Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) - Quinnipiac University

OTD 500. Philosophy and Science of Occupational Therapy.2 Credits.

This course presents the philosophical, historical, and scientific foundations of the occupational therapy profession and their relevance to contemporary practice. From a philosophical perspective, the course unpacks the epistemology (knowledge), ontology (reality/view) and axiology (actions/methods) of the profession. The evolution of practice throughout history and current and emerging trends in practice is analyzed with respect to meeting societal needs.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer

OTD 501. Occupational Therapy Theory.3 Credits.

This course explores how occupations influence health and well-being from a historical, developmental, and evidence-based perspective. Current and emerging occupation-based models are analyzed and applied as theoretical foundations in the promotion of health, prevention of disease, and management of occupational disruptions across the life span. Complementary healthcare models and current global social political issues are highlighted.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 502L. OT Service Learning.1 Credit.

This course applies the concepts of observation and therapeutic use of self to a community setting where the students observe and conduct and applied activity analysis of the clients/community and/or the population in order to design service projects that meet the occupational needs of those being served in the setting. Application of context variable analysis and service provision in a meaningful occupation provides a natural experience of learning about human occupations.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 503. OT Practice Framework & Professional Reasoning.2 Credits.

This course explores the profession's domain and scope through the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework and links the terminology to the analysis of occupation and occupational performance in context, as well as the various forms of professional reasoning used in the occupational therapy process.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 505. Development of Human Occupations Seminar.2 Credits.

This course explores typical human development and more specifically, occupational development from conception through early (emerging) adulthood. In this course, traditional theories of development are explored along with more contemporary and occupation-focused theories. Each of these sets of theories will contribute to an understanding of how biologic capacity, environmental, and cultural factors influence occupational development.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer

OTD 510. Clinical Anatomy in Occupational Therapy.3 Credits.

This course provides a comprehensive study of the musculoskeletal system and the peripheral nervous system with emphasis on their correlation to health conditions and occupational dysfunctions as well as the biomechanical basis of occupational performance. This course has a corresponding dissection and palpation lab.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer

OTD 510L. Clinical Anatomy in OT Practice Lab.1 Credit.

This laboratory course involves dissection, visual examination, and surface palpation as part of a comprehensive study of the human anatomy. Emphasis is in the thorough examination of the musculoskeletal system and select components of the nervous system relative to the anatomical and biomechanical bases of occupational performance.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer

OTD 511. Applied Kinesiology.2 Credits.

This course integrates information from Human Anatomy with principles of biomechanics and their application to occupational therapy practice. Emphasis is on the biomechanical analysis of human occupations and performance. Key concepts in clinical kinesiology are presented as essential elements to the OT process.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 511L. Applied Kinesiology Lab.1 Credit.

This laboratory course provides a comprehensive review of fundamentals of musculoskeletal assessment relevant to occupational therapy practice. This course applies and integrates the concepts learned in the lecture course, OT 521.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 512. Applied Neuroscience in OT Practice.4 Credits.

This course provides a comprehensive study of neuroanatomy including the structures, functions, and interrelationships of neural subsystems that are key to occupational performance. Students apply their understanding of these neural substrates including motor behaviors, sensory-perception, emotional processing, cognition, and learning, to the analysis of human occupations and dysfunctions in occupational performance.

Prerequisites: Take OTD 510
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 512L. Applied Neuroscience in OT Practice Lab.1 Credit.

Prerequisites: Take OTD 510L
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 515. Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice.3 Credits.

This course addresses research fundamentals in the practice of occupational therapy. The course examines research epistemology, methods, research designs, and data analysis in occupational therapy research. Levels of evidence are addressed and applied to decisions in occupational therapy interventions. Students gain experience developing research procedures, critically analyzing data, and identifying ethical issues involved in developing a research study.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 520. Occupational Therapy Mental Health and Psychosocial Practice I.3 Credits.

This course highlights OT's distinct value in addressing psychosocial and mental health needs among children and youth, groups and organizations. Emphasis is on the distinct nature of occupation in promoting mental health, preventing disease, and managing life disruptions. Scientific evidence and theories guide the student's learning of the OT process across the continuum of service delivery.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring

OTD 520L. Occupational Therapy Mental Health and Psychosocial Practice I Lab.1 Credit.

