explore qualitative and mixed method research designs in the context of clinical inquiry to increase understanding of clinical evidence. Students will critically appraise qualitative study designs followed by synthesis of appraised studies. Students will demonstrate the ability to locate, select, analyze and critically evaluate qualitative and mixed methods studies to identify level of evidence, strength of the methodology, and relevance to the profession of occupational therapy. Students will also learn to select, apply, and interpret qualitative methods, while analyzing and synthesizing qualitative data. This course will continue to further develop skills needed for student research and capstone projects.

Fall Year 2:

OT 6940 – Assistive Technology and Environmental Assessment and Intervention Across the Lifespan – 3 credits

In this course students will examine technology for health and wellness of populations and individuals with and without disabilities. Students will explore the impact of the non-human environment on occupational performance of individuals across the lifespan and gain the necessary knowledge and skills to provide evaluation and intervention. Through this course, students learn how to apply evidence-based practice, resource coordination, and advocacy for clients who utilize technology and environmental intervention. Students participate in dynamic experiences that afford the opportunity interact with technologies and consult with experts in the field.

OT 6950 – Neurologic Assessment and Intervention Across the Lifespan II – 4 credits

This course is the second in a pair of courses focused on neurologic rehabilitation. This course addresses the role of occupational therapy in medical settings including, acute, sub-acute, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. In this course, students will continue to apply the foundational concepts learned in OT6930 in these settings, while focusing more on the neuromotor difficulties experienced by children, adults, and older adults with developmental, acute, and progressive conditions. Students will continue to learn evidence-based evaluation tools and methodologies for assessment and treatment of individuals presenting with specific neurologic conditions.

OT 6960 – Community Based Practice Assessment and Intervention Across the Lifespan – 4 credits

This course examines models of community occupational therapy practice along with the skills and challenges related to community practice. Research evidence related to individual, group, and community interaction to promote occupational functioning, health promotion, and disease prevention will be analyzed. The role of occupational therapy in assisting at-risk or underserved individuals, families, and groups living in the community will be examined by looking at factors influencing occupational performance such as the social, cultural, political, and physical environment. Students will gain hands-on experience with program development in collaboration with local organizations that serve at risk or underserved individuals in the community. Following development of an occupation- and evidence-based program, students will create a portfolio and deliver a presentation to community stakeholders.

OT 7550 – FW 1C and Skills for Occupation Based Practice Seminar III – 2 credits

This is the third and final occupation-based practice seminar and Level I FW experience in the 3-seminar sequence. The focus of this semester will be the application of the OT process including assessment, intervention and discharge while working with individuals in community environments. The students will participate in approximately 40 hours of FW over the course of the semester as they apply concepts from various courses taught this semester including Community based practice, evidence-based practice and Health literacy. Through peer activities, seminar discussions and on-line discussion posts, the students will continue to develop clinical reasoning and professional behaviors that will prepare them for their future Level II experiences.

OT 7670 – Research Project Seminar III – 3 credits

This is the final of a series of research project courses. This course focuses on the skills needed to complete data analyses as well as a poster and a manuscript for dissemination of the findings. The topics of this course include: data analysis, preparation of tables and figures, integration of the findings with existing literature, and development of posters, manuscript and scientific presentation. The scientific writing and presentation emphasize the importance of contribution to the OT literature and continuing education programs.

Spring Year 2:

OT 7800 – Doctoral Seminar V: Preparation for Mentored Doctoral Capstone Project – 1 credit

This course introduces the OT Doctoral Capstone Project and Experience which is an integral part of the OTD program. This preparatory course will present the students with the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the capstone. The students will explore the areas of focus for the capstone established by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). In addition, the student will begin the brainstorming process required for the development of the capstone experience.

OT 8300 – Competency Testing and Clinical Review Seminar – 2 credits

This course will review major concepts of all competency-based coursework taught throughout the curriculum to help students prepare for Level II Fieldwork and the National Board of Credentialing for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Students will dialogue with peers and faculty to discuss clinical reasoning when making decisions about assessments and interventions. They will take practice tests to review content and learn test-taking strategies. Students will demonstrate mastery over content and skills by passing a NBCOT-style computerized practice exam and skills-based competency exam.

OT 8320 – Fieldwork Experience II A – 6 credits (12 weeks)

This fieldwork will provide student with the first full-time supervised fieldwork experience to refine and further develop entry-level abilities and integrate OT theory, research, and practice.

Summer Year 3:

OT 8000 – Healthcare Management and Business Development – 3 credits

This course provides a fundamental, critical overview of health care management principles. The course will describe and discuss major leadership philosophies and theories as well as ethical dilemmas. Detailed discussions, teamwork, practical case study experiences, as well as oral and written assignments will be used to educate students in the effective management of people and resources, and to understand political, regulatory, economic, and social forces that are affecting a constantly changing and often complex health care environment. Major emphasis is on reimbursement, financial planning, personnel management, leadership, negotiation skills, conflict resolution, ethics, grant writing, entrepreneurship, and marketing.

OT 8020 – Development of Mentored Doctoral Capstone Project – 3 credits

This capstone development course consists of traditional lecture, in-class and online discussions, self-study, and guest panel presentations. This course supports the student in designing individualized capstone level plans, with faculty direction to guide the development and implementation of the 15-week doctoral capstone experience. The goals of the capstone planning course include identifying interest areas, topics, and mentors, as well as finalizing a draft of the capstone plan. The capstone plans need to be fluid, working documents that allow for changes to meet the evolving needs of the students, mentors, and sites. The student’s plan will include the projects goals and objectives and reflect the desired outcomes from the doctoral capstone, which are to acquire practice-scholar competencies reflecting GSU’s Doctoral program’s sequence and scope of content in the curriculum design.

