Occupational Therapy (OTD) Courses

OTD7015 Foundations of Occupational Therapy

This course provides the conceptual foundation for occupational therapy practice and the study of human occupation. Students apply the concepts of occupation, activity analysis, and use of occupations in practice using the latest Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. The course also provides a historical and contemporary view of the domain of concern, process, ethical principles and philosophical base of the profession. Students explore the interaction of culture, professional roles and occupation including emphasis on the role of occupational balance in health, wellness and participation.
Prerequisite(s): Corequisite:  OTD7030, OTD7170, OTD7190.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD7030 Human Occupations and Participation Across the Lifespan

This course explores the spectrum of occupations that influence health and independence of individuals throughout the lifespan through observation, communication, analytical and reflective skills. This course stresses normal occupational development and participation. It looks at what occupation means and the role occupations play in participation in the daily lives of individuals. It involves exploration of the impact of culture, environment, context, gender and age upon occupation, occupational performance and participation.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

OTD7060 Occupational Perspective on Health

This course develops students’ knowledge of population health and social determinants of health. It situates occupational therapy in global perspectives on health through the International Classification of Function (ICF) and explores the role of occupation in health. Students learn to analyze the epidemiological factors that contribute to public health and well-being of populations on a local and global scale. The course emphasizes health disparities and the effects of the sociopolitical climate on health. Additionally, students explore the role of occupation and participation in individual and population health. The course examines the significant role played by diversity of the human experience and various socioeconomic and cultural factors to expand students’ abilities to meet the needs of individuals, groups and populations. It moves from the perspective of the community, to the country, to the world.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7210, OTD7260, OTD8320, ((OTD8235, OTD8280) or OTD8240).
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD7070 Introduction to Fieldwork

This course prepares students for fieldwork placements through a series of guided learning experiences. Students complete documentation and tasks required for Level I and II fieldwork experiences. This course also prepares students to reflect on their professional behaviors and to understand how fieldwork is an integral and unique portion of occupational therapy education.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7015, OTD7030, OTD7170, OTD7190.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

OTD7110 Kinesiology

This course begins the process of applying the theory of human kinetics to human movement. The course includes movement analysis, hands-on assessment and training of movement of muscles and muscle groups, assessment of posture and the impact on coordination and balance in assisting clients to move from surface to surface, proper body mechanics, ergonomics and an introduction to gait analysis. Labs provide an opportunity to use the information presented in class in a dynamic and interactive way.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7015, OTD7030, OTD7170, OTD7190.
Offered at Providence
4 Semester Credits

OTD7130 Occupational Therapy Assessment and Theory Across the Life Span

Students learn the role of theory in the development of assessments and how this theory can be utilized to frame selection of assessments and intervention techniques that follow. Occupational performance contexts found within the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework are utilized to emphasize the role of the occupational therapist in both standardized and non-standardized formats. Students learn the process of data collection, scoring, and interpretation of evaluation tools in order to develop appropriate treatment and discharge planning strategies across the life span. This course prepares the student to evaluate quality of tools and to understand how to select intervention tools within practice settings.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7015, OTD7030, OTD7170, OTD7190.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD7160 Human Conditions I

This course examines conditions of the musculoskeletal, connective tissue, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal, auditory, visual and cardiopulmonary systems as they relate to people’s ability to move within, sense and respond to their physical and social environments. Students examine the impact of these conditions on occupational performance and quality of life. Students learn the signs and symptoms of conditions, how they are managed medically, and how they can be prevented. They explore the scientific evidence regarding genetic, biologic, traumatic and social causes of the conditions.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7015, OTD7030, OTD7170, OTD7190.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD7170 Occupational Performance and Participation in Groups

This course allows students to understand, analyze and apply dyadic, group and team dynamics and therapeutic group process skills. Students learn about the role of occupational therapy within groups, while building upon the concept of therapeutic use of self. Topics include communication skills, conflict resolution, group process, group leadership, choosing developmentally appropriate group activities, assessing the effectiveness of the group process, and using behavioral management strategies. Labs engage students in real-time group development and process experiences that build in knowledge and complexity throughout the semester.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD7190 Research I

In this first of the OTD research courses, students acquire knowledge of the principles of research in healthcare and other settings. In this course, students learn to appreciate research in occupational therapy. They read and interpret research articles and locate and critically appraise peer-reviewed literature. Students evaluate research designs and threats to research validity as they begin to use evidence-based literature. Students complete training in the ethics of research with human participants.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD7210 Neuroscience

