MSOT Program Course Descriptions
Semester I:
Human Occupation:
3 cr
This course introduces students to the broad concept of occupation by exploring ways people
acquire skills for occupational performance. Students will develop an understanding of the
relations between health and occupation, disability and occupation, and explore how humans find
meaning in their lives, through occupation. Students will examine developmental themes and
models of childhood and adolescent occupation, including activities of daily living, play,
education, social skill development, and vocational exploration. The impact of physical,
psychological, cognition, and social development on the child as well as the influence of
caretakers, community, and culture will be addressed. Developmental themes and theoretical
models of the adult life cycle, from early to late adulthood will include examination of physical,
psychological, cognitive, and social changes and the influence of culture, race, and gender on
occupations and adaptation. Emphasis will be placed on individual differences and the impact of
sociocultural context or areas of occupation such as work, activities of daily living, play,
education, social participation, and spiritual practices.
Prerequisites: Admittance to Program
Occupational Therapy Practice:
3 cr
Students will be introduced to foundation knowledge, values and philosophy of occupational
therapy practice, and OT practice models and frameworks. Comparison of different frameworks
will be conducted based on client profile, contextual surroundings and individual therapy goals.
Students will learn the skills necessary to apply professional behaviors and skills required to be
ethical practitioners. They will learn about various practice settings and systems within which
occupational therapists practice to prepare them to begin making decisions regarding their
fieldwork site selections.
Prerequisites: Admittance to Program
Occupational Therapy Practice in Psychosocial Dysfunction/Lab
4 cr
This course examines the evaluation of psychosocial and psycho-emotional areas of occupational
performance and the planning and implementation of occupation-based interventions across
domains of practice and client populations. The course addresses developing a client's
occupational profile, narrative reasoning and therapeutic use of self, behavioral change, illness
representation, and adjustment to chronic disorders. A specific focus of the course is evaluation
of and intervention for clients' presenting with mental health disorders. Students will review the
theoretical backgrounds that have historical or current significance in the practice of
occupational therapy with individuals who are mentally ill.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Human Occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice
1
Occupational Therapy Practice in Physical Dysfunction/Lab
4 cr
Basic treatment principles for neurologic, orthopedic, degenerative, and traumatic conditions,
including CVA, arthritis, burns, fractures, and spinal cord injuries, as well as theory and research
in relation to treatment, will be presented during lectures. A basic overview of human body-mind
systems will be provided with an emphasis on pathology, the recognition of symptoms, their
causes and the occupational implications of the disorders. Laboratory experiences will stress
motor, sensory, and perceptual evaluations; comprehensive treatment planning; splint
fabrication; and transfers.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Human Occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice
Semester II:
Group Dynamics/Lab
4 cr
Group Dynamics involves the exploration of the interactions that occur in small and large group
systems. Classes and readings focus on theories of group process that lead to effective group
functioning, theories of small group functioning and elements of group process that lead to
effective group formation, development, and closure. Group experiences in class will assist in
integrating theoretical learning, building upon skills for group observation, leadership, and
individual membership. The class will be part of its own laboratory in small group dynamics.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Human Occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice
Health Ethics and Law (HP 601)
3 cr
This is a graduate-level course introducing students to the complex area of health care ethics and
law, through examination of theories, principles, and current issues in health care ethics and
development of laws that guide health care administration, practice, and research, and the
medical product industry. Ethical and legal issues related to organizational and professional
responsibility, patient rights and informed consent, reproduction, end-of-life care, duty to treat
and duty to warn, and clinical research and experimentation, are among the areas of study and
discussion. This course is a requirement for the Master of Science in Health Administration,
Health Product Regulation, Nursing Leadership/Regulatory Affairs, and Nursing
Leadership/Business Management and the MS in Occupational Therapy.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Admittance to Program
OT Evaluation and Intervention for Children and Adolescents/Lab
4 cr
Students will gain foundation knowledge of OT evaluation and intervention processes. Students
will apply clinical reasoning for the evaluation and treatment of children with various conditions,
and across age groups. Course content will focus on supporting the occupations of the child
within an environmental context with an emphasis on family and sociocultural factors. Students
