Occupational Therapy (M.S.) *
View PDF of Occupational Therapy-Entry Level Admissions Checklist
Prospective students should use this checklist to obtain specific admissions requirements on how to apply to Graduate School.
View PDF of Occupational Therapy-Low Vision Rehabilitation Admissions Checklist
Prospective students should use this checklist to obtain specific admissions requirements on how to apply to Graduate School.
View PDF of Occupational Therapy Post Professional Admissions Checklist
Prospective students should use this checklist to obtain specific admissions requirements on how to apply to Graduate School.
View PDF version of the Occupational Therapy catalog description
Additional information for applicants applying to Occupational Therapy for fall 2012
|
Degree Offered: |
Master of Science |
|
Director: |
Dr. Brian J. Dudgeon |
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Phone: |
(205) 975-6101 |
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Web site: |
Faculty
Elizabeth A. Barstow, Assistant Professor (Occupational Therapy); Low-Vision Rehabilitation, Neurodevelopmental Intervention, Functional Capacity Evaluations, Driver’s Assessment
Anthony "Deek" Cunningham, Assistant Professor (Occupational Therapy); Mental Health, Pediatrics, Burns and Trauma
Stephanie C. DeLuca, Assistant Professor (Occupational Therapy); Research and Development of New and Efficacious Treatment Techniques for Children with Neuromotor Disorders.
Brian J. Dudgeon, Department Chair and Professor
Christopher Eidson, Assistant Professor (Occupational Therapy), Academic Coordinator of Fieldwork Education
Kathleen Foley, Assistant Professor (Occupational Therapy); Physical Dysfunction, Gerontology, Pathophysiology
Gavin Jenkins, Assistant Professor (Occupational Therapy); Assistive Technology and the Built Environment
Jan A. Rowe, Associate Professor (Occupational Therapy); Pediatrics, Community Practice, Tourette syndrome clinic
Laura K. Vogtle, Professor (Occupational Therapy); Pediatrics, Research Methods, Program Evaluation, Outcomes Research
Mary Warren, Associate Professor (Occupational Therapy); Low-Vision Rehabilitation, Neurology, Physical Dysfunction
Hon Yuen, Professor and Director of Research
Program Information
The Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an entry level Master of Science degree in occupational therapy (MSOT) for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than occupational therapy. For individuals without a baccalaureate degree, this curriculum is also offered in conjunction with the undergraduate Health Care Management program as a 3:2 Fast OT option (http://www.uab.edu/ot/32-fast-ot).
MSOT Occupational Therapy
The MSOT entry-level, or professional program, is a full-time day program.
Accreditation
The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20824-3449; telephone: (301)652-AOTA.
Credentials Conferred
The Master of Science degree is awarded by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Professional Certification
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national occupational therapist certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT); website: www.nbcot.org After successful completion of the exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.
Applicants should be aware that fieldwork placement sites, professional licensing agencies and prospective employers frequently require criminal history disclosures and background checks, although convictions do not necessarily disqualify someone for licensure or employment. Applicants with criminal convictions should recognize that such convictions may impede eventual licensure or employment and that the University of Alabama at Birmingham cannot predict the future decisions of fieldwork sites, licensing agencies, or employers.
Length of Study
Entry level program: Minimum of 7 semesters (2 1/2 years) as a full-time student.
Program Entrance Date
Fall semester of each year a new class is enrolled.
Application Deadline
This program has rolling admissions and participates in the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS); early submission of the application is encouraged. Please consult www.otcas.org for more information regarding specific OTCAS application requirements, procedures, dates, and fees.
