Department of Occupational Therapy
Melinda Cozzolino, Associate Professor and Chairperson
Amie Germain, Associate Professor and Chair 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, well-being, 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 a six-year combined bachelor’s and doctoral program to meet this mission. The curriculum of the six-year combined B.S./O.T.D. program in occupational therapy 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. Academic instruction is complemented by graduate level fieldwork experiences (24 weeks full-time) and a 14-week (540 hour) doctoral capstone experience. Students are provided with a strong general education and the opportunity to explore special interests in academic, clinical, and research arenas. The B.S./O.T.D. program is six years in length and leads to a doctorate in occupational therapy. Students in this program receive a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational science at the completion of four years of study. They are not eligible for licensure or certification until they complete the graduate years.
The graduate portion of the combined B.S./O.T.D. degree program consists of three academic semesters, two full-time fieldwork experiences (24 weeks total), and a 14-week doctoral capstone experience. Fieldworks and the doctoral capstone experience are completed at sites throughout the country. Travel and housing arrangements for fieldwork and capstone are the responsibility of the student.
Students typically enter the B.S./O.T.D. program as first-year college students, but transfer students may also be accepted. The transfer application process is outlined under the "Policies and Procedures" tab of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance page. Transfer into the occupational therapy program is limited to available openings.
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 wishing to make a formal complaint against the occupational therapy program should contact ACOTE directly.
Graduates of the O.T.D. occupational therapy program are 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 New York and all other states, a professional license is also required for practice. The NBCOT examination serves as the licensing exam in most states. Students are, however, required to apply separately for licensure and certification upon graduation.
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
Special Academic Status Policy for Students in the Combined B.S./O.T.D. Occupational Therapy Program
Students majoring in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy must meet certain academic standards to continue in the major and to be admitted into the graduate portion of the program.
Good Academic Standing: A student is in good academic standing if they have met all academic standards.
Course grade requirement: Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of at least a C in all professional courses, including major courses and required courses outside the major. Please note that students are expected to maintain a minimum B average (3.0 semester and cumulative GPA) and consistent C’s will not meet this standard. A student in any year of study who fails to complete a required course with a grade of C or better must repeat the course (see “Repeating a Course" in the “Credit and Grade Information” section). Since many courses are offered once per year and are specifically sequenced, course failure may result in the delay of fieldwork and graduation. Note: This is not a criterion for program warning or dismissal.
GPA requirements: Students must achieve a minimum 3.0 semester and cumulative GPA to remain in good academic standing. Additionally, students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 by the conclusion of the junior fall in order to continue in the major.
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.
Requirement to progress into the graduate portion of the program: In order to progress into the graduate portion of the B.S./O.T.D. program, students must have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better in their major-specific coursework and an overall cumulative 3.0 GPA for all coursework completed. Students must complete all requirements for the B.S. in occupational science and be approved by the faculty before taking fieldwork courses.
Note: In order to be eligible to take OTDR 500 level courses, students must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have completed at least 60 undergraduate credits.
Program Warning and Dismissal
A student who does not meet criteria for Good Academic Standing (i.e. fails to meet any of the academic standards stated above) may be placed on program warning, suspended, or dismissed from the program (see the discussion in the “Academic Affairs Information” section). 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.
Undergraduate students in the combined B.S./O.T.D. program will be placed on program warning if any of the following occur:
1. A student earns less than a 3.0 semester GPA;
2. A student has documented professional behavior concern(s).
Undergraduate 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 the subsequent semester (i.e. two consecutive semesters on program warning);
2. A student earns less than a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the completion of the fall semester of the junior year;
3. A student has a documented professional behavior concern(s) that has not been resolved within the specified timeframe;
4. 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.
