Course Descriptions - Transitional OTD Program

BSC 6001 ONL - Foundations of Clinical Orthopaedics
Credits: 2
This is an online self-study course discussing the foundations of orthopaedics and manipulative therapy. The history and development of orthopaedics and specifically manual therapy are explored. Arthrology and biomechanics are discussed, with special attention to tissue biomechanics and arthrokinematics. Emphasis is placed on spinal anatomy and movement. The University's philosophy of examination, treatment, and pain management is introduced. Classifications and indications for manipulation are reviewed.

BSC 6101 ONL - Application of Motor Control and Motor Learning Theory to Neurologic Intervention
Credits: 2
In this course the student will examine current research and theories in motor control and motor learning and their relationship to examination and intervention in patients with neurologic dysfunction. Students will examine neuroanatomical structures, functions, and neuroplasticity of the nervous system as they relate to motor control tasks. Specific motor control issues in balance, gait, and upper extremity are examined and discussed. Students will identify and explain the influence of impairments on motor dysfunction and a patient’s motor control.

BSC 6102 - Interventions for the Older Adult with a Neurological Impairment
Credits: 3
This course will provide students with the advanced knowledge and skills to adapt therapeutic examinations and interventions to the special needs of the older adult with a neurological impairment. Special emphasis will be on considering individuals with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, vestibular problems, subcortical and cortical dementia, and other neurological pathologies that impact on function.

BSC 6103 -The Pediatric Client with a Neurological Impairment
Credits: 3
The goal of the seminar is to provide participants with advanced knowledge and application of skilled observation and intervention for the special needs of the pediatric client with a neurological impairment. The lecture component will include updates on treatment approaches used in pediatric intervention (motor learning and control theory, neurodevelopmental principles (NDT), myofascial release treatment principles, oral motor treatment, positioning, strengthening, and other treatment techniques) with an emphasis on evidenced based practice. During the lab component, participants will apply NDT, myofascial release, strengthening, and other techniques to facilitate functional skills in infants and children with congenital and acquired movement disorders.

BSC 6200 – Evidence Based Research for the Health Professional
Credits: 2
The amount of research available to the physical and occupational therapist upon which to base clinical decision-making with regard to diagnosis, prognosis, and management has multiplied tremendously over the last 20 years. Within the currently predominant paradigm of evidence-based practice, every therapist needs to be able to critically evaluate the evidence available prior to application into clinical practice. The Scientific Inquiry course is an introduction to research methods, psychometric properties of tests and measures as used in the clinical situation for diagnosis, prognosis, and outcome assessment, sampling, experimental design, statistics, literature review, evidence-based practice, and conducting article critiques.

The purpose of this course is to enhance inquiry skills from both multicultural and multi-professional viewpoints. The main emphasis of this course is to allow the students to become critical consumers of the scientific literature needed to guide evidence-based OT and PT clinical practice and perhaps set some on the way to producing such scientific literature themselves.

BSC 6301 ONL – Ergonomics
Credits: 2
This online self-study course examines a variety of aspects of work related ergonomics. Participants will review the history of ergonomics, ergonomic statistics, client centered framework of practice, the Americans with disabilities act, universal design, posture, standing, sitting and computer work station evaluation, occupational risks, cumulative trauma disorders/repetitive strain injuries/tendonitis, and low back pain. Worker assessment and work hardening are reviewed before carrying out a worksite assessment. Injury prevention, ergonomic equipment, ergonomic resources, and documentation are also discussed. The course requires students to complete three projects: a posture evaluation, a computer workstation evaluation and a work site evaluation. Bulletin board (BB) interaction is used to address subjects and respond to other students comments. Questions are addressed, papers written and projects written up including a work site evaluation report letter.

COM 6100 ONL – Professional Communications
Hours: 2
This on-line course examines professional communications as it relates to the professions of physical therapy and occupational therapy. Students develop skill in: therapeutic communication; documentation according to professional standards; professional writing; case presentations; facilitating meetings; analyzing and presenting research; producing audiovisual presentations; resolving conflicts; and advocating for therapy services.

EDF 6101E ONL – Foundations of Teaching and Learning
Credits: 3
Patient care, clinical administrative management, and academic appointments are areas where practitioners have teaching obligations. Students in this course will acquire a working knowledge of the mechanisms by which adults learn, understand and remember. Students will apply these mechanisms to the study of teaching strategies and instructional decision-making. Topics will include cognition information processing and assessment, theories of motivation, critical thinking and the application of this knowledge for teaching. Learning outcomes will differ depending on the academic track that the student is pursuing.

