Degree Requirements

Attaining the OTD degree requires the successful completion of all didactic courses, clinical fieldworks, and a capstone experience and project as sequenced into nine consecutive semesters. The two full-time clinical fieldworks and one capstone experience are completed at off-campus sites, and students are responsible for all travel and living expenses during the fieldworks and capstone experience.

Satisfactory progress through the Program requires a GPA of B (3.00) each semester. The minimum passing grade for each course is a C (2.00) as long as the semester GPA is maintained at a grade of B (3.00).

Level two fieldworks and the capstone experience must be completed within a 24 month period of time after the completion of the didactic portion of the program.

Transfer Credit

The Occupational Therapy Program may accept up to 9 credits of program-specific courses that will be considered on a case by case basis. The coursework must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution, from a program currently accredited by the program’s accrediting body and taken within the 2 years prior to requesting consideration for transfer. The courses will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee of the program, including a faculty member with knowledge/expertise in the content area of the course being considered, to determine equivalency to program courses in the Occupational Therapy Program at Emory & Henry College.

In order to consider transfer of credit to these programs, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

An applicant cannot have been dismissed by another program secondary to not meeting academic or professional standards.
An applicant seeking transfer to this program must meet the minimal standard requirements for acceptance into the program.

Students are assigned an academic advisor within the program to monitor their progress and to recommend resources for students experiencing academic difficulty. Students who fail to maintain the academic requirements and/or ethical policies are subject to probation or dismissal. Students dismissed from the Program may apply for readmission after one year. Please refer to the Program’s Student Handbook for details on all academic policies.

OTD Curriculum Sequence

Fall-Year One

OTD 700 Human Anatomy 1

This course will cover normal human gross anatomy with emphasis on the structure and physiology of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary and integumentary systems across the lifespan. Other anatomical systems will be covered briefly, especially as they relate to the function of the four emphasized systems. This course is designed to help students establish a foundational understanding of the neuromusculoskeletal systems of the human body for the practice of occupational therapy. We will take a regional approach covering the arms, trunk, head, and legs. At the end of the class you will have an understanding of how structure of the human body determines function as a prelude to a clinical understanding of how to treat structural dysfunction. Student domain of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge. Three semester hours.
OTD 701 Human Anatomy 2

This course will cover normal human gross anatomy with emphasis on the structure and physiology of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary and integumentary systems across the lifespan. Other anatomical systems will be covered briefly, especially as they relate to the function of the four emphasized systems. This course is designed to accompany OTD700, helping students establish a foundational understanding of the neuromusculoskeletal systems of the human body, through cadaver dissection, for the practice of occupational therapy. We will take a regional approach covering the arms, trunk, head, and legs. At the end of the class you will have an understanding of how structure of the human body determines function as a prelude to a clinical understanding of how to treat structural dysfunction. Student domain of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge. Six lab hours. Two semester hours.
OTD 702 Kinesiology for OT

This course provides knowledge and understanding of basic concepts of kinesiology including normal human movement and how movements occur at the joint level. This course emphasizes movement and function of the upper extremities, axial skeleton, and lower extremities. Training is provided for range of motion and manual muscle testing procedures. Student domains of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge and assessment/Intervention Skills. Two lecture hours and three lab hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 710 Foundations in OT

This course provides an introduction to history and philosophy and key terminology used in the profession including OT Framework, role and meaning of occupation, occupational science, ethics, documentation and task/activity analysis. Student domain of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge. Three lecture hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 711 OT Across the Lifespan

This course looks at human and occupational development throughout the lifespan. Discusses health literacy and OT’s role in many different settings such as early child intervention, schools, hospitals, outpatient centers, home health, community, higher education, consultant, contract, entrepreneur and other emerging practice areas. Introduction to OT associations on a state, national and international level. Student domain of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge. Three lecture hours. Three semester hours.