OT 8100 – Policy, Leadership, and Advocacy in OT – 2 credits

This course investigates the essential components of the health care system from the point of view of the practitioner, manager, and consumer. The course is designed to enable the student to demonstrate an understanding of government regulations, professional organizational policies and practices, and practitioner roles as they relate to the formation and implementation of policy and law.

Fall Year 3:

OT 8350 – Fieldwork Experience II B – 6 credits (12 weeks)

This fieldwork will provide student with the second full-time supervised fieldwork experience to refine and further develop their entry- level abilities and integrate OT theory, research, and practice.

Spring Year 3:

OT 8400 – Doctoral Capstone Experiential Component – 9 credits (15 weeks)

After Finalizing the planning phase with the capstone team (the student, capstone coordinator, faculty mentor and site mentor) and successful completion of the doctoral capstone project, the student will participate in the 15-week experience. The student will transition to their Capstone experience site and begin the in-depth experience. The five phases of the experience include 1) orientation, 2) screening and evaluation, 3) Implementation and evaluation, 4) discontinuation and sustainability and 5) dissemination. During the implementation phase, the student remains engaged with faculty and peers through online discussion posts. These serve as check-ins on progress and completed work. Key components of evaluations include progress toward learning activities, projects, remaining work, sustainability of projects, mentor-perceived value of projects, and narrative summaries from both students and mentors. Evaluations of capstone are completed at midterm (Week 7) with the CC and the final (Week 15) with the student and mentor.

Total OTD Program Credits– 111-114 Credits (Includes 2 required electives)

Departmental and Interdisciplinary Elective Options:

OT 7201 – Specialized Practice in Brain Injury – 3 credits

This course is designed to develop strong foundational knowledge about brain injury, its treatment, and rehabilitation in order to help participants provide quality of care for persons with brain injuries. Neurophysiological aspects, associated consequences, and related complications of brain injury will be reviewed to establish a basic understanding. Specific rehabilitation philosophies, approaches, and techniques that can be used across the continuum of care and with specific populations will facilitate the ability to work in the recovery of brain injury. Interactive online discussions and varied assessments of knowledge for each area will enhance learning. Overall, this course will deliver a wide range of information about brain injury care and prepare participants for taking the national examination to become a certified brain injury specialist. OT 8953 -- Occupational Service Learning in Dominican Republic Communities– 3 credits This course will provide a historical, cultural, and sociopolitical perspective of health and health care in Dominican Republic.  Students will increase their knowledge of Dominican culture and the health care system. Within this context, students will analyze the benefits and barriers to living with a disability in Dominican communities. They will examine how investment by local community partners serving health and environmental needs of community members impacts health outcomes. Under faculty supervision, students will apply evidence-based OT practice with the goal of improving health at the levels of the individual and family system, through an emphasis on occupational performance, health and wellness, prevention, and health literacy. Students will provide in-home services to residents and families in Constanza, Dominican Republic. Additional service opportunities may include home modifications and community-based health promotion projects based on current needs of families and the community.

OT 8200 – Directed Readings in Occupational Therapy – 1-3 credits

This online course provides the student with an opportunity to complete readings and/or conduct a literature review on a special topic pertaining to occupational therapy to enhanced knowledge. Readings will be guided by an instructor with particular expertise in the topic area. Students may elect to complete 1-3 credit hours of study.

OT 8240 – Family Centered Care in Early Childhood Systems – 3 credits

The purpose of this course is to illustrate the centrality of the family in the life of infants and young children (age birth to 3) with disabilities and, subsequently, early childhood intervention. Additionally, this course will facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration to understand roles and responsibilities of related health professionals in providing family centered early intervention. We will also explore the application of telerehabilitation in providing family centered care. This course relies on outside readings, discussions, and completion of performance-based competencies where concepts are interpreted and applied to early childhood intervention. OT 8340 – Evidence-Based Practice for Early Childhood Intervention – 3 credits

This course is designed to prepare the student to use techniques associated with evidence-based practices for young children (age birth to 3) with disabilities. Students will learn to develop clinical questions, develop search strategies to access best available evidence, begin to analyze selected literature, and utilize information to facilitate clinical decision making. Students will explore the impact of evidence-based practice on early intervention, such as the implementation of evidence-based practices for young children through a telehealth platform and identify the gap of current evidence on early intervention. OT 8440 – Teaming and Collaboration within Early Childhood Systems – 3 credits The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation for the inclusion of infants and young children (age birth to 3) with disabilities and their families into inclusive community settings and programs. This course is designed to help students apply models, skills, and processes of teaming when collaborating and communicating with families and professionals, using culturally and linguistically responsive and affirming practices. In partnership with families and other professionals, students will demonstrate strategic planning to implement individualized plans and transitions that occur across the age span of birth through 3. PT 8500 – Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in the Health Sciences --2 credits This combination of systematic review and meta-analysis, the statistical process for combining data from multiple studies, is the basis for evidence-based practice in the health sciences, social sciences, and a host of other fields. Clinicians use it to determine the most effective course of treatment. Researchers use it to plan new studies, to justify these studies (in grant applications) and to put these studies in context (in the introductory section of published papers). The objective of this course is for the student to become proficient in conducting  systematic review and meta-analysis in the health sciences. Topics will include publication bias, effect size calculation, forest plots, moderator variables, and meta-regression. *Additional elective courses will be added as they are developed.