This course presents students with the study of the structure and function of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system. Lab gives students opportunities to explore the anatomy of the head and neck, brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Lectures and laboratory experiences integrate the physiological and neurological components of the course to provide students with an opportunity to use clinical reasoning to explain the relationship of the neurological structures and system to occupational performance.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7070, OTD7110, OTD7130, OTD7160, OTD8220.
Offered at Providence
4 Semester Credits

OTD7260 Human Conditions II

This course is a continuation of Human Conditions I. It focuses on conditions in motor, sensory, cognitive, interpersonal, self-care, productivity, and leisure areas that may be the result of neurological, genetic, developmental, sensory dysfunction and mental health conditions. Students examine the impact of these conditions on occupational performance and participation. Students learn the signs and symptoms of conditions, how they are managed medically, and how they can be prevented. Students learn how these conditions contribute to disruption in occupational performance.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7070, OTD7110, OTD7130, OTD7160, OTD8220.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD8140 Healthcare Systems and Policy

In this course, students learn the various systems in which occupational therapists work and the payment, reimbursement and other policies that affect practice in different settings. Students gain knowledge and experience on how to address the needs of a variety of stakeholder groups, including regulators, payers and legislators. Students gain new knowledge about how they can affect and create policy and the mechanisms of change in health systems based on policy change.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7210, OTD7260, OTD8320, ((OTD8235, OTD8280) or OTD8240).
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD8215 Introduction to Capstone I

This is the first in a two-course sequence, preparing students for the doctoral capstone, which provides students in-depth learning focusing on clinical practice skills, research, administration, leadership, program development, policy development, advocacy or education. Students in this course develop their capstone topic through written and graphic models, including the theoretical framework used to address the problem/issue. This course includes the synthesis of the literature review and the development of a doctoral capstone plan for the capstone project and experience.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7060, OTD8140, OTD8345, OTD8380.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

OTD8220 Research II

This is the second course in the three-course sequence in research. In this course students build on what they have learned in Research I. They complete an annotated bibliography and begin completing a publication-ready systematic review on their research topic.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7015, OTD7030, OTD7170, OTD7190.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD8235 Occupational Therapy Practice I

This course presents the occupational therapy process for people with mental illness or disorders in the psychosocial realm with an emphasis on evidence-based practice. Students apply theory to practice with people in various psychosocial practice settings. Students select and apply appropriate frames of reference for use with case studies that are presented via various media. Students learn safety skills specific to mental health settings and learn the importance of team approaches in this practice area. The lecture and lab and concurrent Level I fieldwork course allow students to practice skills and documentation from evaluation to discharge planning.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7070, OTD7110, OTD7130, OTD7160, OTD8220.
Offered at Providence
5 Semester Credits

OTD8280 Level IA Fieldwork

This course places the students in a setting that exposes them to a population with psychosocial needs for 30 hours. Additionally, there are 15 hours of instructor-led simulation activities to assist in the development of clinical and professional behaviors expected of a practitioner. Simulation and fieldwork allow students to practice skills and documentation from evaluation to discharge planning.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7070, OTD7110, OTD7130, OTD7160, OTD8220.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

OTD8290 Professional Practice I

This course prepares students for their level II fieldwork placements through a series of learning experiences required prior to level II fieldwork. This course incorporates mandatory training for fieldwork including CPR, fire and electrical safety, and HIPAA.
Prerequisite(s): OTD8120, OTD8140, OTD8160, Corequisite: OTD8210, OTD8220, OTD8240, OTD8250.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

OTD8310 Leadership and Advocacy

Students consider the role of the occupational therapist as a leader. Management and collaboration with others, including occupational therapy assistants, are emphasized with an overview of issues related to administration and leadership in varied settings and roles in which occupational therapists practice. Students use knowledge gained in this course to become active leaders and advocates of occupational therapy services in traditional and emerging practice areas. Research and evidence are intentionally integrated from other professions to highlight the similarity of concerns and approaches to management issues across disciplines.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7060, OTD8140, OTD8345, OTD8380.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD8320 Research III

This is the third course in the three-course sequence in research. In this course students build on what they have learned in Research I and Research II. They complete a publication ready systematic review on their research topic, and prepare and present their systematic review at the conclusion of the course.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7070, OTD7110, OTD7130, OTD7160, OTD8220.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD8330 Theoretical and Clinical Reasoning in Context