A senior in the combined B.S./O.T.D. program who meets the criteria for dismissal will be allowed to continue in the program to earn the B.S. degree with the understanding that continuation into the graduate portion of the program will not be permitted.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is an essential part of professional training and is required of all occupational therapy students. Students are assigned to Level I and Level II fieldwork sites locally, and at locations around the United States, based on a combination of student interest, setting type, and site availability. Students can expect that at least some of their placements will be at a distance from home. 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 I fieldworks are embedded into specific undergraduate courses and are not a separate tuition cost. Level II fieldworks are standalone courses in the graduate years and tuition is billed to the student (for more details: <link to OT grad catalog>). For more information on student expenses, see “Graduate Occupational Therapy" costs under "Graduate Tuition & Fees" on the Tuition and Financial Aid website. In UG catalog: https://catalog.ithaca.edu/undergrad/schools/school-health-sciences-human-performance/department-occupational-therapy/occupational-therapy-major-ms/
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
The six-year combined B.S./O.T.D. degree curriculum is designed to provide depth and breadth for students’ professional development, liberal arts education, and analytical skills. 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 B.S./O.T.D. program are eligible to apply to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination upon degree completion.
For information on the graduate portion of the combined B.S./O.T.D. program, please refer to the Graduate Catalog listing.
OTBS 10000 Introduction to Occupational Therapy (NLA)
Explore how practitioners in the field of occupational therapy use purposeful activity to promote health and wellness at individual and population levels. Investigate current areas of practice for occupational therapists and explore the historical roots of the profession. (S,Y)
1 Credit
OTBS 10600 Introduction to Occupational Science (LA)
An overview of the science of human occupation and theoretical models that are used to describe the impact of occupation on individuals. Includes the personal, physical, psychosocial, cultural, and environmental factors of work, self-care, and play/leisure. An introduction to the domain of occupational therapy is included. (F-S, Y)
3 Credits
OTBS 20100 Human Development I (LA)
Explore developmental theories as they pertain to child development and childhood occupations. Study how children develop by examining theories and principles pertaining to the development of cognition, social and emotional behaviors, sensorimotor skills, play skills, and social identities. Apply developmental theories to developmental patterns and observations of children. Prerequisites: OTBS 10000. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: 1
3 Credits
OTBS 20200 Human Development II (LA)
Explore theories and factors influencing typical developmental progression from adolescence through older adulthood. Study how adolescents and adults develop by examining theories and principles pertaining to the development of cognition, social and emotional behaviors, sensorimotor skills, and social identities. Examine self-care, work, play, and leisure occupations related to development and role performances through older adulthood. Prerequisites: OTBS 20100. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: 1
3 Credits
OTBS 20600 The Culture of Disability (LA)
An examination of the historical and sociocultural construction of disability through readings, discussion, film, and personal narrative. The history of several disability groups will be used as case studies to analyze the ideological, socioeconomic, political, and cultural experience of disability. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. (F,Y)
Attributes: 1, DV, H, SS
3 Credits
OTBS 21000 The Cancer Experience (LA)
Introduction to the major types of cancer, impact of cancer on the individual, basic medical terminology, cultural differences in types of cancer, and external and internal influences on cancer, as well as treatment, adjustments, and coping strategies. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. (IRR)
Attributes: SO, TIDE, TMBS
3 Credits
OTBS 21100 Occupational Therapy in Life Skills (NLA)
Concepts of occupational therapy and other allied health disciplines are applied through observation and direct interaction with the neurologically impaired adult population, attending interdisciplinary team meetings and rounds, and seminar group discussions. Emphasis is on integrating professional behaviors, group activities, basic activity analysis, medical record documentation and client/family interaction within a clinical setting. Prerequisites: OTBS 10600. (S,Y)
