Academic Catalog

Occupational Therapy

Rita DalyChair of Graduate Studies

Vision:

The Ithaca College Department of Occupational Therapy will lead the profession in developing engaged practitioners who meet the needs of a diverse society by facilitating access to health, wellbeing, and occupational participation for all.

Mission:

The mission of the Department of Occupational Therapy is to prepare ethical practitioners who are lifelong learners, leaders, and advocates in the field of occupational therapy.  We meet this mission by:   

  • Promoting the centrality of occupational participation to support health, quality of life, occupational justice, and resilience of individuals, communities and populations.  
  • Emphasizing theory and evidence driven practice and professional reasoning through experiential learning.
  • Creating diverse and integrative learning experiences to develop breadth and depth of student perspectives. 
  • Fostering collaborative engagement in interprofessional scholarship and service that extends beyond campus to include local and global communities. 
  • Exploring traditional and emerging areas of knowledge and practice.

The Department of Occupational Therapy offers two entry points to meet this mission:

  1. A five-year combined B.S./M.S. program or a six-year combined B.S./O.T.D. program
  2. A professional entry-level M.S. program or a professional entry-level O.T.D program

Note: Students admitted to the Fall 2024 undergraduate catalog and beyond will have a choice to pursue the MS or OTD program. Questions regarding this choice should be directed to the Chair of Graduate Studies.

The occupational therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 501E, Bethesda, MD 20814. Contact the AOTA's Accreditation Staff at (301) 652-6611 x2042 or at www.accred@aota.org for more information.

Graduates of the program, regardless of their entry point, are eligible to take the national certification examination administrated by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate is a registered occupational therapist, or OTR. In addition to certification, a professional license is also required for practice in all states. While the NBCOT certification is accepted as the licensing exam, specific requirements vary by state. Graduates are obligated to abide by state laws and are required to apply for and obtain state licensure before entering clinical practice. For more information, visit National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (www.nbcot.org) and the American Occupational Association (www.aota.org).

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Combined B.S./M.S. Students must earn a C or better in required courses. A student who fails to complete a required course with a grade of C or better must repeat the course for it to count toward the completion of the M.S. degree. This may delay progression in the program and result in additional tuition or fees. Combined B.S./M.S. students who fail to meet these standards in any semester will be placed on program academic warning. Students on college and/or program academic warning must earn a semester and cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher to be removed from program academic warning. Students on college and/or program academic warning for any two semesters during the graduate program will be dismissed from the program.

Professional entry-level students must earn a C or better in required courses. A student who fails to complete a required course with a grade of C or better must repeat the course for it to count toward the completion of the M.S. degree. This may delay progression in the program and result in additional tuition or fees. Professional entry-level students who fail to meet these standards in any semester will be placed on program academic warning. Students on college and/or program academic warning must earn a semester and cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher to be removed from program academic warning. Students on college and/or program academic warning for any two semesters during the graduate program will be dismissed from the program.

Combined B.S./OTD Students must earn a C or better in required courses. A student who fails to complete a required course with a grade of C or better must repeat the course for it to count toward the completion of the OTD degree. This may delay progression in the program and result in additional tuition or fees. Combined B.S./OTD students who fail to meet these standards in any semester will be placed on program academic warning. Students on college and/or program academic warning must earn a semester and cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher to be removed from program academic warning. Students on college and/or program academic warning for any two semesters during the graduate program will be dismissed from the program.

If any graduate student receives a grade of "U" for a level II fieldwork course, they will be placed on academic warning by the Chair of Graduate Studies. The student must register for and successfully complete an alternate fieldwork assignment as scheduled by the academic fieldwork coordinator. The faculty may require remedial work or apply special conditions that the student must meet before they are allowed to repeat this class. If the student successfully completes this course, they may continue in the program; however, no one will be allowed to repeat a level II fieldwork course more than once.

These policies, as well as academic, clinical, and professional behavior standards, are published on the Department of Occupational Therapy website.

