Recommended Course Sequence

This course provides an anatomical review of all body systems and kinesiology of human movement in the context of function and environment. Students acquire the skills to observe and analyze how people move and the effect of movement dysfunction. Multimedia computer simulations, anatomical models, and other types of audiovisual materials complement course material.

Prerequisite: Program admission prerequisite Anatomy and Physiology.

This course provides the student with an integrated understanding of human body functions, and the functional anatomy, structure and organization of the nervous system. The brain is studied from a gross point of view, in sections, and also using a systems approach. Relevant problem-solving is incorporated into the course as students hypothesize about the effect of body system dysfunction on performance. Prerequisite: Program admission prerequisite Anatomy and Physiology.

Co-Requisite or Pre-Requisite: OTHN 332 or equivalent course with comparable anatomy and kinesiology content.

This course provides students with the skills to measure human movement and to hypothesize about the effect of body system dysfunction on performance of occupations. Students establish an understanding of the impact of movement, behavior, and environments on the manner in which occupations are performed. This lecture/laboratory course includes the study of and evaluation of joint motion and muscle function.  Students learn to palpate joints, bony prominences, and muscles, as well as to test muscle strength and range of motion.

This course provides students with an understanding of the medical vocabulary needed to communicate effectively as an occupational therapist. Students will learn medical root words, prefixes, and suffixes and apply them to the body systems. The basic structure of medical terms and the rules for word building will be discussed in the context of how the body works in health and disease.

This course serves as an introduction to the occupational therapy profession. This course presents a historical view of the development of occupational therapy as a profession and field of study. The course includes an introduction to the basic tenets, philosophical, theoretical, and conceptual foundations of occupational therapy. Occupation as the profession’s core is explored in terms of factors including roles, meaning, cultures, motivations and societal factors in the various arenas in which an occupational therapist practices. The occupational therapy process, and person-centered care is introduced as a framework for assessment and intervention. The course explores the profession’s core tenets, theories, frames of reference, and major occupation-based theoretical models underpinning the profession.

Prerequisites program admission requirements.

This course explores concepts and processes related to clinical reasoning and the analysis of occupations. Students use familiar and unfamiliar activities to learn foundational concepts of the profession including activity and occupational analysis, and the impact of roles, habits, culture, and context on occupational engagement. Students also begin the critical thinking and clinical reasoning processes associated with the practice of occupational therapy and distinguish between novice and more advanced clinical reasoning skills.

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 332

This is the first of two courses covering medical terminology, pathology, etiology, pharmacology, and diagnoses for lifespan clinical conditions that are commonly seen by occupational therapists. Emphasis is placed on the impact of the condition on the individual’s functional and occupational performance. Included in this sequence are the multiple causes, issues and effects of conditions affecting behavioral and mental health throughout the lifespan.

This is the first of a series of two professional development courses that are designed to enhance knowledge, self-reflection, and application of professional responsibilities and behaviors in academic, professional and clinical settings. This course will introduce the student to aspects of Level I and Level II fieldwork while deepening the student’s understanding of the professional ethics, values, effective communication, roles, and responsibilities of the OT profession. Through a variety of hands-on technology-related learning activities, the student will begin to demonstrate knowledge of the use of technology in OT practice. Throughout this course the student will procure therapeutic use of self which will guide the student to create, utilize and refine skills and competencies that will help ensure that OT professional, interprofessional, academic, and clinical practice is consistent with current and accepted standards. This course will help the student to recognize the interrelationship of professional development, leadership, and participation in local, national, and international organizations and agencies, as a means for professional development, communication, and lifelong learning.

Pre-or-Co-requisite: OTHN 390

In keeping with the Touro College mission to serve the larger community, students in the School of Health Sciences are required to complete a community service that involves a minimum of twenty-five (25) hours of community service. The purpose of this requirement is to (1) demonstrate professional behaviors and communication; (2) provide students in the School of Health Sciences with an opportunity to learn from, and give back to, the larger community; and (3) enhance awareness of how a disability or illness impacts the individual, family, friends, caregivers, and community. Through this experience, students may interact with people from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, with people who have impairments leading to functional limitations in the physical, cognitive, and/or social-emotional domains, or with people experiencing poverty, homelessness and hunger.

