Basic Occupational Therapy Course

Lesson 1 • History and Evolution of Occupational Therapy

Traces OT from moral treatment origins to contemporary practice. Provides context for understanding current professional standards and roles.

Lesson 2 • Scope of Practice and Professional Roles

Defines OT and OTA roles, supervision requirements, and practice boundaries. Prepares students to operate within appropriate professional limits.

Lesson 3 • Core Philosophy and Professional Values

Examines occupation as a therapeutic medium and the value of client-centered care. Anchors all subsequent clinical reasoning in OT's philosophical core.

Lesson 1 • Biomechanical and Rehabilitative Frames

Covers biomechanical principles applied to restoring range of motion, strength, and endurance. Grounds physical rehabilitation interventions in measurable outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Overview of OT Practice Models

Distinguishes frames of reference from practice models and their clinical utility. Sets the stage for applying specific models in later sections.

Lesson 3 • Sensory Integration and Neurodevelopmental Frames

Introduces sensory processing theory and neurodevelopmental treatment principles. Prepares students to address sensorimotor deficits across the lifespan.

Lesson 4 • Person-Environment-Occupation Model

Analyzes the dynamic fit among person, environment, and occupation. Applies PEO to identify barriers and enablers affecting occupational performance.

Lesson 1 • Neuroanatomy Relevant to Rehabilitation

Covers central and peripheral nervous system structures affecting motor and sensory function. Links neuroanatomy to expected deficits following common diagnoses.

Lesson 2 • Functional Anatomy of the Hand

Examines intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles, arches, and grasp patterns. Directly supports hand therapy assessment and splinting decisions.

Lesson 3 • Kinesiology and Movement Analysis

Applies biomechanical principles to analyze functional movement patterns. Enables students to identify movement dysfunction and plan corrective interventions.

Lesson 1 • Evaluation Process and Occupational Profile

Outlines the OT evaluation sequence from referral to goal setting. Teaches occupational profile construction as the foundation of client-centered planning.

Lesson 2 • Clinical Observation and Activity Analysis

Trains systematic observation of performance skills and activity demands. Connects observational data to hypothesis generation and intervention design.

Lesson 3 • Cognitive and Psychosocial Assessment

Addresses cognitive screening tools and psychosocial evaluation methods. Prepares students to assess mental health and cognitive factors affecting occupational performance.

Lesson 4 • Sensory and Motor Evaluation Techniques

Covers manual muscle testing, range of motion measurement, and sensory testing procedures. Builds hands-on competency in physical evaluation methods.

Lesson 1 • Intervention Approaches and Strategies

Distinguishes create, establish, maintain, modify, and prevent intervention approaches. Prepares students to apply the full spectrum of OT intervention strategies.

Lesson 2 • Discharge Planning and Transition

Addresses criteria for discharge readiness and transition planning across care settings. Ensures continuity of care through structured handoff and community referral.

Lesson 3 • Selecting Evidence-Based Interventions

Guides systematic selection of interventions using evidence hierarchies and clinical guidelines. Links research evidence to individualized client intervention plans.

Lesson 4 • Clinical Reasoning in Intervention Planning

Examines procedural, interactive, and conditional reasoning modes used by OT practitioners. Develops the reasoning skills needed to justify intervention choices.

Lesson 1 • Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Covers developmental milestones, pediatric diagnoses, and family-centered practice. Prepares students to support children's participation in play, school, and self-care.

Lesson 2 • Neurological Rehabilitation

Focuses on OT interventions for stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Applies neuroplasticity principles to maximize functional recovery.

Lesson 3 • Adult Physical Rehabilitation

Addresses OT roles in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient settings for adults. Focuses on restoring ADL performance following injury or illness.

Lesson 4 • Mental Health Across the Lifespan

Addresses OT's role in psychiatric and psychosocial rehabilitation settings. Connects occupational engagement to mental health recovery and community participation.

Lesson 1 • Mobility and Seating Systems

Covers manual and power wheelchair prescription, seating, and positioning principles. Prepares students to conduct seating evaluations and recommend appropriate mobility devices.

Lesson 2 • Foundations of Assistive Technology

Defines assistive technology categories, funding pathways, and the AT service delivery process. Establishes the framework for all subsequent AT selection and training content.

Lesson 3 • Adaptive Equipment for Daily Living

Introduces adaptive devices for self-care, home management, and leisure activities. Trains students to trial, fit, and teach use of ADL equipment.

Lesson 4 • Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Covers AAC systems for clients with communication impairments affecting occupational participation. Prepares students to collaborate with speech-language pathologists on AAC integration.

Lesson 1 • Supervision, Mentorship, and Fieldwork

Addresses supervision models, fieldwork expectations, and professional development planning. Prepares students for Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences.

Lesson 2 • Quality Improvement and Outcome Measurement

Introduces quality improvement methodologies and outcome measurement in OT practice. Connects data-driven practice to program evaluation and service improvement.

Lesson 3 • Clinical Documentation Standards

Covers SOAP notes, progress notes, and discharge summaries aligned to reimbursement requirements. Develops accurate, legally defensible documentation skills.

Lesson 4 • Advocacy and Leadership in OT

Develops skills for advocating for clients, the profession, and equitable access to services. Positions students as emerging leaders in healthcare and community settings.