Occupational Therapy B.S./M.S. Program 

The five-year combined B.S./M.S. degree curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in the liberal arts, sciences, and humanities; to offer a comprehensive and rigorous professional education; and to develop attitudes and skills for lifelong learning and leadership. Included in the academic instruction are 24 weeks of required full-time clinical fieldwork experiences that are typically scheduled for the summer preceding the graduate year (12 weeks), in the late spring (12 weeks) after their final semester on campus, and an optional specialty placement in the summer following the graduate year (8 weeks). Coursework at the graduate level is organized into two academic and three clinical experiences time blocks. 

Combined B.S./M.S. students enter their first year as occupational therapy majors and progress through the curriculum to earn a master's degree. Combined B.S./M.S. students are admitted only from the Ithaca College undergraduate occupational science program and must complete the graduate (fifth) year to be eligible to take the national certification examination. The undergraduate component of this program is described in the Ithaca College undergraduate catalog. 

Combined B.S./M.S. students take a required 40 credits of graduate courses, both on campus in Ithaca and at clinical fieldwork sites across the country. Graduate students may also take an optional four credits of specialty fieldwork or an elective internship. Students enroll in either group research or individual thesis, along with a variety of other graduate courses that are designed to provide depth and breadth of education. Please refer to the combined B.S./M.S. degree section for curriculum information. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for graduation for the combined BS/MS occupational therapy degree, students must complete the following:

  1. Completion of the B.S. degree in occupational science at Ithaca College;
  2. Completion of the major department requirements as stated in the combined B.S./M.S. degree section of the academic catalog.

The group research sequence is a faculty supervised research project where students collect and analyze data, interpret results, and present findings in both oral and written formats. Students who select the group research sequence will register for OTMS 67100 and OTMS 67120.

Individual thesis is conducted under the supervision of a faculty thesis adviser and with a thesis committee.  Students are required to have a faculty approved thesis proposal to enroll in this option. The quality of work for individual thesis projects is expected to meet professional publication standards. Students who select individual thesis will register for OTMS 67200 and OTMS 67300.

Individual thesis students, who have completed all coursework except the thesis, will be required to maintain active student status through the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance until completion. These students will work with their adviser to plan an appropriate course and credit schedule. 

Professional Entry Level M.S. Program 

Professional entry-level M.S.  students take a required 86 credits of graduate courses, both on campus in Ithaca and at clinical fieldwork sites across the country. Graduate students may also take an optional four credits of specialty fieldwork or an elective internship. First year coursework begins in summer and includes one winter intersession course. The second year is consistent with the combined B.S./M.S. curriculum, where clinical fieldwork experiences are typically scheduled for the summer following the first graduate year (12 weeks), in the late spring (12 weeks) after their final semester on campus, and an optional specialty placement in the summer following the late spring placement (8 weeks). Coursework at the graduate level is organized into two academic and three clinical experiences time blocks. 

Similar to the combined B.S./M.S students, professional entry-level students enroll in either group research or individual thesis, along with a variety of other graduate courses that are designed to provide depth and breadth of education. Please refer to the professional entry-level degree section for curriculum information. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for graduation for the PEL M.S. Occupational Therapy degree, students must complete all of the major department requirements as stated in the professional entry-level degree section of the academic catalog.

ADMISSION 
Applications are available online through the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, with the final application deadline of March 31st, annually. The following are admission requirements: 

  • A completed bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Completion of nine (9) prerequisites with a grade of C or higher within the past ten years. A minimum of six (6) of the following nine (9) prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline:
    • 3 credits of General Biology
    • 8 credits of Anatomy and Physiology
    • 3 credits of General Psychology
    • 3 credits of Developmental Psychology or Human Development Across the Life Span
    • 3 credits of Abnormal Psychology
    • 3 credits of Sociology or Anthropology
    • 3 credits of Statistics
    • 3 credits of Introduction to Research Methods
  • A writing sample
  • An in-person or remote interview, by invitation

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Completion of online application
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Two letters of recommendation, one preferably from a health care practitioner

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Each year the department awards a small number of Graduate Assistantships to select Professional Entry-Level students. Graduate Assistantships are competitive and offer both scholarship funding and a taxable salary. Students who are awarded Graduate Assistantships work with faculty and staff on scholarly, instructional, and administrative tasks depending on departmental needs. Students applying for Graduate Assistantships are required to submit two additional letters of recommendation with their application.