HSA 6101 ONL - Health Service Administration
Credits: 3

This course examines the functions of a rehabilitation manager. Content includes ethical-legal considerations, applicable state and federal statues, marketing, fiscal resource management, and staff productivity. Emphasis is placed on decision making, change implementation, and quality control processes in health care organizations. Students have the opportunity to analyze problems and develop strategies for change in a variety of hypothetical physical and occupational therapy situations.

HSC 6250 – Organizational Leadership and Policy in Health Care
Credits: 3
Effective organizational leadership in healthcare is critical for developing, implementing, sustaining, and modifying appropriate policies to address major health concerns including controlling costs, increasing access to services, improving the quality of health services, and enhancing the effectiveness of program outcomes. A skilled workforce, ethical and trained leaders, and effective policies are integral to the implementation of programs and services that successfully promote the public’s health. The goal of this course is to examine the conceptual, methodological, and ethical foundations of healthcare leadership and administration leading to the development and analysis of health related policy at all levels. The course will focus on analyzing the process of policymaking in the formulation, implementation, adoption, and modification phases of current health policy through effective leadership and administration.

HSC 6100E ONL – Electrotherapy: Principles and Clinical Applications For Orthopaedics
Credits: 2
This course will provide the clinician with a conceptual understanding of the physiological basis and rationale for modern techniques in utilization of electrotherapy for improved function and pain modulation. Selection of appropriate electrotherapy equipment, wave form characteristics, and the latest treatment techniques used for muscle and nerve stimulation are presented. This course is delivered online and utilizes the interactive video demonstrations, interactive discussions and recent literature to support use of electrotherapeutic modalities in your practice. This course can be taken as an elective by the entry level students.

HSC 6210 - Extremity Evaluation and Manipulation
Credits: 2
Based on the E-1 Extremity Evaluation and Manipulation Seminar, this level of study extends the content of the seminar to the application and analysis level of learning of peripheral joint examination and treatment. Clinical decision-making strategies for peripheral joint examination and treatment are strengthened through the use of selected readings required for this course. This is a seminar offering with an online component.

HSC 6300 – Advancing Your Hand Therapy Skills
Credits: 2
This course focuses on diagnoses found most typically treat in a hand clinic setting. Through the use pictures, video and presentations, students will be exposed to the most current treatment evidence for advanced practitioners. The purpose of this course is the application of clinical reasoning skills in the hand therapy setting and upper extremity orthopaedic rehabilitation following trauma, disease process and post-surgical intervention. Students should be prepared to devote a minimum of 2 hours a day to online discussions and preparation of assignments while collaborating, learning and exploring the virtual hand clinic!

HSC 6360 ONL - Spinal Instability
Credits: 2
Concepts of whole spine stabilization are presented in a combined seminar/home study format. Topics covered include: clinical findings indicating the presence of instability; stabilization instructions for patient education and utilization of stabilization through the process of rehabilitation. Special attention is given to clinical decision-making regarding the selection of manipulation and exercises on patients with instability. This course is offered through a distance education format.

HSC 6402 ONL - Pharmacology
Credits: 2
This on-line course covers the basis of drug action as it relates to physical and occupational therapy. Drugs used in the treatment of muscle spasms and spasticity, cardiac drugs, centrally acting drugs, psychotropics, and drugs used in the treatment of pain and inflammation are covered. Interactions between therapy and medications are emphasized.

IDS 6455 - Directed Study
Credits: 1-4
Directed study is provided to enable the student to pursue special interests beyond those available in course offerings. The directed study is planned, implemented, and evaluated by the student with an approved advisor. Students are encouraged to study in related disciplines and to develop affiliations with other organizations, especially those whose work could benefit our profession. This course is offered through a distance education format. Registration for this course must be approved by the Program Director.

IDS 6460 - Directed Readings
Credits: 1-4
This course is an independent study tailored for a student’s specific interest in a specialty area. Areas of concentration and topics are negotiated with the student, and a faculty advisor is assigned. The student studies and analyzes the literature on agreed upon advanced topics in a content area, reviews the research methods used, and statistical analysis relevant to the topic of interest. This course is offered through a distance education format. Registration for this course must be approved by the Program Director.