1-2 Credits
OTBS 22000 Adult Clinical Practice in Occupational Therapy (NLA)
Observation and participation in clinical treatment provided through the OT/PT clinic at Ithaca College. Treatment of occupational therapy adult clients, as well as participation in other occupational therapy services provided by the clinic. The clinic will provide students with an experiential learning opportunity while serving the needs of adults in the college and local communities. Prerequisites: OTBS 10600. (F,S,U,Y)
1 Credit
OTBS 22100 Pediatric Clinical Practice in Occupational Therapy (NLA)
Observation and participation in clinical treatment provided through the OT/PT clinic at Ithaca College. Treatment of occupational therapy pediatric clients, as well as participation in other occupational therapy services provided by the clinic. The clinic will provide students with an experiential learning opportunity while serving the needs of children in the college and local communities. Prerequisites: OTBS 10600. (F,S,U,Y)
1 Credit
OTBS 30500 Applied Occupations (NLA)
Occupational therapy theory and process are the concentration of this course. Selected theoretical approaches used in occupational therapy are introduced, discussed, compared, and critiqued. Analysis of occupations using occupational therapy models is discussed and practiced. Historical, social, cultural, and political influences on theory development are examined. The teaching-learning process in therapy is applied to the therapeutic process. Prerequisites: OTBS 10600; OTBS 33500. (S,Y)
3 Credits
OTBS 30600 Occupational Apartheid (LA)
Expands on content from OTBS 10600. The premise of occupational justice will be explored: personal, political, historical, sociological, cultural, and environmental influences on individual. Engagement in occupation will be analyzed in relation to occupational apartheid. Application of methods to ameliorate identified problems will be incorporated. Prerequisites: OTBS 10600. (S,O)
Attributes: SS
3 Credits
OTBS 32000 Clinical Psychiatry in Occupational Therapy (NLA)
Study of the basic concepts of identification, definition, and management of psychosocial problems. Major pathological syndromes and their etiologies are examined. Includes an introduction to pharmacology and medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on understanding not only the pathology and medical treatment, but also the effect of the condition on the individual's ability to perform functional activities. Additional emphasis will be placed on children, the elderly, and interdisciplinary teams. Prerequisites: PSYC 32100; OTBS 20200. (S,Y)
3 Credits
OTBS 33500 Individual and Group Work in Health Sciences (LA)
Focuses on therapeutic use of self in individual and 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 life span. Presents knowledge and experiential opportunity to gain skill to be a competent group leader. Lecture and lab format. This course includes a Level I Fieldwork experience. Prerequisites: PSYC 10300; OTBS 10600; OTBS 20100; OTBS 20200; and three credits in sociology and/or anthropology. (F,Y)
4 Credits
OTBS 38500 Quantitative Concepts in Professional Reasoning (LA)
An introduction to quantitative concepts as they relate to professional reasoning in clinical contexts. Particular emphasis will be placed on the statistical interpretation of clinical research studies, utilizing the interplay between descriptive and inferential techniques and critical statistical reasoning. Laboratory sessions focus on developing skills for analyzing data using a commercial statistical software package (SPSS), reflecting on concepts related to data analysis, and presenting quantitative information in charts and tables, and written and oral arguments. Corequiste: OTBS 46000. Prerequisites: Math placement group 1 or 2, or successful completion of MATH 10800 or MATH 11000 with a grade of C- or higher; junior standing. (F,Y)
Attributes: QL
3 Credits
OTBS 39900-39907 Selected Topics in Occupational Therapy
Topics of current interest to faculty and students. Experimental courses are offered under this number and title. This course may be repeated for credit for different selected topics. Prerequisites: As appropriate to topics. (IRR)
1-3 Credits
OTBS 40000 Functional Human Anatomy (LA)
Study of the gross anatomical components of the human body through the use of lecture and lab activities using models and electronic media. Emphasis is placed on the musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular systems of the human body. Prerequisites: BIOL 20600, PTBS 31300, or EXSS 12000 and EXSS 12100 with a C or higher. (U,Y)
5 Credits
OTBS 41000 Neuroscience (LA)
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. Prerequisite: OTBS 40000. (F,Y)
Attributes: NS
3 Credits
OTBS 42100 Kinesiology (LA)
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. Prerequisites: OTBS 40000. (F,Y).