Combined B.S./O.T.D. Program

Vision:  

The Ithaca College Department of Occupational Therapy will lead the profession in developing engaged practitioners who meet the needs of a diverse society by facilitating access to health, well-being, and occupational participation for all.  

Mission: 

The mission of the Ithaca College Occupational Therapy program is to prepare ethical practitioners who are lifelong learners, leaders, and advocates in the field of occupational therapy. We meet this mission by: 

  • Promoting the centrality of occupational participation to support health, quality of life, occupational justice, and resilience of individuals, communities and populations. 
  • Emphasizing theory and evidence driven practice and professional reasoning through experiential learning. 
  • Creating diverse and integrative learning experiences to develop breadth and depth of student perspectives. 
  • Fostering collaborative engagement in interprofessional scholarship and service that extends beyond campus to include local and global communities. 
  • Exploring traditional and emerging areas of knowledge and practice 

The Department of Occupational Therapy offers a six-year combined B.S./O.T.D. program to meet this mission:  

The combined B.S./O.T.D program is designed for students who enter Ithaca College as undergraduates and progress through the curriculum to earn an entry-level doctoral degree. Graduate students in this program are admitted only from the Ithaca College undergraduate occupational science major, which is designed to provide a strong foundation in the liberal arts, sciences, and humanities, and is described in the Ithaca College undergraduate catalog. Combined B.S./O.T.D. students take a total of 120 credits to earn the B.S. degree and 58 credits to earn their O.T.D. degree through didactic coursework, fieldwork (24 weeks full time), and a doctoral capstone experience (14 weeks/540 hours).  

Graduates of the doctoral degree program are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) upon completion of their degree. The graduate is considered a registered occupational therapist, or OTR, after successfully passing the NBCOT exam. National certification and professional licensure is required for practice in all states. While the NBCOT certification is accepted as the licensing exam, specific requirements vary by state. Graduates are obligated to abide by state laws and are required to apply for and obtain state licensure before entering clinical practice. For more information, visit National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). 

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Students must review and sign the Occupational Therapy Technical Standards annually to demonstrate that they are aware of the skills, abilities, and behavioral characteristics required to successfully complete the Department’s academic programs. Technical standards in occupational therapy include the areas of: (1) acquiring fundamental knowledge; (2) developing communication skills; (3) interpreting data and clinical information; (4) integrating knowledge to establish clinical judgment; and (5) developing appropriate professional behaviors and attitudes. https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-health-sciences-and-human-performance/occupational-therapy/technical-standards 

Admission Requirements 

Combined B.S./O.T.D 

Admission requirements for the graduate portion of the combined B.S./O.T.D. program includes a B.S. in occupational science from Ithaca College, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.  

Academic Standards

Occupational therapy graduate students (students in their fifth and sixth years for combined B.S./O.T.D. students) are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.00 or higher during their graduate studies.  

Good Academic Standing: In alignment with college-wide policies stated in the Graduate Catalog, graduate students are required to maintain a minimum semester GPA of 3.00 each semester in order to remain in good academic standing at the college level. Graduate students must achieve a minimum cumulative, final GPA of 3.00 in order to graduate.

Course Grade Requirements: 

Students are expected to earn a C or better in all graduate level courses. In the event a student desires to repeat a course for grade replacement, they should follow the college guidelines for Repeating a Course. Per the college-wide policy, graduate students earning more than 3 credits of “F” are subject to dismissal. 