OCT 6100 - Capstone 1
Credits: 1
This course represents a preparatory experience for Capstone 2 which is the integration of the knowledge and skills appropriate to a student’s specialty area. By developing a short proposal, students have an opportunity to reflect on learning achieved in the t-OTD program and the clinical/educational experiences related to his/her content learning in the program. The student is expected to summarize the topic and content of the Capstone Project. The students will review and apply professional writing skills in the proposal. Based on the suggested Capstone topic, the student will be assigned a faculty advisor. This course is offered through an online distance education format. Capstone Project I is a pre-requisite for Capstone II. Prerequisites are completion of all required and elective t-OTD coursework or, the student may be enrolled in their last course while simultaneously completing Capstone 1.

OCT 6200 – Reflective Practice
Credits: 4
This is a required course for those students with an entry-level Bachelors degree. The purpose of this course is to allow a student to broaden and deepen your knowledge an understanding of the value of occupational therapy in today's changing world. The student will choose four modules and create a learning plan for each. The modules may include but are not limited to: Theory, Historical Perspective of OT, Creating Evidence Based Practice, Experiential Learning, Alternative Therapy Exploration, Emerging Practice, International Health Care, Health Care Policy, Current Trends in Health Care or module proposed by the student based on experience and current clinical practice area. Each module will entail a literature review and paper/project that will be reflective of the students current learning goals and will be guided by a tOTD faculty member.

OCT 5400 – Residency
Credits: 1
Each student is required to make a presentation of their capstone project as well as a summary of their completed t-OTD learning goals. During the time spent on campus (15 hours) they will work with their capstone advisor to complete the formal presentation of the Capstone to a group of faculty and/or students.

OCT 6495 – Science of Occupation
Hours: 4
This course is designed to orient the new student to the Transitional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program (t-OTD) and provide an overview of the doctoral studies required at USA all of which are foundationally based upon the concept of “occupation”. The student will learn to analyze the theoretical tenets and terminology used in the science of occupational therapy which will prepare the student for future coursework and success in the t-OTD program. The content in this course will assist the t-OTD student in analyzing frames of reference that focus on the science of occupation. As the student becomes familiar with the various ways the profession frames its models and theories the course will further analyze the concept of occupation both from within and from outside the profession of occupational therapy. The course provides a basis for analysis of occupation from a scientific perspective and assists the student in grounding occupation with practice. Finally the course facilitates higher level thinking about the importance of occupationally based research and its relationship to the students final Capstone Project.

OCT 6497 - Capstone Project 2
Credits: 4
This course is an integration of the knowledge and skills appropriate to a student’s specialty area. By applying theory and practice, students have the opportunity to explore an approach to the delivery of occupational therapy services. Under advisement of a faculty member, the student will complete a community service project or a clinical research project. The project will involve designing the methodology, implementing the project, and collecting the data to measure the project’s effectiveness. The results will be shared through a publishable article or oral presentation.

OCT 6498 – Clinical Integration Internship Experience
Credits: Variable credit up to 8
This internship is designed to integrate the coursework taken during the OTD program with clinical experience. By applying theory and practice, students have the opportunity to observe, perform evaluations and interventions with a client/patient population. Students will demonstrate clinical reasoning through journaling and documenting their experiences. Under advisement of a faculty advisor, the student will write and present a case report.

PHT 6403 ONL – Imaging for Physical and Occupational Therapy
Credits: 2
This course provides an introduction to reading plain film radiographs and diagnostic images in commonly occurring dysfunctions of the spine, pelvis and extremities. The understanding of when to order X-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound scanning will also be covered. Special emphasis is placed on the clinical application to orthopedic and neurological physical therapy.

PHT 5703C - Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction
Credits: 2
This course covers basic concepts in the management of patients with critical illness and/or trauma as related to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) interventions and the rehabilitation management of cardiac and pulmonary patients.

PSY 6102 ONL – Psychology of Health and Exercise
Credits: 2
This on-line course examines the psychological knowledge and skills necessary to develop and facilitate optimal health and fitness. The course requires the student to demonstrate comprehension of the basic psychological principles that impact health and exercise, apply the knowledge to case scenarios, and, to a lesser extent, analyze specific topics and peer-reviewed articles.

PSY 6103E ONL – Applied Performance Psychology
Credits: 3
This on-line course examines the psychological knowledge and skills necessary to develop and facilitate peak performance in athletics, sport, and even business. The course requires the student to demonstrate comprehension of basic sport psychology principles, apply the knowledge to case scenarios, and, to a lesser extent, analyze specific topics and peer-reviewed articles. Prerequisite: Acceptance into DPT or OTD program.




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