Pathways to Excellence
Designed for the experienced clinician but accessible to all master’s students, Pathways to Excellence courses are key building blocks in creating programs of study with specific occupational therapy specialty focus areas, enabling graduate students to both broaden and deepen their knowledge and expertise in cutting-edge practice areas.
School-based Practice (OT 560)
This interactive seminar provides in-depth learning experiences to foster innovative occupational therapy practice in school settings. Course materials address working in culturally diverse and inclusive classrooms, successful collaborative strategies, legal issues affecting practice, and applying research to justify and support practice.
Sensory Integration Theory (OT 564)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of sensory integration theory. Basic intervention principles are reviewed and integrated with concepts from occupational science and evidence-based practice. Students gain expertise in interpretation of child behavior using specialized knowledge regarding sensory processing and praxis. The course fulfills Perspective Course requirements for certification in sensory integration.
Technology for Occupational Therapy (OT 571)
This course explores theoretical and practical principles of assessment, selection, funding, acquisition, design, training and follow-up in the use of technologies in OT practice. Topics covered include powered mobility, the human computer interface, computer access, augmentative and
alternative communication, and the use of technologies for a variety of sensory impairments and in a variety of contexts. Exploration of technology to enhance communication and social collaboration will be included.
Ergonomics (OT 572)
This course focuses on the application of ergonomics to school, home, office and industrial settings. Through an understanding of the person-environment-task interaction, students learn how to improve comfort and productivity while preventing musculoskeletal disorders. Students review current research on the effects of work design on injury rates, behaviors and performance.
Hand Rehabilitation (OT 573)
This course explores occupation-based evaluation and treatment for people with common hand disorders or traumatic hand injuries. Through lecture, lab, small group work and class discussions, this course emphasizes functional anatomy of the hand and promotes sound clinical reasoning skills based on consideration of key anatomical principles and patients’ occupational goals. Throughout the course, occupation-based, patient-centered, and evidence-based approaches are emphasized. Students gain valuable experience making a variety of splints.
Enhancing Motor Control for Occupation (OT 574)
This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the basic principles and methods for remediation of motor control following upper motor neuron lesions. Through journal articles, class discussions, laboratory experiences and participation in an adult rehabilitation setting, students learn theories and concepts of motor control, NDT (NeuroDevelopmental Training) and motor learning and apply them to occupation-based treatment.
Dysphagia Across the Lifespan: Pediatrics through Geriatrics (OT 575)
This course explores the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal structures and functions as they relate to typical and atypical swallowing.
Various assessment and intervention strategies for patients and caregivers are explored.
Universal Design (OT 576)
This course will cover both theoretical and practical principles of the impact of a variety of environments on an individual’s participation. Through a project based format the topics covered will be accessibility, livable communities, home modifications, aging in place, visitability, usability and universal design. Also addressed will be public policy, assessment, design theory, meaning of place in playgrounds, outdoor areas, public spaces and therapeutic environments.
Lifestyle Redesign® (OT 583)
Students explore the ways in which their own occupations contribute to their health and well-being and learn how to design Lifestyle Redesign® programs for both well individuals and people with various disabilities. Topics covered include needs assessment, therapeutic process, building of modules, marketing, and financial feasibility.
Sensory Integrative Dysfunction and Practice (OT 610)
This course offers students the opportunity to apply sensory integration theory in exemplary family-oriented, occupational-centered, evidence-based clinical practices. Expert mentors help students develop specialized intervention and consultation skills as they work directly with children, their families and teachers. This course fulfills requirements for certification in sensory integration. A special application is required for this limited enrollment course, which is usually taken after completing all degree requirements.
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