Fieldwork and Doctoral Capstone Experience Requirements: 

Occupational therapy graduate students are expected to meet fieldwork and doctoral capstone experience requirements to achieve a “S” (satisfactory) for each course. If a student receives a grade of “U” (unsatisfactory) for a Level II fieldwork or a Doctoral Capstone experience, they are permitted one make-up experience to demonstrate competency. The student must complete a remediation process developed in conjunction with a representative from the occupational therapy program before they are allowed to repeat the fieldwork or doctoral capstone experience. No student will be permitted to repeat a Level II fieldwork or the Doctoral Capstone Experience course more than once. 

Professional behaviors: Students are evaluated on professional behaviors using departmental procedures and standards. If a student has documented professional behavior concern(s), they will be placed on academic warning and a remediation plan with a timeline will be put in place. 

Program Warning and Dismissal  

A student who fails to meet any of the minimum requirements stated above may be placed on program warning, suspension, or dismissed from the program. Students who have been placed on program warning or suspension will be expected to meet department standards for all subsequent semesters. Students will remain on program warning until the issue that caused the warning is resolved.  A student may not be placed on a program warning for a new violation in a subsequent consecutive semester; should a new violation occur the student will be dismissed from the program.  

Graduate occupational therapy students will be placed on program warning if any of the following occur:  

  1. A student earns less than a 3.00 semester GPA per the college-wide standard;  
  2. A student has documented professional behavior concern(s); 
  3. A student receives a grade of "U" for a Level II fieldwork or Doctoral Capstone Experience course. 

  
Graduate occupational students will be dismissed from the program if any of the following occur:  

  1. A student on program warning violates the aforementioned departmental criteria for good standing in any subsequent semester;  
  2. A student receiving more than 3 credits of “F” during the program; 
  3. A student has a documented professional behavior concern(s) that has not been resolved within the specified timeframe;   
  4. A student receives a “U” (Unsatisfactory) grade on a make-up Level II fieldwork or Doctoral Capstone Experience  
  5. A student violates the American Occupational Therapy Association's code of ethics.     

A student who is subject to dismissal from the program may, under extenuating circumstances, be granted a suspension from the program in lieu of dismissal. For readmission to the program, the student may have to fulfill certain conditions, such as remedial coursework or fieldwork assignments prescribed by the faculty at the time of suspension. Readmission may be contingent on the availability of space in succeeding classes.    

In an exceptional case, a student who has been dismissed may be readmitted to the program upon satisfaction of conditions determined by the department faculty. Dismissal from the occupational therapy program does not always mean dismissal from Ithaca College. In some cases, students may be eligible to pursue other Ithaca College majors. Specifics with regard to these policies and the appeals procedures are available in the Department of Occupational Therapy Student Manual.  

Fieldwork and Doctoral Capstone Experience  

Fieldwork is an essential part of professional training and is required of all occupational therapy students. Students are assigned Level II fieldwork and Doctoral Capstone Experience sites locally, and at locations around the United States, based on a combination of student interest, setting type, and site availability. Students are responsible for all fieldwork site related expenses such as health requirements, background checks, and/or drug screenings. Students arrange their own housing and travel for fieldwork experiences.     

Level II fieldworks and the Doctoral Capstone Experience are standalone courses in the graduate program and tuition is billed to the student. For more information on student expenses, see “Graduate Occupational Therapy" costs under "Graduate Tuition & Fees" on the Tuition and Financial Aid website. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in the relevant ACOTE standard. Students must complete all Level II fieldwork and Doctoral Capstone Experience requirements within 30 months from the completion of the academic portion of the curriculum. Students who fail to complete Level II fieldwork and the Doctoral Capstone Experience within this time frame are subject to dismissal from the program. 

