10-514-171Introduction to Occupational Therapy
Course Information
Description
Provides an overview of history, philosophy, ethics, and scope of occupational therapy practice. Examines legal responsibilities, professional resources, and organization. Students practice basic skills related to therapeutic relationships and determine their own suitability to a career in occupational therapy.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore the scope of practice in delivery systems for an OT
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify the practice areas
    explore OTA domain and process within practice settings
    reflect on OTA as an appropriate career choice for you
    distinguish the OTA role within practice areas
    relate how the OTA works with other team members
    describe how the OTA collaborates with intraprofessional and interprofessional teams

  2. Summarize the importance of the history and philosophy base of OT
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify key events that shaped the history of OT
    you recognize the contributions of women to the establishment of the profession in the 1800s and early 1900s
    you evaluate the congruence between the philosophical base of OT and your own value system
    you describe how the philosophy of profession advocated for social justice
    you describe the link between past history and current practice
    you articulate current practice issues for the OTA
    you compare the philosophy of OT and other professions in the field
    you develop socio-historical understanding of inequalities and underrepresentation
    you analyze contemporary and historical systems that structure and reproduce inequalities

  3. Examine the roles and responsibilities of an OTA
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    review a job description
    evaluate the OTA scope of practice
    identify the the duties and responsibilities of an OTA
    compare the education and roles between an OT and an OTA
    identify potential employers
    explore preparation for work in an academic setting

  4. Use professional resources and organizations
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    describe student, state and national organizations for occupational therapy
    give examples of how the role of the OTA is enhanced by the organizations
    use and interpret OT acronyms
    access professional literature

  5. Examine the Practice Framework: Domain
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    explain terms and concepts related to the occupational therapy domain
    examine how the components of the OT domain are demonstrated in the occupations of persons, groups, and populations

  6. Examine the Practice Framework: Process
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    outline the sequence of the occupational therapy process
    define intervention approaches
    list the types of occupational therapy interventions
    explain the types of outcomes resulting from occupational therapy intervention
    explore how professional reasoning is incorporated into the occupational therapy process

  7. Practice basic skills related to client centered practice
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    use the Practice Framework to guide observations
    use the Practice Framework to guide interview
    collect relevant data related to observation and interview
    document observations and interview according to guidelines provided by your instructor
    incorporate appropriate OT and medical terminology

  8. Examine regulatory and legal factors that affect OT practice
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    reflection includes the identification of the ethical issues related to OTA
    reflection includes the identification of the initial and continuing national certification process
    reflection includes the identification of the state requirements for initial and continuing licensure
    reflection includes identification of various reimbursement systems

  9. Examine therapeutic use of self
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    establish a rapport with a client
    recognize your impact on the client
    use therapeutic communication skills such as active listening, assertiveness, empathy, and constructive feedback
    adjust your communication style to meet client needs
    analyze how your biases and beliefs may impact your role as an OTA

  10. Examine diversity factors in a variety of settings
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    analyze social factors that influence health outcomes
    analyze healthcare issues related to diverse groups
    compare a variety of belief systems related to health, wellness and acceptance of intervention
    explain how cultural awareness supports client-centered care