Occupational Therapy Courses | 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog | SIU

In this course, students are introduced to the history and development of the profession of occupational therapy, occupational science, and the distinct nature of occupation. Students are introduced to the official documents of the profession with a detailed exploration of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Code of Ethics, and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (OTPF). Students explore the influence that social determinants of health, emerging health trends, culture, and society, have on the practice. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 1

In this course, students investigate the study of humans as occupational beings, the distinct nature of occupation and the evolution of occupation and activity over the course of the profession. Students analyze occupation, perform activity analysis, and utilize the teaching and learning process in educating others, about occupation. Students explore the sociocultural and socioeconomic influences, and the impact of social determinants of health, on the well-being of those served by the profession. Students apply knowledge of the structure and function of the human body, human development and behavior, across the lifespan, to understanding the meaning and dynamics of occupational engagement, factors that influence engagement and barriers to engagement in occupation. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 2

This course provides an overview of the art and science of teaching and learning in the health professions. Students are introduced to learning principles, and instructional methods in context of the occupational therapists' role as an educator, addressing the learning needs of clients, caregivers, community, colleagues, students, the public, and other health care providers. Instructional design and teaching and learning strategies are introduced in preparation for work within a variety of contexts, educating clients and families in practice, and instructing students within academic and clinical environments. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 1

In this course, students are introduced to the role of practitioner as researcher and collaborator; and provides students with an understanding of the importance of research to the practice of occupational therapy. This course provides fundamental content in integrating research principles into evidence-based professional practice, exploring the importance of evidence-based practice and the development of critical thinking and professional reasoning in the field of occupational therapy. Students will learn to critically examine research evidence, conduct a literature search, complete a literature review, and gain an understanding of basic research principles used within the profession. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course, students focus on the distinct nature and value of occupation to the health of communities, and explore the role of entrepreneurship in non-traditional and emerging practice within occupational therapy. Students gain insight into evaluating the needs of communities and populations and apply knowledge of the history and philosophical base of the profession, theoretical perspectives, and sociopolitical climate to meeting current and future occupational needs in society, and identifying how these factors influence and are influenced by practice. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 1

In this course, students examine the fundamentals of neuroscience and cognitive neuroscience supporting occupational performance, and apply principles of neuroscience to the practice of occupational therapy. This course will provide students with a foundation in human development and explore the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, and its relationship to human body structures and functions of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems. This course covers an introduction to both the processing of movement related functions, and behavioral phenomenon that accompany the processing of information and mediating of behavior across the lifespan. In this course, students are introduced to the etiology, symptoms, clinical course, management, and prognosis associated with neurological conditions commonly addressed by occupational therapists. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course, students gain an understanding of human movement. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of the structure and function of the skeletal and muscular systems including mechanics, principles of human movement, movement analysis and the application of human movement to engagement in occupation. Therapeutic handling techniques, screening, and assessment of functional mobility is explored. Students gain knowledge of the principles of orthotics, and the principles associated with therapeutic modalities used in preparing clients for engagement in occupation-centered activities; with emphasis on adhering to safety protocols appropriate to addressing the etiology, symptoms, clinical course, management, and prognosis associated with movement related conditions commonly addressed by occupational therapists. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 3

In this course, students explore the development of personal leadership, with emphasis placed on factors that influence the development of effective personal leadership skills as an occupational therapist. In this course students gain an understanding of leadership development, in a digital culture. Students analyze leadership theories, models, and the application of these theories and models to leadership in professional, community and healthcare systems. Students explore the importance of the intra-professional (OT/OTA relationship), inter-professional collaboration, and team building in implementing a shared vision for the future, including professional involvement at the local, state, national and international levels. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 2

