Comprehensive list of the courses in the UB OT Curriculum: 

OT Professional Program Brochure

 

UB Occupational Therapy Course Curriculum

Year 3: Summer (6 credits)

ANA 407: Goss Human Anatomy

Eight-week course for students in exercise science, occupational therapy, and physical therapy only. Laboratories involve dissection of the human cadaver, with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. Lectures emphasize clinical correlations

Year 3: Fall (18 Credits)

OT 333: Occupational Across the Lifespan

Provides students with an overview of the development of human occupation, from conception through senescence. Knowledge of the typical acquisition of occupation will be stressed for its significance in formulating a basis for understanding atypical development and for planning appropriate OT intervention for individuals of all ages. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the interaction of the person, environment, and task components that support the engagement in occupation. As such, the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework will be serve as the cornerstone of occupational task analysis.

 

OT 341: Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature

Introduces OT students to the principles of critical analysis of scientific literature. Completion of this class will enable students to access, interpret, and analyze journal articles and to apply findings to clinical practice.

 

OT 342: Neuroscience I

Introductory neuroscience course for exercise science, occupational therapy and pre-physical therapy students. Topics include principles of neurophysiology, cellular communication, organization and gross morphology of the CNS, functional anatomy of motor and somatosensory pathways, and various aspects of neuropathology and neuroplasticity

 

OT 344: Neuroanatomy

Lab associated with OT 342.

 

OT 346: Scientific Writing

Introduces BS/MS OT students to the process of writing a literature review. The seminar is designed to accompany the course “Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature” and will build on topics introduced in that class. Completion of the course will enable students to use a written format to communicate their analyses of research articles and to begin to develop research questions.

 

OT 355: Medical Conditions I

Provide students with knowledge of medical disorders commonly encountered by occupational therapists and to provide an understanding of the management of these disorders. Emphasis is placed on the pathology, etiology, symptomatology, prognosis, and contraindications of cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, endocrine, immunologic and other selected medical conditions across the lifespan. The ways in which these diseases and disabilities can affect the development, functioning, and occupation of individuals within their various contexts will be reviewed and examined. Implications for occupational therapy interventions and precautions for practice will be addressed.

 

OT 361: Functional Anatomy

This course is designed to include selected topics from biomechanics, kinesiology, and functional anatomy. Information from these areas of study are applied to understanding joint structures and functions as well as how this translates into assessment of movement and subsequent treatment. Topics are incorporated both into lecture and laboratory formats. Laboratory sessions will also incorporate the learning of manual muscle testing, range of motion assessments, and application of therapeutic exercise.

 

OT 366: Occupational Therapy Process

Introduces students to the process of occupational therapy intervention from initial interview through screening, evaluation, goal writing, intervention planning, and discharge planning as students are exposed to the clinical reasoning used by therapists when making decisions about intervention. Students will also gain skills in administering, scoring, and interpreting standardized assessments, writing goals and objectives, and documenting intervention. The role of the OT and OTA in assessment and intervention will also be discussed.

Year 3: Spring (18 Credits)

OT 352: Assistive Technology

Introduces students to assistive technology (AT) devices that support mobility, posture, seating, computer usage, and environmental control, as well as environmental modifications – all of which may enhance occupational performance in home, school, work and community environments. Students will learn strategies for assessment, training, and implementation of these interventions, enabling them to consider the relevance of AT for a variety of populations and treatment settings.

 

OT 356: Medical Conditions II

Provides students with knowledge of medical disorders commonly encountered by occupational therapists and to provide an understanding of the management of these disorders. Emphasis is placed on the pathology, etiology, symptomatology, prognosis, and contraindications of musculoskeletal, sensory (vision and hearing), developmental, sensory processing, and other selected medical conditions across the lifespan. The ways in which these diseases and disabilities can affect the development, functioning, and occupation of individuals within their various contexts will be reviewed and examined. Implications for occupational therapy interventions and precautions for practice will be addressed.

 

OT 382: Issues in Occupational Therapy Service Delivery

Educates students about the service delivery systems, including the educational system, medical system, community based practice, and other emerging practice areas.  Students will learn about the social and political forces that have shaped those systems, and the current issues within each of those systems. Issues include legislation, reimbursement, credentialing, and the role of the occupational therapist.