International Students
See Occupational Therapy Entry Level Admissions Checklist at the top of the page--In addition to these items:
- Complete and submit UAB Graduate School International application;
- Request one (1) official transcript to be mailed by the issuing institution to the UAB Graduate School; a transcript evaluation from World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org) is required;
- Students from countries where English is not the official and primary language must take and receive an acceptable score on the TOEFL or the IELTS;
- Submit official TOEFL test score: Institution code: 1856 or official IELTS score (provide the Graduate School's mailing address to the testing company/center; and
- Mail Financial affidavit of Support
Requirements for Admission
Selection into the program will be based on the student's academic performance record aptitude for a career as an occupational therapist, and a group interview. The candidate must satisfy the following requirements:
- hold a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than occupational therapy from an accredited college or university; or receive a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than occupational therapy by the time of enrollment;
- complete required prerequisite coursework with a grade of “C” or better;
- have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0);
- have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) in the natural science coursework;
- have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (A=4.0) in the last 60 hours of coursework;
- if invited, participate in a group interview with members of the faculty of the Department of Occupational Therapy. The interview is scheduled once the application is received and verified.
Procedures Following Acceptance
Once accepted, students will be allowed to enroll into the program in the desired entry year only if the following requirements are met:
- medical clearance requirements posted at www.uab.edu/studenthealthmedical-clearance;
- application to and acceptance by the Graduate School (online) (http://www.uab.edu/graduate/online-forms) including the fee
- signed Letter of Intent received by the Department of Occupational Therapy; with,
- $300 nonrefundable deposit to reserve a seat in the program (deposit will be applied to tuition)
Essential Requirements
Prior to enrollment, students must certify their ability to complete the essential tasks, with or without reasonable accommodation, associated with performing as an occupational therapy student. Reasonable accommodation refers to ways in which the University can assist students with disabilities to accomplish these tasks (for example, providing extra time to complete an examination or enhancing the sound system in a classroom). Reasonable accommodation does not mean that students with disabilities will be exempt from certain tasks; it does mean that the Department of Occupational Therapy will work with students with disabilities to determine whether there are ways to assist the student with completion of the required tasks.
After enrollment, a student with a disability who wishes reasonable accommodation contacts Disability Support Services (205) 934-4205 or (205) 934-4248 (TDD) or visits 516 Hill University Center, provides appropriate and current documentation substantiating the claimed disability, meet the requirements of a disability as described in the ADA, and identify the needed accommodation. Reasonable accommodation in classroom and in practice settings cannot be provided without the formal request and the required documentation of the ADA defined disability. (Visit http://www.uab.edu/dss )
Essential Tasks
- Students must meet class standards for course completion throughout the curriculum.
- Students must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion and development of positive client-therapist relationships.
- Students must complete readings, assignments, and other activities outside of class hours.
- Students must gather decision-making pieces of information during client assessment activities in class or in the fieldwork setting without the use of an intermediary, such as a classmate, an occupational therapy assistant, or an aide.
- Students must perform intervention activities in class or in the fieldwork setting by direct performance or by instruction and supervision of intermediaries.
- Students must apply critical thinking processes to their work in the classroom and in the fieldwork setting, exercise sound judgment in class and in fieldwork, and follow safety procedures established for each class and fieldwork setting.
- Students must have interpersonal skills as needed for productive classroom discussion, respectful interaction with classmates and faculty, and development of appropriate therapist-client relationships.
- Students must maintain personal appearance and hygiene conducive to classroom and fieldwork settings.
- Students must pass a cardiopulmonary resuscitation course at the health professional level (American Heart Association, Course C) every two years under Alabama guidelines for CPR certification.
- Students must demonstrate appropriate health status prior to enrollment, with annual updates on some items. Requirements are posted at www.uab.edu/studenthealth.
- Students must annually complete OSHA-regulated Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Training.
- Students must follow standards and policies specified in the Department of Occupational Therapy Student Manual, the Letter of Understanding (contract between university and fieldwork sites), and the Graduate Student Handbook. (See Section IX Fieldwork Experience for ADA issues related to fieldwork)
Program Prerequisites - UAB Equivalents*
(Course requirements are listed in semester credit hours)
Completion of prerequisite coursework within the last 8 years with a grade of “C” or better. All prerequisites do not have to be completed at the time of application; however, courses must be completed by June 1st of the entrance year. Depending on the number and type of outstanding prerequisite courses, you may be accepted into the program early with certain conditions such as a requirement to achieve a grade of B or better in a course.