This course introduces students to an exploration of the traditions and methods of quantitative research, and the skills to analyze, critique and undertake this methodology within a research study. This course explores study designs, methods, data management, quantitative statistical analysis and interpretation of data used to answer research/clinical questions, and interpret evidence in practice. Restricted to major.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course, students are introduced to theories, standards of practice and evidence as applied to occupational therapy services for adults and older adult populations. Students examine the importance of theory in practice, the process of theory development and use of evidence supporting occupational therapy services. Students explore theories, models of practice and frames of reference that address perspectives on physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological development; and explore perspectives guiding sociocultural and socioeconomic influences affecting occupational performance. Prerequisites: OTD 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 1

In this course, students learn a variety of standardized and non-standardized screening and assessment tools commonly used by occupational therapists serving adult and older adult populations. Students select and administer screening and assessment tools, interpret assessment data, measure the quality of the client's performance, and identify existing support systems that reinforce outcomes of intervention; and apply theoretical constructs and evidence to evaluating occupational performance, interpreting findings and planning interventions. Students apply, analyze, and evaluate the role of sociocultural, socioeconomic, and diversity factors, as well as lifestyle choices in identifying client need, adhering to safety protocols/regulations and exhibiting judgment appropriate to ensuring the safety of self and others throughout the evaluation process. Concurrent enrollment in OTD 512 required. Prerequisites: OTD 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course, students will apply the occupational therapy process to implementation of therapeutic intervention and discharge plans. Students design and implement individual and group intervention plans for persons, groups and populations of adults and older adults. Students apply knowledge and professional reasoning to creating objectives and measurable occupation-centered goals, applying appropriate intervention approaches and methods of service delivery to the care of clients and attainment of outcomes. Students apply knowledge of the occupational therapy process to selecting and carrying out intervention plans, monitoring of client progress, reevaluation and modification of intervention/treatment plans relative to achieving occupation-based outcomes; and documenting need for continuing or discontinuing services and/or recommending and referring of clients to other services. Concurrent enrollment in OTD 511 required. Prerequisites: OTD 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 3

This level I fieldwork experience provides opportunities for students to integrate knowledge through participation in simulated learning experiences and/or directed observation. This level I fieldwork experience with accompanying assessment of clinical competencies, places emphasis on the occupational therapist role in serving the diverse needs of adults and older adults. Prerequisites: OTD 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

This course introduces students to an exploration of the traditions and methods of qualitative research, and the skills to analyze, critique and undertake this methodology within a research study. This course explores study designs, methods, the relationship between qualitative and quantitative research, data management, and interpretation of qualitative data used to answer research/clinical questions, and interpret evidence in practice. Prerequisites: OTD 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course students will explore theoretical approaches, analyze and evaluate the interaction between occupation and activity, with a focus on lifestyle choices in contemporary society. Students will explain the importance of occupation-based interventions and consultation in promoting health, balancing areas of occupation and preventing disease, illness, and dysfunction in serving communities. Students will focus on program development and gain insight into the development and evaluation of programs, services and the evaluation of need within a community or population. Prerequisites: OTD 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course, students will address the business aspect of practice. Students develop an awareness of financial management, staff development, quality assurance, program management and evaluation of occupational therapy service delivery. Role delineation, and professional autonomy will be discussed. In this course, students will explore service delivery models and the relationship of these models to policy, regulatory agencies, reimbursement, and compliance standards. Emphasis is placed on the development of a business plan, financial management, program evaluation models, strategic planning, and the development of strategies for effective, competency-based legal and ethical supervision of occupational therapy and non-occupational therapy personnel. Prerequisites: OTD 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course, students are introduced to advocacy and the role of leadership in addressing current policy and the social, economic, political, geographic, and demographic factors related to policy development in occupational therapy. In this course students will identify federal and state legislation and regulations impacting practice in occupational therapy; analyze leadership and advocacy in professional practice, and reflect on one's own efforts to advocate for programs, services and consumer access to occupational therapy services. Prerequisites: OTD 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

This level II fieldwork experience is the first of two 12-week full-time (or equivalent) practicum experiences in developing entry-level competence, under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR) in a designated practice area within occupational therapy. Prerequisites: OTD 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 9