 

OT 417: Neurorehabilitation Across the Lifespan

Expands on previously-taught neurosicence  information and introduces students to clinical theories and techniques that utilize neurophysiological concepts in the treatment of occupational dysfunction. Application to occupational therapy utilizing selected activities of work, play, and self-care are included. A life-span approach that emphasizes treatment for neurological conditions affecting pediatric, adult, and aging populations is incorporated into teaching and practice modules. A lecture and lab format is followed with additional practicum experiences

 

OT 420: Fieldwork Seminar I

This course is designed to help students attain the greatest benefit from their Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences. The seminar will help students to understand the nature of fieldwork, specific requirements, and their own personal educational needs related to fieldwork prior to selecting fieldwork sites and beginning their apprenticeship learning.

 

OT 450: Orthotics and Prosthetics

Provides the student with the theoretical basis and practical applications of orthotics and prosthetics for practicing therapists.  Effective orthotics and prosthetic approaches incorporate anatomical, medical, and biophysical information with specific psychomotor skills. The lecture and lab sections of this course provide an introduction to these processes.

Year 4: Summer (5 Credits)

OT 402: Group Process and Interpersonal Skills

A survey of groups used by occupational therapists, theoretical constructs, and principles of application. An emphasis is placed on observing groups and analyzing small group processes. The student benefits from learning about groups designed and led by their peers. Students learn experientially by participating in class exercises as well as by being involved in group design, participation, observation, and critique of therapeutic group sessions.

 

OT 472: Level I Fieldwork A

Level I A Fieldwork provides students with the opportunity to observe occupational therapy in a clinical setting. Students will spend approximately 40 hours at an assigned clinical site observing occupational therapy evaluation and interventions, and will reflect on these observations within the context of the OT process

 

Graduate Component of the UB occupational therapy curriculum

Year 4: Fall (15 credits)

OT 520: Fieldwork Seminar II

This course is the second of two seminars designed to prepare students for successful completion of Level I and Level II Fieldwork. This seminar will focus on Level II fieldwork. Through this seminar students will explore and complete general fieldwork pre requisite requirements along with site-specific pre-requisite requirements. They will also discuss level II fieldwork related to purpose, requirements for the fieldwork educator, assignments and discussion questions, specific grading criteria, and discuss strategies for solving problems that may arise. Students will also reflect on their own strengths and limitations and plan for their personal participation in the level II fieldwork experience.

 

OT 535: Medical Evaluation and Intervention: Neurological and Cognitive

This course addresses the role of occupational therapy in medical settings including, acute, sub-acute, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities.  The focus of this course is on occupational therapy practice related to neurological, cognitive and mental health disorders. Theoretical foundations, evaluation, intervention principles and procedures in these settings across the lifespan will be presented. Lab experiences will provide the student with the opportunity to develop clinical skills and reasoning in these areas.

 

OT 556: Medical Evaluation and Intervention: Musculoskeletal, Cardiopulmonary, Integumentary, and Oncology 

This course addresses the role of occupational therapy in medical settings including, acute, sub-acute, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. The focus of this course is on occupational therapy practice related to musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, and oncologic disorders. Theoretical foundations, evaluation, treatment principles and procedures in these settings across the lifespan will be presented. Lab experiences will provide the student with the opportunity to develop clinical skills and reasoning in these areas.

 

OT 572: Level I Fieldwork B

Level I Fieldwork B provides students with the opportunity to observe occupational therapy in a medical setting. Students will spend one week at a clinical site observing and participating in the occupational therapy process under the supervision of a Fieldwork Educator.

 

OT 575: Project Guidance I

This course is comprised of a lecture and tutorial. The 2 unit lecture provides foundational information to develop a quantitative or qualitative research project proposal to include the introduction, background, method, analysis, results and discussion. In addition students will attend three rehabilitation science seminars on diverse and relevant topics. In the 1 unit tutorial, students work either independently or in a small group with a project advisor to develop a specific research proposal and obtain in-depth project-specific guidance to include: identification of a problem, research questions and hypotheses, sampling, procedures selection of tools and instruments, and data analysis, as well as human subjects’ protection and ethical concerns in the masters research project. Major course products will include an annotated bibliography, literature review, project outline, IRB approval, informed consent, completion of CITI human subjects training, and a completed and defensible proposal.

 

CHB 550: Public Health and Population Well Being 

 

Year 4: Spring (15 credits)

OT 574: Home-Based Evaluation and Intervention

The purpose of the Level I fieldwork placement is to introduce the student to observation and participation experiences in clinical settings that support the didactic learning they have in the associated courses. This experience will ensure that all students in the program have had some situated learning in an educational setting.

 

OT 548: Community and Vocational Evaluation and Intervention

This course addresses the role of occupational therapy in community and vocational settings.  The focus of this course is on occupational therapy practice related community integration, vocational, social participation, play, leisure, and health and wellness promotion. Theoretical foundations, evaluation, and intervention principles and procedures in these settings across the lifespan will be presented.  Lab experiences will provide the student with the opportunity to develop clinical skills and reasoning in these areas.