This course builds on concepts from OT 720 highlighting OT's distinct value in addressing psychosocial and mental health needs among children and youth, groups and organizations. Students practice assessments and evidence-based intervention modalities for various mental health conditions across the lifespan. Application of theoretical models and frames of reference are highlighted. Additionally, students enhance observation skills needed for documentation and practice verbal interventions related to therapeutic modes.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring

OTD 521. OT Mental Health and Psychosocial Practice II.3 Credits.

This course highlights OT's distinct value in addressing psychosocial and mental health needs among adult and older adult populations, groups, and organizations. Emphasis is on the role of occupation in promoting mental health, preventing disease and managing life disruptions. OT, psychosocial, & group theories, as well as, group interventions are highlighted. Related skills such as documentation, therapeutic use of self and evidence-based practice are emphasized.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 521F. OT Mental Health and Psychosocial Practice II Fieldwork.1 Credit.

This course provides structured fieldwork observation in various settings working with the mental health and psychosocial populations across the lifespan. It allows the student to observe and explore the evaluation and intervention process utilized in occupational therapy. Students have the opportunity to observe and report on the variety of assessment and intervention tools utilized across a continuum of service delivery. Students develop an appreciation for the frames of reference used in the models of practice, as a guide to the evaluation and intervention process.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 521L. OT Mental Health and Psychosocial Practice II Lab.1 Credit.

This lab builds upon concepts from OT 512 highlighting OT's distinct value in addressing psychosocial and mental health needs among adult and older adult populations, groups, and organizations. Emphasis is on the role of occupation in promoting mental health, preventing disease and managing life disruptions. Group theory and evidence-based group interventions are practiced to promote leadership skills and therapeutic use of self. A culminating group protocol assignment integrates theory, practice, and research.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 522. Occupational Therapy for Children and Youth I.6 Credits.

This course provides a comprehensive overview evaluation and interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners for children and youth. Traditional theoretical models/frames of reference and current evidence is utilized as a basis for the clinical/professional reasoning process applicable to the OT process for children and youth so that facilitators and barriers to occupational performance can be identified. Documentation related to contextual philosophies, procedures and regulations dictating pediatric practice is highlighted throughout the course.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring and Summer

OTD 522F. Occupational Therapy for Children and Youth I Fieldwork.1 Credit.

This course provides structured fieldwork observation in various settings working with the children/youth population. It allows the student to observe and explore the evaluation and intervention process utilized in occupational therapy. Students also have the opportunity to observe and report on the variety of assessment and intervention tools utilized within the models of health care for the children and youth population.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring and Summer

OTD 522L. Occupational Therapy for Children and Youth I Lab.1 Credit.

This lab course complements the OT 531 and OT 531F and provides opportunity for experiential learning of the evaluation process and intervention techniques used in occupational therapy for children and youth. The safe, efficient, and culturally sensitive delivery of specific assessment and intervention techniques are highlighted.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring and Summer

OTD 523. Occupational Therapy for Children and Youth II.6 Credits.

This course focuses on specialized interventions for individuals and populations with sensory integrative and processing difficulties and brain-based behavioral challenges. It integrates the use of the SI frame of reference with previously learned theoretical models and apply best available evidence and clinical/professional reasoning to various systems (e.g., state/federal regulations for early intervention and school- based practice, insurance funding, and community-based health and wellness initiatives). Documentation within these various systems are illustrated, discussed and produced.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

OTD 523F. OT for Children and Youth II Fieldwork.1 Credit.

This course provides structured fieldwork observation in sensory integration settings and allows the student to observe and explore the intervention process utilized in these frames of reference. Students have the opportunity to see, observe and report on the variety of intervention strategies utilized within the various models such as health care, education, community and social systems. The settings utilized are equipped to provide clinical application of principles learned in the OT curriculum and focus on the sensory integration intervention process.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

OTD 523L. OT for Children and Youth II Lab.1 Credit.