OTMS 50000 Functional Human Anatomy

Study of the gross anatomical components of the human body through the use of lecture and lab activities without dissection. Emphasis is placed on the musculoskeletal and neurovascular systems found in the extremities, and in the head and neck trunk, with less emphasis on the thorax and abdominal walls. (SU,Y)
5 Credits

OTMS 50500 Occupational Therapy Theory

Occupational therapy process, principles, and theory are introduced and explored with a focus on clinical reasoning and models of practice. Occupation as the core of practice, its elements as they are viewed today, and their historical and philosophical background are discussed. The analysis, synthesis, and implementation of occupations for use in assessment and intervention are practiced through experiential labs and assignments. Methods for the evaluation and critique of existing and emerging theories are applied to selected theoretical models of practice. (SU,Y)
4 Credits

OTMS 51000 Neuroscience

Introduction to the science of the nervous system. Provides a framework for understanding the nervous system and the area of applied neurosciences. This course provides a scientific basis for improved patient care by clarifying the relationships between the nervous system and behavior. Selected laboratory and experiential activities enhance lecture, discussion, and reading materials. Prerequisites: OTMS 50000. (F,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 52000 Kinesiology

The application of gross anatomy to the study of human movement, with emphasis on understanding the interrelated kinetics of normal motion of the musculoskeletal system as they influence functional activities. Evaluation procedures such as manual muscle testing (MMT), joint range of motion (ROM), palpation of surface anatomy, and kinesiological analysis of functional activities are used in laboratory sessions. Evidence-based practice in kinesiological assessment and intervention will be emphasized through advanced research projects. Prerequisites: OTMS 50000. (F,Y)
4 Credits

OTMS 52200 Psychiatry in Occupational Therapy

This course will explore the psychiatric conditions that are commonly seen in clinical and community settings. The effects of diagnoses and challenges of medication side effects will be reviewed in detail, including how these conditions affect body functions and structures and common functional limitations. Pertinent medical assessments, medicines, and team involvement will be included. Particular attention will be paid to dual or multi-diagnosis and multi-medication regimens and the challenges these scenarios present. A specific focus will include the role of support networks, including peer and consumer organizations and their role in mental health services and information sharing. An emerging practice-focused literature search will enable the student to search the Internet and other resources for diagnostic information, latest research and practice information, and related material. This paper will provide the foundation for a community-focused project that will connect students with community-based resources and needs. (W,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 53000 Applied Interventions in Occupational Therapy

Focus on selected preparatory and supporting methods used in OT practice. Emphasis is on selected occupational therapy intervention methods. The use of orthotics as a method in intervention supporting occupational therapy practice, the evaluation and intervention of selected biomechanical components, and prosthetics as an occupation-based activity are explored. Adaptation of methods for performing activities of daily living and design of equipment are also covered. Prerequisites: OTMS 57100; OTMS 52000. (S,Y)
0-3 Credits

OTMS 53500 Group Process in Occupational Therapy

This course focuses on therapeutic use of self in group relationships. Emphasis is on an action-based, helping, problem-solving model to guide individual interventions. Provides the cognitive, affective, and occupational basis to helping groups for various client populations and settings across the lifespan. Presents knowledge and experiential opportunity to gain skills to be a competent group leader using proven models of intervention. Emphasis will be placed on best practices across settings with a foundation in current research. Lecture and lab format. (S,Y)
4 Credits

OTMS 54000 Concepts in Adult Occupational Therapy (NLA)

Concepts in occupational therapy for the adult population will be explored. Practice models that are suitable for the adult client population will be addressed within the context of the occupational therapy process. Includes a case based seminar to integrate theory with practice. Prerequisites: OTMS 50000; OTMS 50500. (F,Y)
4 Credits

OTMS 54500 Concepts in Pediatric Occupational Therapy (NLA)

Concepts in occupational therapy for the pediatric population will be explored. Practice models that are suitable for the pediatric client population will be addressed within the context of the occupational therapy process. Includes a case based seminar to integrate theory with practices. Prerequisites: OTMS 50000; OTMS 50500. Corequisites: OTMS 55500; OTMS 57500. (S,Y)
4 Credits