This course provides an anatomical review of all body systems and kinesiology of human movement in the context of function and environment. Students acquire the skills to observe and analyze how people move and the effect of movement dysfunction. Multimedia computer simulations, anatomical models, and other types of audiovisual materials complement course material.

Prerequisite: Program admission prerequisite Anatomy and Physiology.

This course provides the student with an integrated understanding of human body functions, and the functional anatomy, structure and organization of the nervous system. The brain is studied from a gross point of view, in sections, and also using a systems approach. Relevant problem-solving is incorporated into the course as students hypothesize about the effect of body system dysfunction on performance. Prerequisite: Program admission prerequisite Anatomy and Physiology.

Co-Requisite or Pre-Requisite: OTHN 332 or equivalent course with comparable anatomy and kinesiology content.

This course provides students with the skills to measure human movement, and to hypothesize about the effect of body system dysfunction on performance of occupations. Students establish an understanding of the impact of movement, behavior, and environments on the manner in which occupations are performed.

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 337

This is the first of two courses that address the role of occupational therapy in evaluation and intervention to optimize performance in areas of occupation of individuals with physical impairments and/or disabilities.

This course focuses on the development of competencies needed in the practice of occupational therapy in physical health settings and incorporates hands-on learning experiences focusing on occupational therapy evaluations and interventions. Included in this course are evaluation methods, administration and interpretation; treatment techniques, application of frames of reference/models of practice, treatment planning, documentation, clinical reasoning, context, and safety awareness. Students will be introduced to evaluation and intervention to address occupations, performance skills, performance patterns, body context(s), environments, and client factors.   

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 332, OTHN 333

This is the second of two courses covering medical terminology, pathology, etiology, pharmacology, and diagnoses for lifespan clinical conditions that are commonly seen by occupational therapists. Emphasis is placed on the impact of the condition on the individual’s functional and occupational performance. Included in this sequence are the multiple causes, issues, and effects of conditions affecting physical health throughout the lifespan.385

Pre-requisite: OTHN 336, Pre-or-Co-requisite: OTHN 604, OTHN 605

This course introduces the student to fieldwork addressing practice in mental or behavioral health. The experience provides an opportunity for the student to develop an understanding of the needs of clients and of the psychological and social factors that influence engagement in occupations. Fieldwork is an integral part of the OT student learning process and presents students with opportunities to practice and continue to develop professionalism, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning through interactive and experiential learning opportunities with a variety of mental health stakeholders. Level I fieldwork allows students to begin to apply didactic knowledge into simulated mental health settings in order to identify client and population health needs, develop appropriate interventions and assess outcomes to facilitate health, wellness, and quality of life.

Pre-Requisite: OTHN 336

This course integrates the theory and practice of occupational therapy in the area of mental and behavioral health. It builds upon mental health terminology and diagnoses, and reviews applicable behavioral and psychological theories. Students explore the psychological and social factors that impact engagement in occupations and examine the frames of reference and models of practice used by occupational therapists in addressing occupational engagement related to mental health. The course includes current ethical and social issues regarding mental and behavioral health and discusses pharmacological and other interventions, with a focus on the occupational therapy interview, evaluation, and intervention to maximize engagement in occupations.

Co- or Pre-Requisite Course(s): OTHN 604

This course focuses on the development of competencies needed in the practice of occupational therapy in mental health settings. This lab course incorporates hands-on learning experiences focusing on occupational therapy evaluations and interventions. Included in this course are evaluation methods, administration and interpretation; treatment techniques, analysis of modalities and the development of group treatment designs, application of frames of reference/models of practice, treatment planning, documentation, clinical reasoning, context, and safety awareness.