Total 14 credit hours

Spring-Year One

OTD 703 Applied Neuroscience

This course will study basics of neuroanatomy and the nervous system and how neurological conditions have an impact on occupational performance. Neurological screening and assessments for cognitive, visual perception, functional mobility issues and other areas of the OT framework will be covered as well as clinic safety. Student domains of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge and Assessment/Intervention Skills. Three lecture hours and three lab hours. Four semester hours.
OTD 712 OT Theory

This course compares, contrasts and applies use of theories, models of practice and frames of reference in the evaluation and intervention process. Discusses role of occupation in health promotion and how health conditions affect occupational performance. Student domains of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge and Assessment/Intervention skills. Three lecture hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 741 Evidence-Based Practice

This course examines the topic of evidence-based practice including introduction to research design, use of statistics, standardized test scores, validity and reliability and ability to produce critically appraised topics. Discusses importance of scholarly activities as well as professional advocacy. Students will be required to complete IRB training. Student domains of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge and Clinical/Professional Application. Two lecture hours. Two semester hours.
OTD 751 OT Process in Mental Health

This course focuses on identifying occupational needs through assessment/intervention for clients with mental health and/or psychosocial issues. Teaches appropriate selection and implementation of assessments and interventions including group-based intervention, group dynamics, therapeutic use of self, stress management, and living skills training. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills and Clinical/Professional Application. Three lecture hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 752 OT Process in Pediatrics

This course focuses on identifying the occupational needs through assessment/intervention for the pediatric population. The role of OT for birth to three, school-based practice, and clinic/hospital-based practice are covered including professional reasoning, group interventions, feeding/eating/swallowing, selection of appropriate assessments/interventions, standardized testing and documentation of OT services. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills and Clinical/Professional Application. Two lecture hours and three lab hours. Three semester hours.

Total 15 credit hours

Summer-Year One

OTD 713 Modalities and Practice Techniques

This course covers theoretical concepts, indications, contraindications, and clinical reasoning for the selection/application for the safe use of various types of superficial thermal/mechanical, deep thermal/electrotherapeutic modalities, basics in splinting, taping procedures, massage, joint mobilization and other manual therapy techniques. Students will be required to complete competencies (skills assessment) for proper and safe use of the modalities. Student domains of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge; Assessment/Intervention Skills and Clinical/Professional Applications. Three lecture or lab hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 721 Clinical Reasoning 1

This course uses case studies and reflection to promote integrating knowledge and application of task analysis, influences of sociocultural and socioeconomic factors, theoretical concepts, assessments and screens and development of occupation-based intervention plans in the practice areas of pediatrics, introductory neuroscience, mental health. Course will include introductory training to an online electronic medical record and documentation system. Course will emphasize preparation for board examination in these areas including an annual competency and exam. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills and Clinical/Professional Application. Three lecture hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 742 Applied Research in OT

This course provides instruction for understanding and use of most commonly used quantitative and qualitative statistics. Students will be able to design a scholarly proposal including research question, literature review, sample, design, measurement, and data analysis. Student domain of learning used: Clinical/Professional Application. Two lecture hours. Two semester hours.
OTD 753 Assistive Technology Across Lifespan

This course covers assessments and interventions involving assistive technology across the lifespan. Students will be able to complete wheelchair evaluations, home assessments, ergonomic assessments, teach compensatory strategies, and show understanding of environmental control systems/computer access/ and augmentative-communication technologies. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills and Clinical/Professional Application. Two lecture hours and three lab hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 781 Fieldwork 1:1

This course provides fieldwork education that focuses on the application of evaluation, intervention and consultation working with pediatrics and clients with mental health and/or psychosocial issues. Activities will be implemented with individuals and/or groups. Students will comply with high ethical, confidential, and practice standards. This course will require an average of 12 hours a week in a clinic, hospital, or community-based setting. Student domain of learning used: Clinic/Fieldwork Education. Two semester hours.

Total 13 credit hours

Fall-Year Two

OTD 743 Research Project 1

This course includes a group research project supervised by a faculty member. Students will develop a research design project, complete a written proposal, seek IRB approval and begin preparation for implementation. Student domain of learning used: Clinical/Professional Application. Two semester hours.
OTD 814 Professional Development

This course addresses many professional issues involving global areas, OT associations, legislature, policy development, reimbursement and appeals mechanisms, credentialing, roles of OT and OTA, state licensure practice acts, ethical conflicts, professional development, liability and fieldwork education. Students will participate in a service learning component, an intraprofessional OT/OTA simulation activity and an advocacy activity through a grant design and/or writing activity to promote OT services for the local and/or other communities. Student domains of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge, Assessment/Intervention Skills and Clinical/Professional Application. Two lecture hours. Two semester hours.
OTD 816 Program Evaluation and Development