This course requires students to integrate knowledge gained from foundational, practice and research courses in order to design, plan and implement reflective intervention strategies for complex cases. Students develop an understanding of the nature of clinical and professional reasoning, the various types of reasoning, and how they may be used in practice. Theories behind assessment and intervention are revisited to challenge students’ thought processes and prepare them for the complex practice environment, including the reality of billing and reimbursement systems. Case studies, videos and other real-life experiences are used to promote the reflective processes involved in clinical and professional reasoning.
Prerequisite(s): OTD8215, OTD8310, OTD8390, OTD8420, OTD8450, OTD8480.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD8345 Occupational Therapy Practice II

This course presents the occupational therapy process for adults with primarily physical, cognitive and perceptual disorders with an emphasis on evidence-based practice. Students apply theory to practice with adults in various contexts. Students select and apply appropriate frames of reference to cases presented via various media. Students learn safety skills specific to physical disabilities settings and learn the importance of team approaches in this practice area. Students further refine skills related to safety, clinical reasoning, therapeutic use of self and intra- and interprofessional communication presented in the previous occupational therapy practice course. The lecture and lab and concurrent Level I fieldwork course allow students to practice skills and documentation from evaluation to discharge planning.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7210, OTD7260, OTD8320, ((OTD8235, OTD8280) or OTD8240).
Offered at Providence
5 Semester Credits

OTD8380 Level IB Fieldwork

This course places the students in a setting that exposes them to an adult/rehabilitation population for 30 hours. Additionally, there are 15 hours of instructor-led simulation activities to assist in development of clinical and professional behaviors expected of a practitioner. Simulation and fieldwork allow students to practice skills and documentation from evaluation to discharge planning.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7210, OTD7260, OTD8320, ((OTD8235, OTD8280) or OTD8240).
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

OTD8395 Program Development and Grant Writing

Students learn skills required to develop occupational therapy programs to meet the needs of today and tomorrow's healthcare, education and community systems. They work with local agencies to assess real community needs and develop a program which includes a business plan, program evaluation plan and marketing ideas. The major project of this course is to develop a new, grant-funded, community-based/community-built program.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7060, OTD8140, OTD8345, OTD8380.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

OTD8420 Technology and Innovation in Occupational Therapy

Through lecture and lab, this course provides instruction on the use of technology and its applications to support the inclusive and meaningful participation of individuals with disabilities in all settings. Students apply concepts of assistive technology to design devices and utilize services that provide alternatives for physical and sensory access, communication and learning. Students identify strategies to utilize assistive technology and modify tasks or the environment through the application of universal design principles. Students identify barriers and potential solutions based on various case studies and real-life examples.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7060, OTD8140, OTD8345, OTD8380.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

OTD8455 Occupational Therapy Practice III

This course presents the occupational therapy process for older adults emphasizing evidence-based practice for individuals, groups and populations. Students apply theory to practice with older adults in various contexts. Students select and apply appropriate models of practice and frames of reference, especially those related to wellness and health promotion to cases presented via various media. Students examine wellness, health promotion, community-based practice, and multiple chronic conditions, and apply these principles to aging populations and individuals. Students refine skills related to safety, clinical reasoning, therapeutic use of self, and intra- and interprofessional communication presented in the previous occupational therapy practice courses. The lecture, lab and concurrent Level I fieldwork experience allow students to practice skills and documentation from evaluation to discharge planning.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7060, OTD8140, OTD8345, OTD8380.
Offered at Providence
5 Semester Credits

OTD8480 Level IC Fieldwork

This course places the students in a setting that exposes them to an older adult/community population for 30 hours. Additionally, there are 15 hours of instructor-led simulation activities to assist in development of clinical and professional behaviors expected of a practitioner. Simulation and fieldwork allow students to practice skills and documentation from evaluation to discharge planning.
Prerequisite(s): OTD7060, OTD8140, OTD8345, OTD8380.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

OTD8520 Introduction to Capstone II

This course is designed to continue to support the students’ doctoral capstone project by developing and creating their specific project before implementation. In this course, students build on their work in Introduction to Capstone I to finalize plans for the doctoral capstone, which provides students with in-depth learning focusing on clinical practice skills, research, administration, leadership, program development, policy development, advocacy and/or education. Students apply information from the literature and evidence-based methods to guide the design of their capstone project including the identification of methods and outcome measures. Students develop a thorough and detailed description of the proposed capstone project and a plan for implementation by working collaboratively with their mentor(s). They present their plans and defend their decisions to their capstone faculty mentor while incorporating feedback into their final written plans.
Prerequisite(s): OTD8215, OTD8310, OTD8395, OTD8420, OTD8455, OTD8480.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD8540 Contemporary Concepts in Occupational Therapy