OTMS 55000 Adult Evaluation and Intervention Processes in Occupational Therapy (NLA)

The occupational therapy evaluation and intervention processes for the adult population will be explored. This includes development of an occupational profile of the client and conducting an analysis of occupational performance. The intervention phase involves implementation and re-evaluation of the intervention plan. The course includes a clinical fieldwork experience. Prerequisites: OTMS 50000; OTMS 50500. Corequisites: OTMS 52000; OTMS 51000; OTMS 57100; OTMS 54000. (F,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 55500 Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention Processes in Occupational Therapy (NLA)

The occupational therapy evaluation and intervention processes for the pediatric population will be explored. This includes development of an occupational profile of the client and conducting an analysis of occupational performance. The intervention phase involves implementation and re-evaluation of the intervention plan. The course includes a clinical fieldwork experience. Prerequisites: OTMS 50000; OTMS 50500. Corequisites: OTMS 54500; OTMS 57500. (S,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 56500 Research Seminar

A graduate seminar to focus student research in an area of faculty interest through a critical review of the literature and construction of structured research paper. Students develop a problem statement and question suitable for thesis research, supported with background, definitions, rationale, and a detailed outline of a research methodology. Oral presentation of a research proposal is required. (S,Y)
1 Credit

OTMS 57100 Adult Clinical Conditions (NLA)

A study of selected systemic, medical-surgical, orthopedic, and neurological conditions. Includes concepts in the identification, definition, and medical management of these conditions affecting adults and older persons. Emphasis is placed on integration of etiology, pathology, and medical treatment of selected conditions with emerging evidence research and practice recommendations across disciplines, focusing on implications for future occupational therapy practice. (F,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 57500 Pediatric Clinical Conditions (NLA)

This course will explore the pediatric conditions that are commonly seen by occupational therapists. Clinical settings where children may be seen will be introduced and discussed. Pediatric diagnoses will be reviewed in detail, including body functions and structures and common functional limitations. Pertinent medical assessments, medicines, and team involvement will be included. A literature-enhanced paper will enable the student to search the Internet and other resources for diagnostic information, latest research information, and related material. Prerequisites: OTMS 50000; OTMS 51000. (S,Y)
2 Credits

OTMS 59800 Special Topics in Occupational Therapy

Formal instruction in topics of current interest to graduate students and faculty in occupational therapy. Experimental and topical courses will be offered under this number and title. Course may be repeated for credit for different selected topics. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. (IRR)
1-3 Credits

OTMS 60000 Clinical Fieldwork II - Children and Adolescents

Three months of full-time, supervised clinical experience with the opportunity to treat pediatric patients/clients. Assignment in a training center program approved in accordance with the American Occupational Therapy Association's standards of practice for occupational therapy education. Required course. Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only. (Sum,Y)
6 Credits

OTMS 61200 Complementary Health Approaches, Integrative Health, and Occupational Therapy (NLA)

This elective explores personal health perspectives, occupational therapy education, and occupational therapy practice through the lens of diverse health approaches and integrative health. Knowledge of mind and body practices that occupational therapy clients’ use and how these complementary health approaches are being integrated into occupational therapy plans of care is expanded through active and experiential learning opportunities, review of professional documents, and current literature. (S)
Attributes: OTGE
2 Credits

OTMS 62000 Advanced OT Theory and Practice

Examination and critique of definitions, philosophy, generic base, and concepts in occupational therapy. Occupational therapy theory development, structure, and function are analyzed and critiqued as they relate to basic assumptions, frames of reference, and implications for practice and research. Focus is on research and theory development, and the application to theory to occupational therapy practice. (S,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 62500 Clinical Management in Occupational Therapy

This course focuses on the practice of efficient and effective administration in a health care setting. Focus includes health systems perspective; service delivery models and mechanisms; service management of various clinical settings; resource management of personnel, finances, materials, and physical plant; and risk management. (S,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 62600 Professional Practice in the Community

