Entry-level OTD Courses
Spalding University Entry-Level OTD Courses
Our entry-level OTD can be completed in nine 13-week trimesters.
Curriculum & Course Descriptions
OT 700: Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy: Meeting Society’s Occupational Needs
Introduces basic tenets of occupational therapy and practice service delivery models. Students will describe and demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical base of the profession and its importance in meeting society’s current and future occupational needs through explaining the meaning and dynamics of occupation and activity; including the interaction of areas of occupation, performance skills, performance patterns, and activity demands. Demonstration of task analysis within practice context(s), including client factors, will occur and provide the basis for attaining course learning outcomes. (4 credit hours)
OT 701: Application of Research Evidence in Practice
Promotes students’ development of scholarship skills including effectively locating, understanding, critiquing, and evaluating research using this knowledge for informing occupational therapy practice. Students will articulate the importance of how scholarly research contributes to the development of knowledge as it relates to occupational therapy. This course includes a review of descriptive and inferential statistics for understanding and critiquing the validity of research. Competence in critiquing the validity of research studies, including designs and methodologies for both quantitative and qualitative research are major learning outcomes of the course. (4 credit hours)
OT 710: Human Anatomy Correlates for Occupational Therapy
Emphasizes knowledge of anatomical foundations of the structure of the musculoskeletal and peripheral neuromuscular system(s). Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the human body and connections with the occupation, activity, and occupational therapy practice. The course applies anatomical knowledge including gross anatomy and experiential learning competencies to the rehabilitation processes. Correlation of knowledge to occupational therapy practice is an outcome for successful course completion. (4 credit hours)
OT 715: Ethical Decision Making in Occupational Therapy
Presentation of professional values, ethics and legal issues for ethical decision-making skills within occupational therapy practice. Students will demonstrate the capacity to analyze ethical issues and make decisions to resolve personal, professional and organizational ethical conflicts including the use of informal and formal strategies within varied practice settings. Developing an ethical and competency-based professional development plan is an outcome for successful completion of the course. (4 credit hours)
OT 718: Neuroscience Foundations for Occupational Therapy Practice
Presents concepts focusing upon the study of the structure and function of the central nervous system. Specific correlates of occupation and occupational performance related to somatosensory, somatomotor, vestibular, diffuse modulatory systems, limbic and higher association cognitive processes are discussed. Demonstrating conceptual knowledge of the concepts of neuroplasticity’s impact on occupational performance, rehabilitative and habilitative processes are major outcomes for successful course completion. (4 credit hours)
OT 720: Movement in Occupations
Analyzes the structure and function of the human body using applied functional movement principles related to occupational therapy intervention. This includes using biomechanics, kinematics, and kinetics of human movement through didactic and lab experiences. Students will demonstrate the use of standardized and non-standardized musculoskeletal assessment tools along with skilled observation to document the need for occupational therapy intervention. Evaluation procedures including manual muscle testing, range of motion, and other related skills are presented. Students will demonstrate task analysis competence and safety of self and others in teaching-learning training for enhancing functional mobility. (4 credit hours)
OT 725: Occupations in Life: A Theoretical and Applied Perspective
Presents theoretical constructs of occupation and occupational performance and how they form the basis for occupation-based evaluation and intervention. Environmental concepts influencing occupational performance and quality of life will also be discussed. A major goal of this class is to compare and contrast current theoretical models of practice and frames of references including their use for specific populations. As part of this process, students will articulate how the history of the profession contributed to the development of models and frames of references and how they have been influenced by the profession’s current emphasis on evidence-based practice. (4 credit hours)
OT 730 Research and Implementing Evidence into Practice
This course builds upon the knowledge and evidence-based practice skills developed in OT 701. Students will advance their ability to apply evidence to practice by implementing scholarly activities and study for evaluating occupational therapy practice, service delivery, and/or professional issues. Developing and evaluating scholarly proposal(s), data collection instrument psychometrics, data analysis, obtaining external funding, and articulating the steps for writing a systematic review of the literature are learning outcomes in this course. (4 credit hours)