This lab integrates the advanced intervention techniques/specialized interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners for individuals and populations with sensory integrative and processing difficulties, developmental disabilities and brain-based behavioral challenges. Opportunities are provided to learn specific interventions required for a variety of occupational therapy practice contexts and with consideration of cultural and environmental factors.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

OTD 524. Occupational Therapy for Adults and Older Adults I.6 Credits.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of assessments and interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners in general medicine/surgery, neurology and orthopedics. The course integrates the use of various theoretical models/frames of reference, current evidence, and clinical/professional reasoning pertinent to the OT process. Documentation is highlighted throughout the course including for traditional systems for individual and population-based approaches. Key concepts in interprofessional practice and health literacy are incorporated.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring and Summer

OTD 524F. Occupational Therapy for Adults and Older Adults I Fieldwork.1 Credit.

This course provides structured fieldwork observation in various settings working with the adult population. It allows the student to observe and explore the evaluation and treatment process utilized in occupational therapy with adults and older adults. Students develop an appreciation for the frame of reference used in the models of practice as a guide to evaluation and treatment.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring and Summer

OTD 524L. Occupational Therapy for Adults and Older Adults I Lab.1 Credit.

This lab course complements the OT 532 and OT 532F and provides opportunity for experiential learning of the evaluation process and intervention techniques used in occupational therapy for adults and older adults. The safe, efficient and culturally sensitive delivery of specific assessment and intervention techniques are highlighted.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring and Summer

OTD 525. OT for Adults and Older Adults II.6 Credits.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of specialized interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners in neurorehabilitation, oncology and geriatrics/gerontology. The course integrates the use of various theoretical models/frames of reference, current evidence, and clinical/professional reasoning pertinent to the OT process in neurorehabilitation practice. Documentation is highlighted throughout the course for traditional and emerging systems for individual and population-based approaches. Key concepts in interprofessional practice and health literacy are incorporated.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

OTD 525F. OT for Adults and Older Adults II Fieldwork.1 Credit.

This course provides structured fieldwork observation in neurorehabilitative settings and allows the student to observe and explore the intervention process utilized in these frames of reference. The settings utilized are equipped to provide clinical application of principles learned in the OT curriculum and focus on the neurorehabilitation intervention process.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

OTD 525L. OT for Adults and Older Adults II Lab.1 Credit.

This lab integrates the advanced intervention techniques discussed and described in the lecture portion of this class. Opportunities are provided to learn specific interventions required for a variety of occupational therapy practice contexts and with consideration of cultural and environmental factors.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

OTD 526. Technology in OT Practice.2 Credits.

This course provides students with opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and apply practice in the use of technology that includes assistive virtual and telehealth technology. The course focuses on application of technology across the lifespan, emphasizing a variety of practice contexts and practice settings. Since technology options change rapidly, emphasis is on the clinical reasoning processes in the utilization of technologies in education, home, work, leisure and community practice domains.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer

OTD 526L. Technology in OT Practice Lab.1 Credit.

This lab provides students with opportunities to practice the design and fabrication and use of technology in practice that includes assistive technology; virtual environments in practice and telehealth technology. This lab must be completed concurrently with OTD 641 the lecture component of Technology in OT Practice.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer

OTD 527. Work and Ergonomics.3 Credits.

This course focuses on the occupation of work applied across the lifespan and to various practice contexts and worker challenges. The course addresses topics related to the occupation of work, including employment acquisition, job performance, volunteerism, and retirement. Work tasks and work demands are analyzed relative to physical, cognitive, social, organizational, and environmental factors that impact job performance. Modifications that optimize worker functioning are examined as prevention and as rehabilitation.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring

OTD 528L. Biomechanical Interventions Lab.1 Credit.

This course provides hands on learning in the therapeutic application of orthotics, physical agents and modalities, and exercise programs. Students will develop the skills to evaluate and develop an intervention plan for specific conditions. Students also learn the role of occupational therapy during pre-prosthetic and prosthetic training.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer

OTD 530. Administration and Management of Systems.3 Credits.

This class introduces students to the systems involved in delivering occupational therapy services in health care, educational and community-based environments. Students examine components of service delivery including external influences, internal processes, communication, reimbursement and measurable outcomes to understand how occupational therapy services are optimized. The course addresses core management functions including planning, organizing, directing and controlling. Students gain hands-on experience with strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, program evaluation and conflict management.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring

OTD 531. Leadership and Change.2 Credits.