In this course, students examine the influence and relevance of contemporary concepts and issues associated with traditional and emerging practice areas. Students apply this knowledge to broaden their understanding and perspective of occupational therapy in the 21st century given the socio-political climate and the importance of promoting occupational therapy. Students learn how the requirements for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and state licensure influence entering the profession and ongoing practice. Students complete an interprofessional experience, needs assessment and presentation on an opportunity for expanding occupational therapy practice.
Prerequisite(s): OTD8215, OTD8310, OTD8395, OTD8420, OTD8455, OTD8480.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

OTD8560 Teaching and Learning in Occupational Therapy

This course teaches students about the art and science of teaching and learning in occupational therapy. Students learn educational taxonomies and the application of these to health literacy education, education of consumers and families, education of other professionals, and education of students in a clinical setting and in a classroom. The course includes processes of instructional design, approach to adult education, establishment of client education programs, educating groups and becoming a fieldwork educator and clinical supervisor.
Prerequisite(s): OTD8215, OTD8310, OTD8395, OTD8420, OTD8455, OTD8480.
Offered at Providence
2 Semester Credits

OTD8660 Occupational Therapy Practice IV

This course presents the occupational therapy process for pediatrics. Students utilize evidence and apply theory to practice with children in various contexts. Students develop skills in family education, team approach, and intra- and interprofessional interactions. Students further refine skills related to safety, clinical reasoning and therapeutic use of self presented in the previous occupational therapy practice courses. The lecture, lab and concurrent Level I fieldwork course allow students to practice skills and documentation from evaluation to discharge planning.
Prerequisite(s): OTD8215, OTD8310, OTD8395, OTD8420, OTD8455, OTD8480.
Offered at Providence
5 Semester Credits

OTD8720 Level ID Fieldwork

This course places the students in a setting that exposes them to the pediatric population for 30 hours. Additionally, there are 15 hours of instructor-led simulation activities to assist in development of clinical and professional behaviors expected of a practitioner. Simulation and fieldwork allow students to practice skills and documentation from evaluation to discharge planning.
Prerequisite(s): OTD8215, OTD8310, OTD8395, OTD8420, OTD8455, OTD8480.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

OTD9810 Level IIA Fieldwork

Level II Fieldwork is a 12-week, full-time placement in a setting that allows for experiential learning under the direction of a licensed occupational therapist. Students develop entry-level competence by working directly with clients who receive occupational therapy. The student contributes in the evaluation process, planning and implementing treatment programs, communicating effectively, and developing professional relationships. Students work under the supervision of an OTR who meets criteria as a fieldwork educator as defined by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE). The academic fieldwork coordinator selects the practice environments in collaboration with community partners and students. While Level IIA and Level IIB Fieldwork experiences are sequential, they both offer students entry-level exposure to a different area of occupational therapy practice. Opportunities to engage in research or an emerging practice environment may be offered for either of the Level II Fieldwork courses.
Prerequisite(s): OTD8330, OTD8520, OTD8540, OTD8560, OTD8660, OTD8720.
Offered at Providence
9 Semester Credits

OTD9860 Level IIB Fieldwork

Level II Fieldwork is a 12-week, full-time placement in a setting that allows for experiential learning under the direction of a licensed occupational therapist. Students develop entry-level competence by working directly with clients who receive occupational therapy. The student contributes to the evaluation process, planning and implementing treatment programs, communicating effectively, and developing professional relationships. Students work under the supervision of an OTR who meets criteria as a fieldwork educator as defined by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE). The academic fieldwork coordinator selects the practice environments in collaboration with community partners and students. While Level IIA and Level IIB Fieldwork experiences are sequential, they both offer students entry-level exposure to a different area of occupational therapy practice. Opportunities to engage in research or an emerging practice environment may be offered for either of the Level II Fieldwork courses.
Prerequisite(s): OTD9810.
Offered at Providence
9 Semester Credits

OTD9910 Doctoral Capstone Project

In this course, students apply advanced knowledge to practice by integrating the doctoral capstone experiential learning and activities into a culminating doctoral capstone project. The capstone project demonstrates a synthesis of new, advanced knowledge learned in the program, the transformation of students’ views of the world of occupational therapy, and how it fits within the broader world and the expected outcomes of the program, in order to develop advanced skills beyond a generalist level. Students present their doctoral capstone projects at a JWU OTD research forum.
Prerequisite(s): OTD9860, Corequisite: OTD9920.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

OTD9920 Doctoral Capstone Experience

Students participate in a pre-approved 14-week, full-time doctoral capstone experience, which focuses on clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, or theory development.
Prerequisite(s): OTD9860, Corequisite: OTD9910.
Offered at Providence
10 Semester Credits