OT 740 Evaluation, Intervention & Outcomes Work, Industry, and Orthopedic Practice
Emphasizes assessment of occupational performance, client factors and environmental context(s) of work, industry, and community. The utilization of superficial and deep physical agent modalities as preparatory methods, the design and fabrication of orthotic devices for enhancing occupational performance and interventions for wound healing are examined. Measures to manage pain, enhance mobility and encourage health and wellness are emphasized. This course has a lab component to provide the opportunity to apply knowledge and develop reasoning skills for entry-level practice. Effectively communicating and working interprofessionally for diagnosing, executing and evaluating the therapeutic intervention(s) and client outcomes are highlighted. (5 credit hours)
OT 745: Work, Industry & Orthopedic Level I Fieldwork
Includes clinical and practice experiences designed to enrich concepts presented in OT 740 through directed observation and participation in occupational therapy services for adults with physical, psychosocial, orthopedic, or motor performance deficits. An occupational therapist or a practitioner in a related discipline within a practice setting supervises students for individuals, groups, organizations, and/or populations. The course has integrated learning outcomes designed to demonstrate practice skills learned in OT 740. Online and face-to-face seminar discussion and occupational therapy practice competency outcomes will occur. (1 credit hour)
OT 750: Evaluation, Intervention & Outcomes Rehabilitation Practice
Emphasizes occupational therapy assessment and intervention related to rehabilitation services for pathological conditions requiring skilled occupational therapy services. Examination of rehabilitative principles including sensorimotor, visual perceptual, and cognitive evaluation and intervention approaches is explored. Students will demonstrate competency in wheelchair management, neurological splint fabrication and interventions to remediate or compensate for neuromotor and/or cognitive deficits. This course has a lab component to provide the opportunity to apply knowledge and develop reasoning skills for entry-level practice. Effectively communicating and working interprofessionally for executing and evaluating occupational therapy intervention(s) and measuring therapeutic outcomes within rehabilitation context(s) are highlighted. (5 credit hours)
OT 755 Rehabilitation and Disability Level I Fieldwork
Includes experiences designed to enrich concepts presented in OT 750 through directed observation and participation in services for individuals with physical, cognitive, perceptual, sensory, neuromuscular and behavioral deficits that impact occupational performance. An occupational therapist or a practitioner in a related discipline within a rehabilitation practice setting supervises students. The course has integrated learning outcomes designed to demonstrate practice skills learned in OT 750. Online and face-to-face seminar discussion and occupational therapy practice competency outcomes will occur. (1 credit hour)
OT 760: Evaluation, Intervention, & Outcomes Mental Health Practice
Emphasizes occupational therapy psychosocial assessment, intervention, and community-based recovery programming for individuals, groups, organizations, and populations. Roles of the occupational therapist in a variety of community and inpatient mental health settings are examined. Analysis of the impact of health and wellness within natural contexts, consumer access to services, health literacy, and interventions designed for improving the welfare of the community are explored. This course has a lab component to provide the opportunity to apply knowledge and develop reasoning skills for entry-level practice. Learning outcomes include designing, developing, facilitating and implementing group interventions for varied populations. (5 credit hours)
OT 765: Psychosocial Level I Fieldwork
Directed observation and participation in a psychosocial and social practice setting for individuals, groups, and populations with behavioral impairments that impact occupational performance. Psychosocial factors that influence engagement and participation in occupation for enriching the concepts presented in OT 760 are the major focus. An occupational therapist or a practitioner in a related discipline will supervise students. The course provides learning outcomes designed to develop the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant team process. Online and face-to-face seminar discussion, as well as occupational therapy practice competency outcomes, will occur. (1 credit hour)
OT 770: Evaluation, Intervention, & Outcomes Children and Youth