This course covers applying and analyzing quality indicators, outcome systems and measures, and program evaluation items in order to make programmatic decisions in a clinical, educational or other healthcare related settings. Includes plan care coordination, case management, and transition services topics. Course promotes leadership in ability to plan, develop, organize and market delivery of health services to include locating and writing a grant, licensure and credentialing, determining programmatic needs, identifying service delivery options, and formulation and management of staffing for effective service provision. Student domains of learning used: Clinical /Professional Application. Three semester hours.
OTD 854 OT Process in Adults/Older Adults

This course covers all aspects of identifying occupational needs of adults and older adults through assessments and interventions. This course includes selecting and implementing appropriate assessments and interventions for many different types of adult conditions and various adult treatment settings. Training includes areas such as self-care, self-management, health management, compensatory strategies, grading and adapting activities, and referring to specialists. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills and Clinical/Professional Application. Three lecture hours and three lab hours. Four semester hours.
OTD 855 OT Process in Hand/UE Rehabilitation

This course covers all aspects of identifying occupational needs in hand and upper extremity conditions, trauma, and/or injury through assessments and interventions. This course includes many different upper extremity conditions, specialized tests, static and dynamic splinting techniques, joint mobilization and handling techniques, massage methods, kinesio taping, and application of modalities. Student domains of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge; Assessment/Intervention Skills and Clinical/Professional Application. Two lecture hours and three lab hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 901 Capstone 1

This course will include an exploration of topics and settings for a potential capstone experience and project in the areas of clinical practice, research skills, administration, leadership, education, and theory development. By the end of this course each student will select an area of interest and will be assigned a faculty mentor. Student domain of learning used: Clinical/Professional Application. Two semester hours.

Total 16 credit hours

Spring-Year Two

OTD 744 Research Project 2

This course includes a group research project supervised by a faculty member. Students will implement an approved research project including data collection, data analysis of results, and completion of a written scholarly report that is presented at a local/state or national conference and/or publication. Student domain of learning used: Clinical/Professional Application. Two semester hours.
OTD 782 Fieldwork 1:2

This course provides fieldwork education in a variety of settings where students apply clinical and professional reasoning in safely selecting and implementing assessments and interventions to meet the occupational needs of clients. Fieldwork experiences may include supervision by clinical educator in a practice setting, faculty practice, simulation lab with standardized patients, or faculty-led site visits. Students will spend an average of 30-40 hours per semester engaging in fieldwork 1:2 experiences. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills; Clinical/Professional Application and Clinic/Fieldwork Education. Two semester hours.
OTD 815 Management and Organization in Healthcare

This course covers all aspects of management, supervision, and organization in occupational therapy and healthcare. Course includes topics such as ethics, role of OT/OTA, practice outcomes, quality improvement, consultation, liability, advocacy, interviewing, credentialing, reimbursement/payor systems, legislation, program development, marketing and writing a business plan. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills, Clinical/Professional Application and Clinic/Fieldwork Education. Three lecture hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 856 Advanced Assessment and Intervention in Neurological Rehabilitation

This course covers advanced assessment and intervention strategies for persons of all ages with various neurological conditions. Intervention strategies will include various handling techniques commonly used with neurological conditions. Common neurological conditions will include, but not be limited to, the following: Stroke; Brain Injury; Guillain Barre; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis; Parkinson’s; Cerebral Palsy; Muscular Dystrophy; Dystonia; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders; Spinal Cord Injury; and Spina Bifida. Student domains of learning used: Sciences/Knowledge; Assessment/Intervention; and Clinical/Professional Application. Two lecture hours and three lab hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 857 OT Process in Community/Rural Health

This course covers all aspects of identifying occupational needs in the community and for clients in rural health. This course will include topics dealing with global issues, OT associations at an international/national/state/local level, designing quality improvement plan, program development, training/educational methods and community-based rehabilitation. This course will include engagement in a community service-learning project. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills, Clinical/Professional Application and Clinic/Fieldwork Education. Three lecture or lab hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 902 Capstone 2

This course will include completion of a literature review and needs assessment based on the area of interest selected in Capstone 1 course. A potential site and supervisor for the capstone experience and project will be explored and identified. Each student will submit a draft proposal of a plan for the capstone experience and project that will be approved by the capstone coordinator and/or faculty mentor. Student domain of learning used: Clinical/Professional Application. Two semester hours.