 

OT 573: Level I Fieldwork C

Level I Fieldwork C provides students with the opportunity to observe occupational therapy in a home, community, or vocational setting. Students will spend one week at a clinical site observing and participating in the occupational therapy process under the supervision of a Fieldwork Educator.   This fieldwork focuses on the psychosocial aspects of occupational therapy.

 

OT 576: Project Guidance II

The purpose of Project Guidance II is to support the implementation of qualitative or quantitative student research projects initiated in Project Guidance I. This two-unit course is comprised of advisor-led tutorials conducted over a 10 week period. The students will focus on implementation of the research proposal developed in Project Guidance I, including, recruitment, and data gathering. Each advisor will provide project specific in-depth guidance.

 

OT 620: Level II Fieldwork A

Three months of full-time supervised fieldwork experience following the completion of required academic courses. This fieldwork experience will take place in a medical or home-based setting.

 

Year 5: Fall (17 credits)

OT 555: Educational Evaluation and Intervention

Addresses occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in educational settings including preschool, primary, secondary, and post-secondary settings for children, adolescents, and adults. Applicable legislation, theoretical foundations, evaluation, Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) development, intervention principles and procedures in educational settings across the lifespan will be presented.

 

OT 566: Occupational Therapy for Underserved Populations

Focuses on the development of the role of the occupational therapist in underutilized areas through service learning. A broad range of health-related services are addressed in this course including: health disparities, the needs of individuals and populations at risk for being underserved, occupational and social justice, prevention and health promotion, acute and chronic medical care, habilitation and rehabilitation, and  direct and indirect service provision. Experiences are designed to facilitate student understanding of current trends in community health care and the role of the occupational therapist in public health and community health.

 

OT 573: Level I Fieldwork C

Level I Fieldwork C provides students with the opportunity to observe occupational therapy in a home, community, or vocational setting. Students will spend one week at a clinical site observing and participating in the occupational therapy process under the supervision of a Fieldwork Educator.   This fieldwork focuses on the psychosocial aspects of occupational therapy

 

OT 577: Project Guidance III 

This course is comprised of a lecture and tutorial. The 2 unit lecture provides foundational information to carry out quantitative and qualitative data analysis. All students are introduced to SPSS/PASW for quantitative data management and statistical analysis (with a variety of statistical tools). Each student will demonstrate their expertise by using SPSS and statistical tools to analyze a common data set. All students will analyze qualitative data including coding, and theme identification. In addition students will attend three rehabilitation science seminars on diverse and relevant topics. In the 1 unit tutorial, students will work with their project advisor to obtain in-depth guidance for analyzing and reporting data collected in OT 576: Project Guidance II for their specific masters research project

 

OT 586: Management and Administration 

This course will provide an in-depth, critical review of management, administration, supervision, and leadership issues relevant to the occupational therapist.  Students will be exposed to the administrative aspects of occupational therapy and learn the mechanics of developing and promoting occupational therapy services.  Students will also be exposed to management and leadership theories and practices, and the design and structure of occupational therapy clinics, programs, and businesses.  In addition, students will discuss ethical issues related to occupational therapy practice as well as the development and implementation of outcome measures.

 

Advanced Elective 

 

Year 5: Spring (12-14 credits)

OT 587: Applied Management and Administration

This course will provide the student with an opportunity to apply management and administrative concepts in an occupational therapy practice setting to create solutions for real-life issues. The course will focus on issues related to supervision, conflict resolution and ethical decision making, and quality improvement. It is an online course that runs for 12 weeks concurrent with a Level II Fieldwork Placement.  The course is divided into four modules, each running for approximately three weeks

 

OT 621: Level II Fieldwork B

Three months of full-time supervised fieldwork experience following the completion of required applied practice academic courses. This fieldwork experience will take place in a setting that is different than that completed for OT 620, including (but not limited to) educational/school based, community-based, work/ergonomic based, and emerging practice settings.

 

OT 589: Special Topics for Advanced Practice

 

OT 618: Professional Development 

This course will guide students in the process of professional development to assist them in their transition from student to clinical roles.  The focus of the course is on self-reflection and self-assessment related to personal and professional competencies and abilities, identification of specific individual competencies for development, goal setting, and selection of educational and professional development activities.  Students will also gain information about the certification and licensure processes, potential future roles in occupational therapy and will also present their masters research project to faculty, peers, and invited guests.