This is the first course in a series of three (3) required research courses within the curriculum. Students develop an appreciation for the essential roles and components of research within the occupational therapy profession. Emphasis is on the development of skills required for the students to become competent in their essential roles as entry-level therapists, research consumers, and members of research teams. A focus of the course is on a comprehensive introduction to basic terminology and characteristics of research and research methods. Elements taught include philosophical and theoretical foundations, experimental and qualitative research designs, concepts including sampling, reliability, validity, generalization, and trustworthiness. Ethical considerations pertaining to research are also addressed.

Pre-Requisite: OTHN 315

This is the second of two courses that address the role of occupational therapy in evaluation and intervention to optimize performance in areas of occupation of individuals with physical impairments and/or disabilities.

This course focuses on the development of competencies needed in the practice of occupational therapy in physical health settings and incorporates hands-on learning experiences focusing on occupational therapy clinical reasoning, evaluations and interventions. Included in this course are evaluation methods, administration and interpretation; treatment techniques, application of frames of reference/models of practice, treatment planning, documentation, clinical reasoning, context, and safety awareness. Students will be introduced to evaluation and intervention to address occupations, performance skills, performance patterns, body context(s), environments, and client factors.  

Pre-or-Co-Requisite(s): OTHN 616, OTHN 642

This course centers on adapting the environment to improve the quality of life of individuals of all ages who are challenged by physical, cognitive and/or sensory impairments. It examines the therapist’s ability to help individuals with disabilities integrate or reintegrate into the community across all practice areas. This involves the use of wheelchairs and other mobility equipment, adaptive ADL equipment, resolution of architectural barriers, environmental and seating designs and the use of microcomputers and current technologies as they apply to patient care and treatment.

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 336, OTHN 337

This course explores application of theories, practice models, and clinical reasoning used in occupational therapy for conditions typically seen in children and adolescents. The student develops evidence-based practice skills that impact the occupational performance of children. The course also focuses on the various child-based practice environments and approaches.

Co- or Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 641

This course focusses on the development of competencies needed in the practice of occupational therapy with children and/or adolescents. This lab course incorporates hands-on learning experiences focusing on occupational therapy evaluations and interventions. Included in this course are evaluation methods, administration and interpretation; treatment techniques, analysis of modalities, application of frames of reference/models of practice, treatment planning, documentation, clinical reasoning, context, and safety awareness.

Pre-or-Co-Requisite Course(s): OTHN 616

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 336, OTHN 337

This course focuses on the aging process and its physiological, sociological, and psychological effects. Students learn to connect theories of gerontology relevant to occupational therapy and incorporate them into entry-level practice. The course focuses on the role of occupational therapy with this specialty population, with emphasis on principles of geriatric rehabilitation (in- patient, out-patient, and home care), long term care, wellness and safety programs, hospice, and community-based programs (socialization, day treatment, and day care programs). Students gain insight into how treatment plans can differ with older adults, as well as how the use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications improve the quality of life of older persons. Students also address the role of OT with community-dwelling older adults, with attention to their heterogeneity and strengths and capabilities.

Co or Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 643

This course focusses on the development of competencies needed in the practice of occupational therapy with older adults. This lab course incorporates hands-on learning experiences focusing on occupational therapy evaluations and interventions. Included in this course are evaluation methods, administration and interpretation; treatment techniques, analysis of modalities, application of frames of reference/models of practice, treatment planning, documentation, clinical reasoning, context, and safety awareness.

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 651

This is the second course in a series of three (3) required research courses within the curriculum. Students are further introduced to and develop an appreciation for the essential components of research within the occupational therapy profession. Emphasis is on the development of skills required for the students to become competent in their essential roles as entry-level therapists, research consumers, and members of research teams. The focus of this course is the development of skills required for writing a research proposal and a literature review. Skills include developing topical questions, searching for relevant peer-reviewed research articles, critically reviewing the articles, and drawing conclusions regarding the need, significance, and importance of a topic or a study in occupational therapy practice. While working in small groups to support each other’s writing efforts, students develop skills required for collaborative research and scholarship.