will examine major theoretical frames of reference based upon current research and will learn to
apply this to planning occupational therapy evaluations and interventions. Students will learn
common assessment tools used by occupational therapists, and how to select and critique
evaluation methods. Select cases will be used for the application of knowledge, interventions,
and frames of reference used with children.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Human Occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice, OT Practice
in Psychosocial Dysfunction/Lab, OT Practice in Physical Dysfunction/Lab
2
OT Evaluation and Intervention for Adults and Older Adults/Lab
4 cr
Students will gain foundation knowledge of OT evaluation and intervention processes with
adults with neurological and orthopedic conditions. Students will apply the clinical reasoning
processes to clinical practice with adults with various types of medical conditions. Students will
learn about common assessment tools available to occupational therapists for adults, as well as
where, when, and how to apply them. The course includes examination of theories of aging,
including physiological, psychological, and functional changes and the influence of culture, race,
and gender in the experience of aging. Through clinical reasoning, students will learn to evaluate
and facilitate functional performance in older adults in a variety of environments, ranging from
community to institutional settings. Students will develop technical skills in administering
selected evaluation tools, in integrating assessment data, and demonstrate clinical decisions
about intervention planning and implementation. Selected cases will be used for application of
knowledge.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Human Occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice, OT Practice
in Psychosocial Dysfunction/Lab, OT Practice in Physical Dysfunction/Lab
Note: This course will include a Problem-Based Learning component that encourages students
to apply clinical reasoning and material from previous courses in a practice/case-based context.
Semester III:
Community-Based Practice/Lab
4 cr
Students will learn the necessary skills, knowledge, and roles utilized by occupational therapists
in community-based settings. Topics will include program planning, design, and
implementation, legislative and systems issues related to community-based practice, program
evaluation, entrepreneurship, and future directions in community-based practice. Students will
discuss and evaluate models for early intervention programs, adult day health programs, primary
care models, low vision and fall prevention programs, forensic mental health, return-to-work,
and other similar models of community-based practice. This course includes a service learning
component.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Human Occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice, OT Practice
in Psychosocial Dysfunction/Lab, OT Practice in Physical Dysfunction/Lab, Group
Dynamics/Lab, OT Eval & Intervention Children/Adolescents/Lab, OT Eval & Intervention
Adults/Older Adults/Lab
Assistive Technology
3 cr
This course will examine the problems associated with designing and providing assistive devices
to individuals with disabilities, in order to assist mobility, communication, positioning,
environmental control and daily living. Processes discussed will include needs assessment,
search for available devices, resources available, and creative problem solving. Students will
work with materials commonly used to create individualized devices, as well as in teams on a
design for a specific user or group. Problems of funding and delivery of devices will also be
explored.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Human Occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice, OT Practice
in Psychosocial Dysfunction/Lab, OT Practice in Physical Dysfunction/Lab
3
Research Methods
3 cr
This course will explore components of the research process in the context of occupational
therapy. This includes developing research questions, conducting a literature search and review,
data collection and data analysis, drawing conclusions from data, ethics in research, and sharing
research findings.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Human Occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice, OT Practice
in Psychosocial Dysfunction/Lab, OT Practice in Physical Dysfunction/Lab
School-Based Practice
3 cr
Students will gain knowledge and experience in the practical application of educationally
relevant occupational therapy service provision in the context of the school. Topics include:
screening, assessment, planning, and implementation of interventions, consultation models,
documentation, the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) process, understanding eligibility for
special education services, evaluation of caseloads, and direct and alternative strategies for
supporting children in the educational process.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Human Occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice, OT Practice
in Psychosocial Dysfunction/Lab, OT Practice in Physical Dysfunction/Lab, OT Eval &
Intervention Children/Adolescents/Lab
Semester IV:
Clinical Reasoning in OT
3 cr
This course will focus on the development of occupational therapy reasoning skills based on
theoretical and practice learning. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to make, reflect on,
analyze, and critique observations, as well as make interpretations based on these observations.