Examines evaluation and intervention for infants, children, and youth through age twenty-one focusing on typical and atypical development. Planning and applying interventions for addressing physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory, and motor performance of children in a variety of contexts are explored. Emphasis is placed on working with the family, in school settings and with diverse populations. This course has a lab component to provide the opportunity to apply knowledge and develop reasoning skills for entry-level practice. Students participate in lecture, discussion, demonstrations, and group work. Interprofessional work and communication for executing components of an intervention plan for pediatric populations is emphasized. (5 credit hours)
OT 775: Children and Youth Level I Fieldwork
Includes experiences designed to enrich concepts presented in OT 770 through directed observation and participation in a variety of services for children and youth. An occupational therapist or a practitioner in a related discipline within a pediatric practice setting supervises students. Online and face-to-face seminar discussion and occupational therapy pediatric practice competency demonstrations will occur. (1 credit hour)
OT 780: Diagnosing Occupational Performance and Participation Problems within Varied Service Delivery Contexts
Provides an overview and analysis of varied measures of occupation and occupational performance and relates these measures to theoretical practice constructs and outcome measures within diverse practice settings. Diagnostic measures used across the rehabilitation continuum are explored. The process of screening, evaluation, referral, and diagnosis as related to occupational performance and participation is emphasized. Students will analyze and evaluate various contexts and policy issues as they relate to the practice of occupational therapy. Creation of an integrated personal frame of reference for professional practice is required for successful completion. (4 credit hours)
OT 790: Evaluation, Intervention & Outcomes Productive Aging
Emphasizes practice issues concerning the occupations of aging. Areas of focus include changes in physical, sensory, perceptual, and cognitive function, as well as examination of emotional and spiritual health. Transitions in late life as influenced by personal and environmental factors are investigated. Interventions designed to promote health and wellness, the prevention of injury and chronic disease management will occur. This course has a lab component to provide the opportunity to apply knowledge and develop reasoning skills for entry-level practice. Learning outcomes include designing and implementing evidenced-based interventions focusing on theoretical frames of reference applicable to aging populations. (5 credit hours)
OT 795: Elder Mentor Project
Provides an experiential learning project within a retirement community that creates the opportunity to understand the lifestyles of older adults better. Insight into client factor changes, occupational performance patterns rituals and routines, and contextual demands of housing and environmental influences that impact occupation are explored. Integrated learning outcomes offered with concurrent programming in OT 790 through online and face-to-face seminar discussion as well as occupational therapy practice competency outcomes will occur. (1 credit hour)
OT 800: Evaluation, Intervention & Outcomes Special Topics Beyond Generalist
This is a specialty topic course focusing on current and emerging practice areas for a student’s enhanced learning beyond general entry-level practice. Students have the opportunity to focus on advancing knowledge, skills and competence in focused practice areas by selecting 1 – 3 areas to explore over the 3-week focused experience. This course has lab components for providing the opportunity to apply knowledge and develop reasoning skills within the selected practice areas of the student’s choice. Effectively communicating and working to evaluate and design occupational therapy intervention(s) and measuring therapeutic outcomes within a specific context(s) are highlighted. (5 credit hours)
OT 805: Competency Measures and Capstone Application
Includes benchmarking competency assessment(s) for demonstrating the student’s integration and synthesis of occupational therapy practice, education, and research concepts. Students must meet or exceed minimum set standards on the nationally normed assessment(s). Creating a professional development plan and making formal application for the OT 900 Occupational Therapy Capstone will occur. (1 credit hour)
OT 830: Level II A Fieldwork
An in-depth 12-week experience delivering occupational therapy services for the development of entry-level practice skills. The experience occurs in an approved setting under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist with a minimum of one-year practice experience. The supervisor guides and mentors the student and serves as a role model for ethical practice. The experience is designed to promote clinical reasoning and reflective practice in a setting that demonstrates client-centered, meaningful, occupation-based interventions. The opportunity to competently apply the didactic materials provided throughout the curriculum will occur. Setting assignments are reflective of the diversity of occupational therapy practice settings. (8 credit hours)
OT 840: Level II B Fieldwork