Have a minimum 3.0 (A=4.0) grade point average (GPA) overall, in the natural science courses, and last 60 semester hours.
|
Prerequisite Courses Required |
Semester Hours |
UAB Equivalent |
|
Biology with lab |
4 |
BY123+L |
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Human Anatomy with lab |
4 |
BY115+L |
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Human Physiology with lab |
4 |
BY116+L |
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Physics |
3 |
PH201 |
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Abnormal Psychology |
3 |
PY218 |
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Developmental or Lifespan Psychology (must be birth through death) |
3 |
PY212 |
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Research Methodology |
3 |
PSC411 PY315 SW320 AHS460 |
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Sociology Elective |
3 |
SOC101 |
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Anthropology Elective |
3 |
ANTH101 |
UAB Entry-level Occupational Therapy Program does not require the GRE.
Typical Program
(Course requirements are listed in semester credit hours)
| Fall Semester I | |
|
OT 607 Analysis of Occupational Performance |
(3) |
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OT 620 Foundations of Occupation: A&P |
(4) |
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OT 667 Research Methods |
(4) |
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OT 675 History and Theory of Occupation |
(3) |
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OT 677 Foundations of Low Vision Rehabilitation |
(3) |
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OT 688 Occupation and Health: Groups &Communities |
(1) |
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OT 698 Master’s Level Non-Thesis Research |
(1) |
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|
|
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Spring Semester II |
|
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OT 605 Therapeutic Skills |
(3) |
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OT 606 Occupation Based Practice Models |
(3) |
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OT 610 Mental Health Diagnoses Across the Lifespan |
(3) |
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OT 623 Foundations of Occupation: Neuroscience |
(3) |
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OT 631 Foundations of Occupation: Biomechanics |
(4) |
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OT 688 Occupation and Health: Groups & Communities |
(1) |
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OT 698 Master’s Level Non-Thesis Research |
(1) |
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|
|
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Summer (12 week session) Semester III |
|
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OT 609 Barriers to Occupational Performance |
(3) |
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OT 624 Occupations of Infants, Children, & Adolescents |
(4) |
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OT 632 Fieldwork Seminar I |
(1) |
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OT 662 Enhancing Occupational Performance: Orthotics, Prosthetics, and other Modalities |
(4) |
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OT 673 Engagement in Occupations Through Technology 1 |
(3) |
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OT 688 Occupation and Health: Groups & Communities |
(2) |
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OT 698 Master’s Level Non-Thesis Research |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
Fall Semester IV |
|
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OT 625 Occupations of Adults and Older Adults I |
(4) |
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OT 633 Fieldwork Seminar II |
(1) |
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OT 661 Wellbeing and Health Through Occupations |
(3) |
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OT 668 Mental Health Practice in Adulthood |
(4) |
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OT 674 Engagement in Occupations Through Technology II |
(3) |
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OT 688 Occupation and Health: Groups & Communities |
(1) |
|
OT 698 Master’s Level Non-Thesis Research |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
Spring Semester V |
|
|
OT 634 Seminar in Professional Readiness |
(2) |
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OT 653 Using the Lit: Evidence Based Practice |
(3) |
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OT 663 Promoting Occupations of Communities, Organizations, & Systems of Practice |
(2) |
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OT 665 Occupations of Adults and Older Adults II |
(4) |
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OT 688 Occupation and Health: Groups & Communities |
(2) |
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OT 698 Master's Level Non-Thesis Research |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Summer Semester VI |
|
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OT 685 Advanced Field Experience I |
(10) |
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|
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Fall Semester VII |
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OT 686 Advanced Field Experience II |
(10) |
A minimum total of six credit hours Master’s Level Non-Thesis Research must be completed to meet graduation requirements.
For further information contact:
UAB, Department of Occupational Therapy
Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator
SHPB 353
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-1212
Telephone 205-934-7323
E-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web http://www.uab.edu/shp/ot/programs/ot-programs
For course descriptions, see the UAB School of Health Professions Catalog-Course descriptions.