Students will explore the procedural components of the clinical reasoning process with reference
to the profession's practice framework, evidence-based practice, selected theoretical models and
practice areas. Topics include principles of evaluation, outcome measures, evidence-based
practice, client-centered practice, clinical documentation, pain management, client problem and
goal identification, development of PICO questions, searching and analyzing literature, preparing
Rx plans, and presentation to the client.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: : Human Occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice, OT Practice
in Psychosocial Dysfunction/Lab, OT Practice in Physical Dysfunction/Lab, Group
Dynamics/Lab, OT Eval & Intervention Children/Adolescents/Lab, OT Eval & Intervention
Adults/Older Adults/Lab, Community Based Practice/Lab
Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation/Lab
4 cr
This course will serve as an introduction to the specialization of hand therapy within the field of
occupational therapy. Limitations in hand function can cause a decreased level of participation in
life’s tasks and individual roles. Therapies, interventions, modalities and exercises to use in hand
therapy will be addressed. The lab will be used for assessment and fabrication of splints to meet
specific needs.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: OT Eval & Intervention Children/Adolescents/Lab, OT Eval &
Intervention Adults/Older Adults/Lab
4
OT Leadership
3 cr
Students will integrate concepts, principles, and strategies that are fundamental to the provision
of occupational therapy services in the changing U.S. health care system. This course links
system management, reimbursement mechanisms, and public policy found in occupational
therapy practice settings to the populations served. Knowledge of leadership, management, ethics
and marketing principles that are necessary for success in today's health care industry are
emphasized.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Human Occupation, Occupational Therapy Practice, Health Ethics
& Law, OT Eval & Intervention Children/Adolescents/Lab, OT Eval & Intervention Adults/Older
Adults/Lab
Special Topics in Occupational Therapy
3 cr
Presentations will be given by faculty, guest lecturers and students covering selected topics or
subjects of special interest. Students will be required to research and present information related
to one or more of the following areas: A) Administration; B) Clinical Education; C) Pediatrics;
D) Physical Disabilities; E) Mental Health; F) Gerontology/Geriatrics; G) School-based Practice,
and others.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Group Dynamics/Lab, OT Eval & Intervention
Children/Adolescents/Lab, OT Eval & Intervention Adults/Older Adults/Lab, Community Based
Practice/Lab, Research Methods
Note: This course will also include development and presentation of a comprehensive portfolio
describing an overview of each student’s work, accomplishments, and achieved objectives in the
curriculum.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork IA and IB
.5 cr each
Students will perform observations in various occupational therapy settings and assist, as
appropriate, in the planning and implementation of occupational therapy services. The Level I
Fieldwork placement is scheduled during the second and third semesters of the fulltime program
(later in the progression for part time students). The Fieldwork components will include a
seminar class, reflective journals, and on-line discussion forums.
Prerequisites: B- or above in all coursework to date; students must have completed at least 4
courses within the MSOT program prior to beginning Fieldwork IA.
Fieldwork IIA and IIB
8 cr each
Each part of Fieldwork II is a 12-week, full-time internship that takes place after the completion
of all required coursework. Level II fieldwork provides students with opportunities to:
experience in-depth delivery of occupational therapy services to clients; focus on the application
of purposeful and meaningful occupation and/or research, administration and management of
occupational therapy services. Level II fieldwork is designed to promote clinical reasoning and
reflective practice, to transmit values and beliefs that promote ethical practice and to develop
professionalism and competence in career responsibilities. Students must complete both
Fieldwork II segments to meet program requirements.
Prerequisites: Completion of all coursework (except for Fieldwork Discussion Course) with a Bor above; Concurrently registered for Fieldwork Online Discussion Course
5
Level II Fieldwork Online Discussion Course
2 cr
Students will respond to instructor-lead discussion prompts as well as to postings of their
classmates. The online discussion provides the opportunity for students to relate fieldwork
experiential learning to all areas of Regis College coursework including: mind-body systems,
health-and-human systems of care; assessment; intervention; documentation; evidence-based
practice; client-centered and occupation-centered practice; and application of research to
practice. Students will engage in on-going discussions about professional identity and the
transition from student to professional as they describe and discuss fieldwork challenges and
successes across a variety of practice settings. Must be taken concurrently with Fieldwork IIA
and IIB.
Prerequisites: Completion of all coursework with a B- or above, and concurrently registered for
Fieldwork II
6