Attributes: NS
4 Credits
OTBS 43000 Applied Interventions in Occupational Therapy (NLA)
Emphasis is on selected occupational therapy intervention methods. The use of orthotics as a preparatory method in intervention, the evaluation and intervention of biomechanical components, and prosthetics as an occupation-based activity are explored. Adaptation of methods of instructing activities of daily living and design of equipment are also covered. Prerequisites: OTBS 30500; OTBS 40000; OTBS 42100. (S,Y)
3 Credits
OTBS 44000 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: OTBS 30500; OTBS 40000. (F,Y)
4 Credits
OTBS 44500 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 practice. Prerequisites: OTBS 30500; OTBS 40000. (S,Y)
4 Credits
OTBS 45000 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. This course includes a clinical FW experience. Prerequisites: OTBS 30500; OTBS 32000; OTBS 40000. (F,Y)
3 Credits
OTBS 45500 Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention Processes in Occupational Therapy (NLA)
Explores the occupational therapy evaluation and intervention processes for the pediatric population. Emphasis placed on development of an occupational profile of the client, analysis of occupational performance, and implementation and re-evaluation of the intervention plan. Includes a clinical fieldwork experience. Prerequisites: OTBS 30500; OTBS 40000. (S,Y)
3 Credits
OTBS 46000 Research Methods in Occupational Therapy (LA)
Review of the basic methods and designs used in occupational therapy research and inquiry. Includes conceptual foundations of research, basic research methodology, and analysis and interpretation of data and reading and use of scholarly literature to write effective arguments. Emphasizes critical evaluation of occupational therapy research literature based on both quantitative and qualitative methods in order to develop evidence-based practitioners. Development of the components of the individual thesis proposal and comprehensive literature reviews with emphasis on writing for professional audiences.Prerequisites: WRTG 10600 or ICSM 10800 or ICSM 11800. Corequiste: OTBS 38500. (F,Y)
Attributes: WI
3 Credits
OTBS 46500 Occupational Therapy Research Seminar (NLA)
A seminar/tutorial-based course that builds on previous classes in research statistics and design, and on clinical/professional courses in the senior year. This course is taken with a faculty member who is conducting research in an area of interest to the student. Construction of a research paper, including the development of a problem statement and research questions suitable for thesis research, and support of these elements with a background, definition, and rationale. Oral presentation of the proposal is required. Prerequisites: OTBS 46000; senior status. (S,Y)
1 Credit
OTBS 47100 Adult Clinical Conditions in Occupational Therapy (NLA)
A study of selected systemic, medical-surgical, orthopedic, and neurological conditions. Basic concepts in the identification, definition, and medical management of these conditions affecting adults and older persons. Emphasis is placed on understanding not only the etiology, pathology, and medical treatment, but also the effect of the condition and its treatment on the person's ability to perform functional activities. Prerequisites: OTBS 40000. (F,Y)
3 Credits
OTBS 47500 Pediatric Clinical Conditions in Occupational Therapy (NLA)
Exploration of the salient medical background of pediatric diseases and conditions. Principles of medical management of selected systemic diseases in children and young adults as a basis for intervention by an occupational therapist. Prerequisites: OTBS 40000; OTBS 41000. (S,Y)
2 Credits
OTBS 48100 ICC Capstone in OT (LA)
Exploration and reflection upon the relationship between experiences with the Ithaca College core curriculum courses and the individual as an occupational being and emerging occupational therapy professional. Emphasis on the proposal, design, and creation of a reflective artifact that demonstrates the changes that have occurred as a result of the ICC experience inside and outside of the study of occupational therapy. An analysis of how learning in the Integrative Core Curriculum contributes to the preparation of the individual in the study of occupational therapy will be discussed and developed. Prerequisites: Senior, permission of instructor. (S,Y)
Attributes: CP
1 Credit
OTBS 49900-49903 Independent Study in Occupational Therapy (NLA)
Individual research and writing in a particular area of occupational therapy, supervised by a faculty member in the department. An approved design statement is required before registration for this course. Prerequisites: Permission of supervising faculty member, student's adviser, department chair, and dean. (F-S,Y)
1-3 Credits