An in-depth 12-week experience delivering occupational therapy services for the development of entry-level practice skills. The experience occurs in an approved setting under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist with a minimum of one-year practice experience. The supervisor guides and mentors the student and serves as a role model for ethical practice. The experience is designed to promote clinical reasoning and reflective practice in a setting that demonstrates client-centered, meaningful, occupation-based interventions. The opportunity to competently apply the didactic materials provided throughout the curriculum will occur. Setting assignments are reflective of the diversity of occupational therapy practice settings. (8 credit hours)
Management & Delivery of OT Services within Complex Healthcare Systems
The application of management principles within complex systems for the evidenced-based competent provision of occupational therapy services for individuals, groups, organizations, and populations will occur. Students will discuss various contextual influences on management, supervision/collaboration, financial/reimbursement, program development, and evaluation; legislative/regulatory implications for practice. Demonstration of knowledge of national requirements for credentialing, state licensure, reimbursement systems, and the ability to determine need for, plan, develop, organize, market and evaluate services is required. (4 credit hours)
OT 860 Occupational Therapy Leadership and Advocacy
Examines the varied roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapist as a leader in practice, education research, consultative and entrepreneur arenas. Roles include involvement in international, national, state, and local professional associations. Application of leadership theory, adult learning, change, program development, and marketing strategies in health or community settings is analyzed. The impact of professional and personal accountability, competency and advocacy strategies for the profession is emphasized. The development of an electronic professional portfolio is a major outcome of the course. (4 credit hours)
OT 870: Synthesizing Occupational Therapy Research, Education & Practice
Focuses on the analysis of evidence-based occupational therapy practice using a critically appraisal process. Professional presentation of research evidence and systematic review analysis that focuses on occupational therapy practice assessment, diagnosis, interventions and outcomes will occur. Demonstration of the ability to use evidence-based reasoning to analyze, evaluate and diagnose problems related to daily occupational performance, participation and resultant quality of life are the major course outcomes. This course is designed to serve as an evidence-based preparation process for OT 900. (4 credit hours)
OT 900: Occupational Therapy Capstone
This course engages students in advanced clinical/critical reasoning and competence measures in a pre-identified, specialized area of practice. The student is given an opportunity to demonstrate advanced integrated knowledge, skill and competence in a specialty area of occupational therapy practice. Through the fifteen-week course, students will identify the relevant issues impacting the role of occupational therapy in the designated specialty area. They will complete readings in relevant literature, engage in communication exchanges with a professional leader in their identified area, and conclude their capstone project with a product reflecting the extent of their learning. Students will be assigned a faculty capstone advisor and participate in mandatory online modules embedded throughout the course to help guide the student during their capstone experience. (10 credit hours)
Download our Learning Outcomes and Course Descriptions (PDF)
Fieldwork
Fieldwork experience is crucial to the preparation of an occupational therapist and is an integral part of the occupational therapy curriculum at Spalding. When students engage in fieldwork, they apply their classroom knowledge to real-life situations by serving clients at fieldwork agencies with whom the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy (ASOT) strategically partners.
Fieldwork learning occurs under supervision by an on-site fieldwork educator, who will act as a professional mentor to each student. Fieldwork educators are identified by the agencies as qualified leaders and supervisors.
The Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy has a diverse network of clinicians who, in conjunction with our expert faculty, coach and mentor students through fieldwork across practice settings. Students can also gain valuable experience with the Kosair for Kids virtual immersive playground.
All occupational therapy students at Spalding University complete four traditional Level I fieldwork experiences and one specialty Level I fieldwork focusing on productive aging. These Level I fieldwork experiences take place one day a week for approximately 25 weeks during the second year of the program linked with academic learning experiences. The fieldwork experience is embedded within local pediatric settings, schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term skilled nursing facilities, community agencies, and with private practitioners. Weekly seminars occur on campus after the fieldwork visit has occurred for students to share and discuss learning experiences with each other as well as to begin learning how to document the occupational therapy process.