Postprofessional Degree
| Deadline for entry term(s): |
Low vision |
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Deadline for all application materials to be in the graduate school office: |
One semester preceding the expected semester of enrollment. |
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Number of evaluation forms required: |
Three |
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Entrance tests |
GRE (TOEFL and TWE also required for international applicants whose native language is not English.) |
|
Comments |
None |
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Postprofessional Occupational Therapy Program
The program offers postprofessional education to occupational therapists who wish to learn advanced theoretical, practice, and research skills. Currently one online specialization option exists for the postprofessional – low vision. Students interested in low vision must be accepted into the low vision certificate program prior to applying for the postprofessional master’s degree. The 33- semester hour program for low vision option guides the student through coursework for the areas indicated including theory, specialty practice application, research methodology, and a final project or thesis. Elective coursework from related departments taken prior to admission may be approved for degree requirements; however, you must submit a copy of the course syllabus and the year and semester you took the course before final decisions are made regarding approval. Graduates of the program may use this degree to enter specialized areas of practice, as part of the requirements for specialty certifications, to assume leadership positions within the profession, or to prepare for doctoral level study.
Credentials Conferred
The Master of Science degree is awarded by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Length of Study
Approximately 11 semesters are needed to complete this degree. The low vision option was designed specifically for part-time online students.
Program Entrance Date
Low vision students accepted as post-professional students enter at the inception of low vision coursework. Students who wait until they have taken some of the low vision courses, must apply prior to completing the low vision coursework in order to use their low vision application and fee. If students choose to apply to the postprofessional master’s program after completing the certificate, a new application and fee will be required.
Application Deadline and Procedure
See Occupational Therapy Postprofessional Admissions Checklist at the top of this page.
International Students
See Occupational Therapy Postprofessional Admissions Checklist at the top of this page, in addition to the items listed below:
UAB Graduate School international application
- Request one (1) official transcript to be mailed by the issuing institution to the UAB Graduate School;
- A transcript evaluation from World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org) is required;
- Students from countries where English is not the official and primary language must take and receive an acceptable score on the TOEFL or IELTS
- Submit official TOEFL test score: (Institution code: 1856) or official IELTS score (provide the Graduate School's mailing address to the testing company/center.
For the postprofessional Master’s Degree, the occupational therapy school attended must be approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy.
Requirements for Admission
For unconditional acceptance, the student must satisfy the following requirements:
- a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy from an accredited educational program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) computed over the last 60 hours of course work,
- eligibility for licensure as an occupational therapist in the United States
- an acceptable score on each section of the GRE general test,
- completed application for admission to the UAB Graduate School,
- three letters of reference,
- if accepted, complete the UAB medical requirements posted at www.uab.edu/studenthealth.
Essential Requirements
After acceptance and prior to enrollment into online programs, students must certify their ability to complete the essential tasks, with or without reasonable accommodation, associated with performing as an occupational therapy student. Reasonable accommodation refers to ways in which the University can assist students with disabilities to accomplish these tasks (for example, providing extra time to complete an examination or enhancing the sound system in a classroom). Reasonable accommodation does not mean that students with disabilities will be exempt from certain tasks; it does mean that the Department of Occupational Therapy will work with students with disabilities to determine whether there are ways to assist the student with completion of the required tasks.
After enrollment, a student with a disability who wishes reasonable accommodation contacts Disability Support Services (205) 934-4205 or (205) 934-4248 (TDD) or visits 516 Hill University Center, provides appropriate and current documentation substantiating the claimed disability, meet the requirements of a disability as described in the ADA, and identify the needed accommodation. Reasonable accommodation in classroom and in practice settings cannot be provided without the formal request and the required documentation of the ADA defined disability. (Visit http://main.uab.edu/dss).
Essential Tasks
- Students must meet class standards for course completion throughout the curriculum.
- Students must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion.
- Students must complete readings, assignments, and other activities outside of class hours.
- Students must apply critical thinking processes to their work in the classroom and exercise sound judgment in class during online discussions.
- Students must have interpersonal skills as needed for productive classroom discussion, and respectful interaction with classmates and faculty.
- Students must demonstrate appropriate health status prior to enrollment, with annual updates on some items.