Focuses on practice in educator, consultant, and advocacy roles in emerging areas of OT practice as well as nontraditional alternatives. Also examines transition to professional role in the community, including career development, professional responsibilities, current trends and issues, and engaging in clinical education. Prerequisites: OTMS 66500. 3 credits. (S,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 63900 Graduate OT Clinic (NLA)

This graduate elective course will allow students the opportunity for observation, participation, supervision of undergraduate students, and management of clinical cases provided through the Ithaca College affiliated Occupational Therapy Clinic with faculty supervision. Treatment of occupational therapy clients, as well as participation in other occupational therapy-related services provided by the clinic will be the focus of this course. The clinic will provide students with an experiential learning opportunity, while serving the needs of clients in the college and community. (F,S,U,Y)
0-1 Credits

OTMS 64100 Adaptation and Environmental Modification (NLA)

Study of theories regarding human behavioral adaptation and development of skills to modify physical, emotional, social, and cultural environments to promote appropriate behavioral adaptations that facilitate engagement with the tasks that comprise life roles. Methods of environmental assessment and techniques for modification of physical spaces and equipment, temporal structures, and patterns of use are examined. (S,IRR)
Attributes: OTGE
2 Credits

OTMS 64300 Cognitive Rehabilitation (NLA)

This course will closely examine occupational therapy assessments and interventions for persons with cognitive dysfunction. Evaluation instruments are derived from various theoretical perspectives. The focus is on assessment and intervention with brain-injured adults, but other patient populations are also considered. Intervention strategies and critical analysis of research are emphasized. Multiple disciplines addressed for a comprehensive approach and understanding of cognitive rehabilitation in the clinical setting.
Attributes: OTGE
2 Credits

OTMS 64500 Vocational Readiness (NLA)

The role of occupational therapy in the vocational readiness process. Includes a review of vocational development and values, theoretical models, assessment, planning, treatment, and documentation. Vocational programming for children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of disabilities is discussed. Laboratory activities in vocational assessment and training are included. (S,IRR)
Attributes: OTGE
2 Credits

OTMS 64600 Play and Leisure (NLA)

Further exploration of the occupational concepts of play and leisure and their application to occupational therapy theory and practice. Developmental, theoretical, cultural, and philosophical aspects of play in normal individuals and individuals with disabling conditions. Use of play/leisure in assessment, play as means, and play as end in occupational therapy practice. Seminar and discussions are supplemented with experiential learning and laboratories. (S,IRR)
Attributes: OTGE
2 Credits

OTMS 65000 Advanced Pediatric Evidence Based Practice (APEBP) (NLA)

The use and application of current theory and evidence related to neuroscience in occupational therapy practice with the pediatric population. This advanced practice course incorporates experiential opportunities in both the lecture and laboratory settings. Elective alternative to OTMS 65000. Prerequisites: OTBS 41000 or OTMS 51000. (F,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 65100 Advanced Adult Evidence Based Practice (AAEBP) (NLA)

The use and application of current theory and evidence related to neuroscience in occupational therapy practice with the adult population. This advanced practice course incorporates experiential opportunities in both the lecture and laboratory settings. Elective alternative to OTMS 65100. Prerequisites: OTBS 41000 or OTMS 51000. (F,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 65500 Technological Interventions in Occupational Therapy (NLA)

Examines the role of occupational therapists as part of an interdisciplinary team in the assessment, selection, application, and outcome of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. Considers the use of technology to allow greater accessibility and independence for people of all ages with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities in the performance of life skills, including self-care, education, recreation, vocation, mobility, and communication. Prerequisites: OTMS 57100 or OTBS 47100 and OTMS 57500 or OTBS 47500. (F,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 66500 Gerontic Occupational Therapy