In this course students will apply knowledge of basic research principles used within the profession to the development of a collaborative research study and preparation of a preliminary research proposal, under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Prerequisites: OTD 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course, students are introduced to theories, standards of practice and evidence as applied to occupational therapy services for children and youth. Students examine the importance of theory in practice, the process of theory development and use of evidence supporting occupational therapy services. Students explore theories, models of practice and frames of reference that address perspectives on physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological development; and explore perspectives guiding sociocultural and socioeconomic influences affecting occupational performance. Prerequisites: OTD 520 and 521 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 1

In this course, students will learn a variety of standardized and non-standardized screening and assessment tools commonly used by occupational therapists serving children and youth. Students will select and administer screening and assessment tools, interpret assessment data, measure the quality of the client's performance, and identify existing support systems that reinforce outcomes of intervention; and apply theoretical constructs and evidence to evaluating occupational performance, interpreting findings and planning interventions. Students will apply, analyze, and evaluate the role of sociocultural, socioeconomic, and diversity factors, as well as lifestyle choices in identifying client need, adhering to safety protocols/regulations and exhibiting judgment appropriate to ensuring the safety of self and others throughout the evaluation and intervention planning process. Concurrent enrollment in OTD 532 required. Prerequisites: OTD 520 and 521 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course, students will apply the occupational therapy process to implementation of therapeutic intervention and discharge plans. Students design and implement individual and group intervention plans for persons, groups and populations of children and youth. Students apply knowledge and professional reasoning to creating objectives and measurable occupation-centered goals, applying appropriate intervention approaches and methods of service delivery to the care of clients and attainment of outcomes. Students apply knowledge of the occupational therapy process to selecting and carrying out intervention plans, monitoring of client progress, reevaluation and modification of intervention/treatment plans relative to achieving occupation-based outcomes; and documenting need for continuing or discontinuing services and/or recommending and referring of clients to other services. Prerequisites: OTD 520 and 521 with grades of B or better; concurrent enrollment in OTD 531 required.

Credit Hours: 3

This level I fieldwork experience provides opportunities for students to integrate knowledge through participation in simulated learning experiences and/or directed observation. This level I fieldwork experience with accompanying assessment of clinical competencies, places emphasis on the occupational therapist role in serving the diverse needs of children and youth. Prerequisites: OTD 520 and 521 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course, students are introduced to theories, standards of practice and evidence as applied to occupational therapy services in mental health and community practice. Students examine the importance of theory in practice, the process of theory development and use of evidence supporting occupational therapy services. Students explore theories, models of practice and frames of reference that address perspectives on physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological development; and explore perspectives guiding sociocultural and socioeconomic influences affecting occupational performance. Prerequisites: OTD 520 and 521 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 1

In this course, students will learn a variety of standardized and non-standardized screening and assessment tools commonly used by occupational therapists in mental health and community practice. Students will select and administer screening and assessment tools, interpret assessment data, measure the quality of the client's performance, and identify existing support systems that reinforce outcomes of intervention; and apply theoretical constructs and evidence to evaluating occupational performance, interpreting findings and planning interventions. Students will apply, analyze, and evaluate the role of sociocultural, socioeconomic, and diversity factors, as well as lifestyle choices in identifying client need, adhering to safety protocols/regulations and exhibiting judgment appropriate to ensuring the safety of self and others throughout the evaluation and intervention planning process. Prerequisites: OTD 520 and 521 with grades of B or better. Concurrent enrollment in OTD 536 required.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course, students apply the occupational therapy process to implementation of therapeutic intervention and discharge plans. Students design and implement individual and group intervention plans with emphasis on group processes, intervention protocols, and strategies to develop group dynamics in mental health and community practice. Students apply knowledge and professional reasoning to creating objectives and measurable occupation-centered goals, applying appropriate intervention approaches and methods of service delivery to care of clients and attainment of outcomes. Students apply knowledge of the occupational therapy process to selecting and carrying out intervention plans, monitoring progress, reevaluation and modification of intervention/treatment plans relative to achieving occupation-based outcomes; documenting need for continuing or discontinuing services and/or recommending and referring of clients to other services. Prerequisites: OTD 520 and 521 with grades of B or better. Concurrent enrollment in OTD 535 required.