This course introduces theories of teaching and learning as they relate to occupational therapy education and practice. Students develop knowledge of their own and others’ learning styles and explore strategies that can maximally benefit the learner. A variety of learning theories and strategies across the lifespan are reviewed in detail as they relate to occupational therapy practice. Students develop and apply teaching skills appropriate for varying audiences and settings, as well as effective strategies for the communication of information and procedures to clients, consumers, professionals, and others responsible for client and consumer care.

Pre-or-Co-Requisite(s): OTHN 616

This course is designed to provide students with the background and experience in orthotic fabrication and prosthetic management, skills that apply to all practice areas. The class is divided into lecture and lab. The lecture section incorporates anatomical, biological and kinesiological concepts, as well as biomechanical principles relating to orthoses design and fabrication. Common diagnoses and indications for selected orthoses are reviewed. The lab section focuses on orthotic design and fabrication. Students are exposed to a variety of orthoses equipment, tools, supplies, and low temperature thermoplastics.

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 616

This course focuses on occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in orthopedic diagnoses affecting occupation across the lifespan. The emphasis is on rehabilitation principles and protocols, specifically therapeutic techniques and the use of physical agent modalities, skills that apply to all practice areas.

Co-Requisite(s): OTHN 642

This course explores application of theories, practice models, and clinical reasoning used in occupational therapy in school-based practice. This course provides students with the opportunity to examine and contrast various service models and evaluation and intervention strategies used with diverse students commonly seen in schools.

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 652

This is the third course in a series of three (3) required research courses within the curriculum. Students are further introduced to and develop an appreciation for the essential components of research within the occupational therapy profession. Emphasis is on the development of skills required for the students to become competent in their essential roles as entry-level therapists, research consumers, and members of research teams. The focus of this course is on strategies for data analysis in experimental and naturalistic studies as well as evidence-based practice. Skills include developing topical and PICO questions, critically reviewing relevant peer-reviewed research articles, and drawing conclusions regarding the validity, fidelity and utility of the selected intervention in occupational therapy practice. 

Experiential learning components will include working in small groups and serving as co-investigators in research studies led by faculty mentors who serve as principal investigators. The research projects are in areas of interest related to occupational therapy practice. The students participate in a variety of research and scholarship activities, including development of an IRB application, needs assessments, tool development, data collection and analysis, development of education and information products, and the completion of research reports.

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 310, OTHN 320, OTHN 390, OTHN 614, OTHN 616

This course introduces the student to fieldwork addressing practice in several areas (physical health, orthopedics, hands/upper extremity, gerontology, pediatrics, simulation, and/or other). The experience provides an opportunity for the student to develop an understanding of the needs of clients and the physical, psychological, social, and other factors that influence engagement in occupation. Fieldwork is an integral part of the learning process, and presents the students with opportunities to practice professionalism, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning through interactions and experiential learning opportunities. Level I fieldwork allows students to begin to apply didactic knowledge into simulated settings in order to identify client and population health needs, develop appropriate interventions, and to assess outcomes to facilitate health, wellness, and quality of life.

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 314, OTHN 641, OTHN 643

This course is designed to present concepts related to health and wellness, disease management, disease prevention, and health promotion, in the context of contemporary health care delivery. Students are exposed to public health concepts and principles and refine their knowledge about health promotion in order to improve health and foster wellness. Students explore occupational therapy approaches within the framework of health promotion. In addition, this course refines students’ skills in developing effective strategies for the communication and teaching of information to clients, consumers, professionals and others responsible for client and consumer care.

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 390, OTHN 392, OTHN 385, OTHN 604, OTHN 605, OTHN 606, OTHN 315, OTHN 616, OTHN 621, OTHN 622, OTHN 623, OTHN 643, OTHN 644, OTHN 651, OTHN 652, OTHN 653

Co- or Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 624

This is the first full-time, 12-week clinical experience. Fieldwork education is a crucial part of the occupational therapy student’s professional preparation. This experience is designed for students to carry out professional responsibilities incorporating the clinical process of OT. Fieldwork occurs under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist with at least one year of experience. Students completing this fieldwork are expected to integrate theory and practice, communicate professionally, demonstrate good problem-solving skills with the ability to initiate self-learning and to exhibit the basic skills of an entry-level OT.