Health care and community support of wellness, occupational performance, and quality of life as they relate to the needs of people over 65. Includes skills and knowledge required to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams -- with clients and caregivers, as individuals, and in groups. Disease and disability prevention, environmental adaptation to facilitate continuing engagement in occupations, factors contributing to successful aging, and legislative and reimbursement issues as they apply to service delivery with the elderly. Students participate in discussions, problem-solving seminars, interaction with well and frail elderly, and review of the current literature regarding effective practice with the elderly. Prerequisites: OTMS 54000 or OTBS 44000. (F,Y)
Attributes: SL
3 Credits

OTMS 67100 Group Research I

A research course for students who do not elect to conduct individual research for a thesis. It includes the reading and criticism of research related to a faculty-designed research project, collecting and analyzing data, and the writing of results and discussion of findings of the project. Elective alternate to OTMS 67300. (F,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 67120 Group Research II

This is a research course for students who did not elect to conduct individual research for a thesis (elective alternative to OTMS 67300). It covers the process of completing and reporting a designed research project. This course follows OTMS 67110, wherein students have initiated the research process. This course will allow students the opportunity to complete data collection, analyze, discuss, and report findings both orally and in writing. (S)
3 Credits

OTMS 67200 Individual Thesis Research I (NLA)

Preparation of a thesis proposal and the first three chapters (introduction, literature review, and methodology) of an independent, scholarly research paper under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty in occupational therapy. Data collection is initiated. The graduate committee must approve the proposal. Prerequisites: OTBS 46500 or OTMS 56500. (F,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 67300 Individual Thesis Research II

Completion of independent research, including collecting data and analyzing results. Preparation of a scholarly research paper under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty in occupational therapy. An oral presentation of the thesis is required. Elective. (S,Y)
3 Credits

OTMS 68400 School-Based Occupational Therapy (NLA)

Exploration of the current trends in occupational therapy practice in schools. Includes the individual educational plan (IEP) process, the education team and system, treatment implementation, and documentation methodologies appropriate to school systems. Programming for children from birth to age 21 is included. (S, IRR)
Attributes: OTGE
2 Credits

OTMS 68500 Hand Therapy (NLA)

Seminar on the knowledge, skills, and practices of hand therapy and rehabilitation. Hand injuries and surgery, use of physical agent modalities in hand therapy, treatment protocols, advanced splinting, and ethical and legal issues are covered. (S,Y)
Attributes: OTGE
2 Credits

OTMS 68800 Occupational Therapy in Early Intervention (NLA)

A study of the impact of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors on the occupational development of young children with disabilities. Practice skills in assessment and family-centered intervention for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. (S,IRR)
Attributes: OTGE
2 Credits

OTMS 69000-69001 Clinical Fieldwork II - Adult/Geriatric

Three months of full-time, supervised clinical experience with the opportunity to treat adult/geriatric patients. Assignment in training center programs approved in accordance with the American Occupational Therapy Association standards of practice for occupational therapy education. Required course. Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only. (April-June,Y)
6 Credits

OTMS 69500 Clinical Fieldwork II - Elective Specialty

Two or three months of full-time, supervised clinical experience with opportunity to plan, implement, and evaluate treatment for patients or clients in a specialty area selected by the student in consultation with the fieldwork coordinator. Required course. Satisfactory/unsatisfactory only. Prerequisites: OTMS 60000; OTMS 69000. (SU,Y)
4 Credits

OTMS 69600 Elective Internship

An eight-week, full-time (or equivalent) internship that provides the opportunity for the student to apply occupational therapy theory and principles in a nontraditional setting under the supervision of a person with demonstrated competence in a specialized area of consultation or service delivery. Alternative to OTMS 69500. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all courses in the graduate program and Clinical Fieldwork II (OTMS 60000 and OTMS 69000). (SU,Y)
4 Credits

OTMS 69900 Graduate Independent Study

Individual research and writing in an area of occupational therapy practice, research, or theory under supervision of an occupational therapy faculty member. An approved design statement is required upon registration. Prerequisites: Permission of supervising faculty member, graduate department chair, and dean. (F,S,SU)
1-3 Credits