OCTH 750 – Occupational Therapy Theories, Models, and Framework (Credits: 6)

This course presents theoretical constructs of occupation, occupational therapy, and occupational science by offering a philosophical base, including theories and frameworks for individual, group, and societal demands. Students will examine how theories and models describe or explain phenomena at different levels related to various scientific evidence and inquiry types. Learning outcomes will require students to think critically and either support or refute actions in clinical practice reflected by specific models or theories.

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives

1. Describe the history of occupational therapy and how it influences current practice. 
2. Identify the student’s ability to think critically about how theories and models guide professional or advanced practice. 
3. Examine how occupational therapy theories and frameworks guide practice with individuals and groups.
4. Describe how occupational therapy theories and frames of reference guide assessment, intervention, and outcomes. 
5. Define occupational science and its relationship to occupational therapy. 
6. Describe the occupational therapy theory development process and its importance for the profession to meet societal needs.

OCTH 755 – Research Methodologies (Credits: 6)

This course introduces evidence-based practice methods with skill development in asking practice-based questions, using search engine databases and other resources, and appraising the quality of evidence. The course will focus on creating a deeper understanding of evidence and its impact on occupational therapy practice. Content in this course focuses on the most common qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research methodologies seen in practice. Students will learn to develop IRB proposals and study designs. Students will design qualitative studies and data collection tools while learning to analyze and report study outcomes and findings while developing skills in selecting, applying, and interpreting basic correlational and inferential statistics through the design of quantitative studies and data collection tools.

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives

1. Learn best practices for the development of research questions when completing critical appraisal of literature. 
2. Implement effective research designs for understanding and applying research.
3. Gain an understanding of basic statistical principles.
4. Understand the ethical principles relating to research and selecting a research method, sampling, and subjects. 
5. Learn both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research design, data collection, interpretation, and analysis.

OCTH 760 – Educational Principles in Occupational Therapy (Credits: 3)

This course focuses on the use of educational principles in everyday practice. Students will deepen their knowledge of various educational pedagogies and strategies to be effective in educational pursuits in a multitude of practice settings. Basic principles for curriculum design and development will be introduced.

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives

1. Understand and assess individual learning styles.
2. Develop specialized techniques based on learning styles to enhance learning.
3. Gain knowledge of various educational pedagogies and strategies in higher education and clinical practice settings.
4. Learn basic principles for curriculum design and development.

OCTH 765 – Leadership in Healthcare (Credits: 3)

In this course, leadership theories and management strategies are applied through analysis of program development and evaluation. Students gain expertise in outcomes assessment, case management, business planning, personnel management, and emotional intelligence.

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives

1. Understand the relationship between leadership and management.
2. Develop through analysis of program development and evaluation.
3. Gain knowledge skills in assessing outcomes, case management, and business planning.
4. Gain knowledge skills in management skills, coaching strategies, and emotional intelligence.

OCTH 785 – Capstone Discovery and Design (Credits: 3)

In this course, students explore advanced practice areas based on professional interests under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students thoroughly review the evidence and explore resources and networks to contribute to the design and development of an individual scholarly project. The culminating project relates theory to occupational therapy practice and synthesis of advanced knowledge and skills. Projects will also demonstrate effective strategies for integrating evidence-based approaches into practice using knowledge translation concepts. Synthesis and application of advanced knowledge and evidence-based approaches may include clinical practice, education, research, technology, leadership/administration, advocacy, or entrepreneurship opportunities. Only offered on an S/U basis.

OCTH 790 – Capstone (Credits: 6)

The scholarly project is implemented during this course, with the overall goal of advancing the occupational therapy body of knowledge. Elements of the project include strategy implementation, outcomes evaluation, and presentation of the final product. The project has written objectives and assessment measures approved by the faculty advisor. Only offered on an S/U basis.