Level II fieldwork includes an in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients, focusing on the application of purposeful and meaningful occupation and/or research, administration, and management of occupational therapy services. Students are expected to gain practice skills in client-centered evaluation and treatment utilizing occupation-based interventions and utilizing treatment methods that are backed by solid scientific evidence. The experience promotes clinical reasoning and reflective practice while developing a repertoire of assessment/treatment interventions related to occupational performance. Development of professionalism will emphasize application of ethical principles and values. The student is expected to achieve entry-level clinical expertise in their practice arena by the completion of their Level II experience.

Pre-Requisite(s): OTHN 691 and/or OTHN 692

This course is designed to deepen students’ understanding of contemporary local and global occupational therapy theories and enhance their competencies in critically applying these theories to diverse situations, including traditional and emerging practice settings. The sequence of learning experiences is intended to empower students as creators and assemblers of theory best suited to their professional interests and mandates for evidence-based and socially responsive practices. For the final course presentation, students will apply theory to a real-life situation; they will also critically evaluate their applications with respect to considerations of evidence-based and socially responsive practices, views of occupation, political, historical, spiritual and cultural influences, the profession’s core ethos, and situation-specific occupational reasoning processes.

Pre-Requisite: OTHN 691

This is the second full-time, 12-week clinical experience. Fieldwork education is a crucial part of the occupational therapy student’s professional preparation. This experience is designed for students to carry out professional responsibilities incorporating the clinical process of OT.  Fieldwork occurs under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist with at least one year of experience. Students completing this fieldwork are expected to integrate theory and practice, communicate professionally, demonstrate good problem-solving skills with the ability to initiate self-learning and to exhibit the basic skills of an entry-level OT.

Level II fieldwork includes an in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients, focusing on the application of purposeful and meaningful occupation and/or research, administration and management of occupational therapy services. Students are expected to gain practice skills in client-centered evaluation and treatment utilizing occupation-based interventions and utilizing treatment methods that are backed by solid scientific evidence. The experience promotes clinical reasoning and reflective practice while developing a repertoire of assessment/treatment interventions related to occupational performance. Development of professionalism will emphasize application of ethical principles and values. The student is expected to achieve entry-level clinical expertise in their practice arena by the completion of their Level II experience.

Pre-Requisite: OTHN 691 and/or OTHN 692

This course provides students with an opportunity to explore innovative and emergent non-traditional practice arenas and entrepreneurship in occupational therapy, and to learn about a variety of work settings, and/or types of practice including OT role delineations in community based and non-traditional settings. Students have the opportunity to: hear and learn from occupational therapists that have developed private practices, consulting firms, or have branched out into innovative areas of occupational therapy practice; apply the principles of designing a therapeutic group activity within an environment that does not traditionally provide occupational therapy services; advocate for occupational therapy issues and underserved populations.

Pre-Requisite: OTHN 691 and/or OTHN 692

This course provides basic knowledge and skills necessary for the development, management and administration of occupational therapy services in a variety of practice settings. It explores leadership theories, styles, and practice in various organizational structures and settings. Specific focus areas include impact of political forces, regulatory agencies, health and social policy decisions, ethical dispute resolution, use of personnel and space, time management, fiscal and resource management, and quality improvement of services. Theoretical discussions as well as practical applications are emphasized.

Pre-requisite(s): OTHN 691 and/or OTHN 692

This is the second of a series of two professional development courses that are designed to enhance knowledge, self-reflection, and application of professional responsibilities in the academic and professional setting. This course focuses on advancement of knowledge of clinical reasoning; appraisal and synthesis of the students’ professionalism, professional direction and goals in relation to professional practice and clinical experiences; and the exploration into how these goals align with the goals of the profession. This course also includes National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination preparation and review.