Upon successful completion of all Level I fieldwork experiences and preparatory coursework, occupational therapy students are required to complete 24 weeks of full-time Level II fieldwork to be eligible for taking the national certification examination in occupational therapy and to become licensed to practice in the United States. ASOT divides the 24 weeks into two 12 week Level II fieldwork experiences.
ASOT students at Spalding University complete Level II fieldwork experiences in numerous practice environments. ASOT has strategic fieldwork partnerships with practice settings in and around the Louisville-metro area, as well as out-of-state locations including Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New York, Georgia, California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas, Utah, and other states. International students may be able to set up one Level II experience in their country of origin in qualifying agencies to facilitate an experience that will support their return home, if desired. All partnering fieldwork agencies agreeing to work with ASOT have entered into contracts assuring that missions are aligned and educational standards for high-quality fieldwork and community-based learning experiences are achieved.
Placements
Each student is carefully matched with fieldwork agencies to provide well-rounded learning experiences. For Level I fieldwork, students may be expected to travel up to an hour and a half from Spalding University’s campus. For Level II fieldwork, students will be matched with settings inside and/or outside of the Louisville-Metropolitan area, to include out-of-state locations. Students are responsible for all fieldwork-related expenses, including but not limited to housing, transportation, meals, and additional fieldwork agency requirements.
Fieldwork Requirements
In order to ensure the safety of all stakeholders, to include clients, students, faculty, affiliating agencies, Spalding University, and the community at large, ASOT students must comply with the following requirements upon acceptance into this program and throughout their enrollment as ASOT students. Failure to comply with any of the following requirements may jeopardize a student’s enrollment status in the program. Students will:
- Complete criminal background checks upon admission into the program, at the beginning of Level I fieldwork, and per ASOT request and/or request of the fieldwork agency, as stated in the ASOT student handbook. Background check results must be clear of felonies.
- Maintain current immunizations, vaccinations, CPR certification, and proof of health insurance.
- Complete drug screens upon request of ASOT and/or the fieldwork agency.
- Complete education on infection control and prevention, HIPAA/HITECH, and corporate responsibility.
- Disclose to Spalding University’s Office of Student Accessibility if any health conditions, disabilities, and/or learning differences may affect the student’s performance, learning, and/or safety of self and others while completing any fieldwork experience. This step must occur prior to the beginning of any fieldwork experience. Students must provide a letter of accommodations from Spalding University’s Office of Student Accessibility to the Academic Fieldwork Director for these conditions to ensure student-to-fieldwork agency matches support student accommodations.
Fieldwork Educators
No occupational therapy educational program could be complete without support from and the assistance of the Level I and Level II fieldwork educators. Fieldwork educator is the title given by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) that identifies the individual(s) selected by the fieldwork agency as the lead person(s) who guides and supervises students of occupational therapy during on-site learning experiences.
Being a fieldwork educator is an exciting teaching and leadership opportunity, as well as skill builder. Upon meeting qualifications to be a Level I and/or Level II fieldwork educator, support, tutorials, and resources are provided to prepare fieldwork educators for hosting and supervising students from this program. Below are only a few of many benefits of being a fieldwork educator:
- Professional growth and enhanced competency as a practitioner
- Professional experience as a teacher, coach and supervisor
- Earning professional development/continuing competency units for certification and licensure renewal
- Direct relationship with academic institutions and faculty
- Access to university library resources
- Professional education opportunities
Capstone
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone provides you with the opportunity to advance your knowledge, skills and competence for creating, managing and leading an innovative occupational therapy program. You are able to demonstrate your abilities in a specialty area of occupational therapy practice. For example, your capstone experience in a community agency might focus on advanced concepts in hand rehabilitation, a sensory processing program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, or community mental health programming for individuals who are homeless. In the capstone experience you will create and lead a dynamic team that includes a faculty supervisor and agency mentor while enhancing health and human service programming for the selected population. At the conclusion of your capstone experience, you will develop a powerful piece of evidence-based scholarship that culminates with the presentation of your work.
