Through study, discussion, and field observation/participation, the student will examine the role of the occupational therapy assistant in health care in medical, community and education programs. Through an historical approach, the frames of reference of the profession will be reviewed with an emphasis on human occupation as a determinant of therapeutic intervention. A broad range of practice areas will be introduced and discussed as well as current trends and influences on the profession. Professional literature will be introduced and reviewed.

Opportunity for the OTA student to apply academic knowledge of occupational therapy to practice through a Level I Fieldwork experience.

This course will focus on the development of observation skills; assessment; and teaching, adapting, and grading self-care, work, and play/leisure occupations for individuals with developmental and mental health challenges (pediatrics and adolescent). Topics include collection of evaluation and screening data, interventions, techniques, and equipment to maximize participation in meaningful occupations, improve independence, and ensure safety.

This lab experience will allow students to practice assessment of movement, strength and treatment in the Biomechanical Frame of Reference. The analysis of everyday activity as a treatment tool and assessment measure will also be an integral part of the lab experience.

This course will present the basic principles of biomechanics and kinesiology related to human movement and occupational performance. Topics include the interrelationship among the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and musculoskeletal system; anatomical landmarks; joints; posture and balance, locomotion. The assessment of range of motion and functional strength will be examined. The primary tool of Occupational therapy intervention, Activity Analysis, will be integrated into all aspects of the teaching of human movement. Activity analysis of functional movement required for work, self-care, and play will be explored.

This course will examine the etiology and symptoms of clinical conditions that are commonly referred to in occupational therapy. Topics include the effects of trauma, disease, and congenital conditions on the biological, psychological, and social domains of occupational behavior. Procedures and precautions ensuring safety of clients and caregivers will be reviewed.

A review of human development from birth through adolescence, with emphasis on occupational performance of typical and atypical individuals. The emergence of occupation and conditions that affect occupation will be explored. Topics include pediatric frames of reference such as Sensory Integration, Neurodevelopmental Treatment and Motor Skills Acquisition. Emphasis will be on the occupational therapy process, evidence-based practice, and roles of the OT and OTA in pediatric service delivery within a variety of practice settings. Childhood and adolescent psychosocial and mental health disorders will be explored. Professional literature will be reviewed for current practice trends.

A study of management skills with an emphasis on organization and professional communication skills necessary for team building, leadership and collaboration. Topics include program planning, marketing, advocacy and program quality improvement. Documentation, reimbursement, ethical and legislative issues will be addressed. This class will review requirements for Level II Fieldwork, certification and licensure. Students will prepare for future employment through resume and portfolio development. Lecture 2 hours; Ozark OTA Fee: $100; Ozark Allied Health Fee: $62.

This course will focus on the observations, analysis, and performance of human occupations in work, self-care, and play/leisure throughout the life span. The Frames of Reference and Conceptual Practice Models that guide OT practice will be reviewed. The process and the language of occupational therapy will be incorporated.

Opportunity for the OTA student to apply academic knowledge of occupational therapy to practice through a Level I Fieldwork experience. Fieldwork sites are different from Fieldwork I A and are utilized to broaden the student's Level I experiential background.

This course will focus on the development of observation skills; assessment; documentation; teaching; adapting; home and workplace modification; grading of self-care, work and play/leisure occupations for adults with physical and psychosocial challenges. Topics include collection of evaluation and screening data, techniques and equipment to maximize participation in meaningful occupations, improve independence, ensure safety, and prevent deformity.

A review of subjective, objective and assessment documentation. Students will learn documentation for the range of population served by the discipline. Students will learn to read and interpret the documentation of the medical team.

A study of client-practitioner interactions. Topics include professional behaviors, therapeutic use of self, and group process & dynamics. Professional literature will be reviewed for current use of groups in occupational therapy practice. Students will design and lead groups within community or medical settings.

The application and integration of clinical reasoning and problem-solving strategies throughout the occupational therapy process will be emphasized. Emphasis is placed on the multifaceted dimensions of clinical decision making in OT practice through role plays, case study, discussion, and practice.

The occupational therapy process in relation to the years of early and middle adulthood, beginning with a historical and theoretical overview. Adulthood psychosocial and mental health disorders will be explored. Frames of reference for physical function and psychosocial function will be explored in relation to disease and disability. Topics include clinical features, medical management, effects of aging and chronic illness, interventions for productive aging and wellness, rehabilitation and participation in occupation for those with disabilities. Assessments and treatment, evidence-based practice, and issues impacting adult OT practice will be covered.

A study of adapting, altering or designing environments that support participation and facilitate engagement in social, family and community activities. All levels of assistive technology will be reviewed and discussed. Topics include but are not limited to home modifications, driving evaluations, communication devices and community mobility. Students will evaluate participation limitations and facilitators for individuals and communities. This course will introduce the student to a variety of assistive technology used in occupational therapy settings. Topics may include computer programs, switches, low vision adaptations, and high- and low-technology devices. Professional literature will be reviewed for recent practice trends in assistive technology and/or environmental adaptation.

This class will review requirements for Level II Field Work, certification and licensure. Students will prepare for future employment through resume and portfolio development, practice of interview skills and professional presentation. Ongoing professional development and specialty certifications will be encouraged for life-long learning.

This course will focus on the development of observation skills; assessment; documentation; and teaching, adapting, and grading self-care, work, and play and leisure occupations for older adults with physical and/or psychosocial challenges. Topics include collection of evaluation and screening data, techniques and equipment to maximize participation in meaningful occupations, improve independence, ensure safety, prevent deformity, productive aging and wellness, and participation within disability. Course will include Level I C Psychosocial fieldwork rotation opportunity for the OTA student to apply academic knowledge of occupational therapy to practice through a Level I Fieldwork experience. Fieldwork sites are different from Fieldwork I A & B and are utilized to broaden the student's Level I experiential background.

This course will examine the occupational therapy process in relation to the older adult with physical and/or psychosocial challenges, beginning with a historical and theoretical overview. Frames of Reference guiding physical and psychosocial OT during older adulthood will be examined. Topics include clinical features and medical management, assessments and treatment, evidence-based practice, and issues impacting geriatric OT practice. Professional literature will be reviewed for current practice trends.

First four-week fieldwork experience designed to provide the OTA student the opportunity to work in an OT setting, under the supervision of an OTR or COTA. Students must meet objectives designed by academic and clinical educators.

Continuation of Level Field Work A-1 designed to provide the OTA student the opportunity to work in an OT setting, under the supervision of an OTR or COTA. Students must meet objectives designed by academic and clinical educators.

Second eight-week fieldwork experience designed to provide the OTA student the opportunity to work in an OT setting, under the supervision of an OTR or COTA. Students must meet objectives designed by academic and clinical educators. Fieldwork sites are different from Fieldwork II A and are utilized to broaden the student's Level II experiential background.