Credit Hours: 3

This level I fieldwork experience provides opportunities for students to integrate knowledge through participation in simulated learning experiences and/or directed observation. This level I fieldwork experience with accompanying assessment of clinical competencies, places emphasis on the occupational therapist role in mental health and community practice. Prerequisites: OTD 520 and 521 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

This level II fieldwork experience is the second of two 12-week full-time (or equivalent) practicum experiences in developing entry-level competence, under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR) in a designated practice area within occupational therapy. Prerequisites: OTD 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 9

In this course, students will finalize a group research proposal, under the supervision of a faculty advisor for submission to the University Institutional Review Board. Prerequisites: OTD 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 1

In this course, under the supervision of the doctoral capstone coordinator, students will identify an area of interest to be pursued within the doctoral capstone experience. Capstone experiences will be in one of the following areas: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education or theory development. Students will work with the Capstone Coordinator in identifying a mentorship partner, site location, and capstone committee. Prerequisites: OTD 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

In this course students will complete the data collection, analysis and reporting of findings as part of a group collaborative research study outlined within the students' Institutional Review Board approved proposal. The research group will present findings and implications for occupational therapy practice to an audience of peers. Prerequisites: OTD 540, 541, 542 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 3

This course occurs in preparation of the Doctoral Capstone Experience. Students work with the doctoral capstone project committee in developing an individual doctoral capstone experience. Prerequisites: OTD 540, 541, 542 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 3

In this course, students' synthesis knowledge gained through completion of all academic coursework and level II fieldwork experiences occurring prior to the start of the doctoral capstone experience and culminating project; and explore next steps in preparation for graduation and employment as an occupational therapist. Prerequisites: OTD 550, 551 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 3

In this course, students engage in learning with faculty and/or selected mentor(s) from a chosen specialized area that supports students' preparation for the doctoral capstone experience and culminating capstone project. Prerequisites: OTD 550, 551 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 3

In this course students formalize an identified area of interest derived from experience and knowledge acquired throughout the program into a defined proposal for the student's doctoral capstone experience and project, under the guidance of the capstone coordinator, faculty advisor and site mentor. The proposal will include a literature review, needs assessment, goals/objectives, and an evaluation plan. Prerequisites: OTD 550, 551 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 3

In this course, students prepare and defend their doctoral capstone experience proposal to their site mentor and doctoral capstone faculty committee for approval prior to proceeding to the doctoral capstone experience and culminating project. Prerequisites: OTD 550, 551 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2

Students complete an approved 14-week (560 hour) doctoral capstone experience in one of the following areas: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development; advocacy, education or theory development. The doctoral capstone experience serves as the context for applying advanced skills beyond the generalist level, through implementation of a doctoral capstone project. Prerequisites: OTD 560, 561, 562, 563 with grades of B or better. Concurrent enrollment in OTD 571 required.

Credit Hours: 10

In this course, students apply in-depth knowledge of a focused area of study, to the completion of a culminating doctoral capstone project. Students integrate learning addressed within the capstone project through the framework of Boyer's Model of Scholarship of Discovery; Scholarship of Integration; Scholarship of Application, Practice or Engagement; or the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. The capstone project represents students' synthesis of new, focused and concentrated knowledge learned in developing advanced skills beyond the generalist level. Students participate in the defense of their final capstone project and at minimum, present their doctoral capstone project at an occupational therapy program-level scholarship/educational event. Prerequisites: OTD 560, 561, 562, 563 with grades of B or better. Concurrent enrollment in OTD 570 required.

Credit Hours: 3

In this course students apply advanced reasoning and reflective practice skills to examining the development and transformation of the students' personal and professional perspectives as future occupational therapy practitioners; identifying a plan for continued personal and professional development and engagement in the profession, contributing to the advancement of the occupational therapy in the region. Prerequisites: OTD 560, 561, 562, 563 with grades of B or better.

Credit Hours: 2