This course addresses the means to become an "agent of change" within the occupational therapy environment using leadership approaches. Leadership theories are addressed and applied to supervision, advocacy, and mentoring. Students self-reflect on leadership and communication styles and strategies to promote effective supervision for groups both internal and external to occupational therapy.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer

OTD 580. Fieldwork Level IIA.6 Credits.

This 12-week full-time supervised fieldwork experience provide the student with the opportunity to apply theory and clinical reasoning skills to the occupational therapy evaluation and intervention process for clients across the life span and in a variety of life environments. Students must abide by all fieldwork policies as listed in the Student Fieldwork Manual. This is the first of two required level II experiences.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer

OTD 581. Fieldwork Level IIB.6 Credits.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 582. Professional Development.2 Credits.

This course focuses on the current issues related to transitioning from student to professional roles and responsibilities. Topics include updates in the OT profession with a focus on official documents; emerging roles of OT in practice; credentialing, licensure and continuing competence/professional development. Contemporary issues of practice such as access to services, advocacy and inter-/intra-professional collaboration are explored.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring

OTD 751. Capstone Seminar I - Exploration.2 Credits.

This course is the first of a series of capstone seminars designed to assist the students in understanding the elements and process of developing a culminating signature project in the OTD program. Students explore personal interests, opportunities and the social context around topic areas. They develop skills of conducting an environmental scan and needs assessment relative to their project interests. Students identify program evaluation methods and ultimately present a capstone proposal as an initial plan for their capstone project.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall

OTD 752. Knowledge Translation and Synthesis.3 Credits.

This course focuses on the assessment, review and utilization of research to inform policy and improve practice. Students actively engage in multiple components of the knowledge translation process including defining the problem, searching for and critically appraising the evidence. Students work in small groups to apply this information to the development of a clinical practice guideline. Competencies acquired in this course are integral to the Capstone process.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring

OTD 753. Capstone Seminar II - Planning.2 Credits.

This course is the second of a series of Capstone seminars leading to the Doctoral Capstone Experience and Project. This course is specifically designed to assist the students in finalizing their Doctoral Capstone Project (DCP) proposal based on a needs assessment. Students are expected to complete a comprehensive literature review that serves as justification for the DCP.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer

OTD 754. Capstone Seminar III - Preparation.2 Credits.

This course is the third of a series of capstone seminars designed to assist the students in planning their Doctoral Experiential Component. Under faculty mentorship, students design a 14-week experience and project plan that outlines goals and objectives, as well as formal evaluation mechanism. Students write the methods section of the formal capstone project paper.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring

OTD 760. Principles of Teaching/Learning.2 Credits.

This course introduces students to the principles of the teaching-learning process to meet the needs of clients, communities, other health providers, and the public. Concepts discussed include health literacy, assessment of learning outcomes, factors which may influence the teaching-learning process, instructional methods, and best practices in clinical and academic teaching.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring

OTD 762. Health Policy, Law & Advocacy.2 Credits.

This course prepares students as future leaders of the profession who need an understanding of the political and legal policies impacting occupational therapy, as well as the ethics involved in decision making. The role of the occupational therapist in advocacy and concepts of social justice are explored.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring

OTD 764. Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship.2 Credits.

This course provides an overview of business development and entrepreneurship for occupational therapy practitioners within today's health care environment, including public initiatives for health and wellness and prevention for society. Leadership concepts are threaded in the context of a business enterprise.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Spring

OTD 790. Doctoral Project Seminar.1 Credit.

This seminar course is designed to facilitate the completion of the student's Doctoral Capstone Project and promote an in-depth reflection on the program learning outcomes. The seminar runs concurrently with the Doctoral Capstone Experience where specific competencies representing in-depth knowledge of practice are synthesized. The final outcome of the seminar is a scholarly manuscript and public dissemination of the Doctoral Capstone Project.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer

OTD 791. Doctoral Experience.2-4 Credits.

The Occupational Therapy Doctoral Experience is a culminating experience in the OT curriculum to develop occupational therapists with skills beyond a generalist level. The experience provides the student with an in-depth learning opportunity in one or more (but not limited to) of the following areas of practice: education, clinical practice skills, advocacy and professional identity, theory development, research, administration, leadership and program and policy development. The experiential component requires a total of 560-640 hours.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Summer