Total 15 credit hours

Summer-Year Two

OTD 783 Fieldwork 1:3

This course provides fieldwork education in an adult physical dysfunction setting where students apply clinical and professional reasoning in safely selecting and implementing assessments and interventions to meet the occupational needs of clients. This course will require an average of 80 hours in a clinic, hospital, or other OT setting supervised by a clinical educator. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills; Clinical/Professional Application and Clinic/Fieldwork Education. Two semester hours.
OTD 801 Advanced Practice Topics

This course provides a content review of current practice and evidence-based practice in specialty and emerging areas in OT. Students participate in clinical training activities in a variety of practice areas of OT in the community throughout the semester. Students will design and present a continuing education hour course to local practitioners and/or other health professionals. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills; Clinical/Professional Application and Clinic/Fieldwork Education. Two lecture hours and three lab hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 810 Fieldwork and Board Prep

This course includes final preparations for level two fieldworks as well as developing a study plan for the NBCOT board exam. Preparations for level two fieldworks include each student meeting all immunization and training requirements by fieldwork sites, review of fieldwork expectations, professional behavior expectations, and other requirements and expectations. Preparations for the NBCOT board exam includes reviewing content areas, content area quizzes, taking the OTKE board prep exam, and developing a specific study plan based on content quizzes and OTKE results. Student domains of learning used: Clinical/Professional Application and Clinic Fieldwork Education. Two semester hours.
OTD 822 Clinical Reasoning 2

This course uses case studies and reflection to promote integrating knowledge and application of task analysis, influences of sociocultural and socioeconomically factors, theoretical concepts, documentation, and development of occupation-based intervention plans in the practice areas of adults, older adults, neurological conditions, hand/upper extremity conditions and assistive technology issues. Course will emphasize preparation for board exam in these areas including an annual competency and exam. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills and Clinical/Professional Application. Three lecture hours. Three semester hours.
OTD 903 Capstone 3

This course will include completion of a capstone experience and project proposal that includes the following: literature review; needs assessment; goals and objectives; project details; and an evaluation plan. Each student must receive approval for their plan from the capstone coordinator and/or faculty mentor. A memorandum of understanding must be completed and signed by the student, capstone experience site supervisor, capstone coordinator, and the faculty mentor. Student domain of learning used: Clinical/Professional Application. Two semester hours.

Total 12 credit hours

Fall-Year Three

OTD 803 Fieldwork 2:1

Prerequisites for this course include successful completion of all previous professional and fieldwork courses and approval of Program Director. This course includes clinical training for 40 hours per week for 12 weeks in an OT setting supervised by an occupational therapist. This course will prepare the student for being competent in occupational therapy entry-level practice including using clinical and professional reasoning skills. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills; Occupational Therapy Process, Clinical/Professional Application and Clinic/Fieldwork Education. Six semester hours.
OTD 811 Fieldwork Seminar

This course will be provided in an online format while students are participating in Fieldwork 2:1. This course will promote student reflection, professional reasoning and integration of previous course material, preparation for board exam, and current OT practice experience at fieldwork site. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills and Clinic/Fieldwork Education. Three Semester Hours.

Total 9 credit hours

Spring-Year Three

OTD 804 Fieldwork 2:2

Prerequisites for this course include successful completion of all previous professional and fieldwork courses and approval of Program Director. This course includes clinical training for 40 hours per week for 12 weeks in an OT setting supervised by an occupational therapist. This course will prepare the student for being competent in occupational therapy entry-level practice including using clinical and professional reasoning skills. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills; Clinical/Professional Application and Clinic/Fieldwork Education. Six semester hours.
OTD 823 Clinical Reasoning 3

This course will be provided in an online format with at least one two-day workshop. This course will provide reflection of fieldwork experiences including safe practice ideas, ethical considerations, therapeutic use of self, impact of contextual factors, and professional responsibility for fieldwork education. Also, this course will include preparation for national board exam preparation. Student domains of learning used: Assessment/Intervention Skills; Clinical/Professional Application and Clinic/Fieldwork Education. Three semester hours.

Total 9 credit hours

Summer-Year Three

OTD 904 Capstone Experience

This course will include completion of 14 weeks (560 hours) mentored experience at a site as approved in the capstone plan and memorandum of understanding agreement in Capstone 2 course. No more than 20% of the 560 hours can occur offsite from the approved mentor experience site. Six semester hours.
OTD 905 Capstone Project

The capstone project will be completed at the mentored capstone experience site as approved in Capstone 3 course. The project will demonstrate synthesis and application of knowledge gained during the capstone mentored experience. Results of the project will be submitted in form of a paper and poster. Dissemination of the results will occur at a school event approved by the capstone coordinator. Student domain of learning used: Clinical/Professional Application. Three semester hours.

Total 9 credit hours