- Students must follow standards and policies specified in the Department of Occupational Therapy Student Handbook, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Directions Handbook.
- Students must adhere to all policies outlined in the Department of Occupational Therapy Student Handbook which will be displayed in the Resource section of each online course.
Postprofessional curriculum
(Course requirements are listed in semester credit hours)
Students must specify a specialty area prior to entering the program. Your stated area of interest will dictate the coursework required for completion of the post professional master’s degree. Required coursework for the Low Vision Rehab Graduate Certificate (15 hours) can be viewed at www.uab.edu/lowvision
Students in both programs need to complete the following courses:
*OT 642 Research Design in OT (1-3)
*OT 643 Data Analysis in OT Research (1-3)
*OT 644 Project Dissemination-Professional Writing and Presentation (1-3)
OT 647 Leadership in Occupational Therapy (2)
OT 653 Using the Lit: Evidence-Based Practice (3)
OT 658 Foundations of Professional Education (4)
OT 667 Research Methods (3)
OT 692 Selected Topics in OT (1-3)
* Courses designed for final project completion
Electives offered outside of the occupational therapy curriculum in programs at UAB are allowed with the permission of the advisor. Up to 12 hours of coursework taken at other institutions may apply as well but must be approved by the student's advisor and must be completed with a grade of B or better. A copy of the course syllabus is required for approval.
For further information contact:
Laura K. Vogtle, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Program Director
Occupational Therapy Postprofessional Program
UAB School of Health Professions
SHPB-338
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-1212
Telephone 205-934-3568
E-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Low Vision Rehabilitation, Graduate Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation is a practice oriented certificate degree program that prepares occupational therapists to provide comprehensive, competent intervention to adults with visual impairment from age related eye diseases and brain injury. The program is designed for occupational therapists already working in low vision rehabilitation; those interested in starting low vision rehabilitation programs; and those just interested in expanding their practice skills. The program's flexible web-based distance format allows occupational therapists across the United States and other English speaking countries to obtain these skills while working full time.
Credentials Conferred
The Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation awarded by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Length of Study
The certificate requires 5 semesters to complete; students take 1 course per semester. Two co-horts of students are admitted each academic year-one for the fall semester and one for the spring semester.
Program Entrance Date
Spring Semester (begins in January) or Fall semester (begins in August)
Requirements for Admission
Degree in occupational therapy from an accredited university program.
Essential Requirements
After acceptance and prior to enrollment into online programs, students must certify their ability to complete the essential tasks, with or without reasonable accommodation, associated with performing as an occupational therapy student. Reasonable accommodation refers to ways in which the University can assist students with disabilities to accomplish these tasks (for example, providing extra time to complete an examination or enhancing the sound system in a classroom). Reasonable accommodation does not mean that students with disabilities will be exempt from certain tasks; it does mean that the Department of Occupational Therapy will work with students with disabilities to determine whether there are ways to assist the student with completion of the required tasks.
After enrollment, a student with a disability who wishes reasonable accommodation contacts Disability Support Services (205) 934-4205 or (205) 934-4248 (TDD) or visits 516 Hill University Center, provides appropriate and current documentation substantiating the claimed disability, meet the requirements of a disability as described in the ADA, and identify the needed accommodation. Reasonable accommodation in classroom and in practice settings cannot be provided without the formal request and the required documentation of the ADA defined disability. (Visit http://main.uab.edu/dss).
Essential Tasks
- Students must meet class standards for course completion throughout the curriculum.
- Students must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion and development of positive client-therapist relationships.
- Students must complete readings, assignments, and other activities.
- Students must gather decision-making pieces of information during client assessment activities.
- Students must perform evaluation and intervention activities by direct performance keys.
- Students must apply critical thinking processes to their work in the courses.
- Students must have interpersonal skills as needed for productive discussion, respectful interaction with classmates and faculty.
- Students must demonstrate appropriate health status prior to enrollment with annual updates on some items. Requirements found at www.uab.edu/studenthealth.
- Students must follow standards and policies specified in the Department of Occupational Therapy Student Handbook, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Directions Handbook.
- Students must adhere to all policies outlined in the Department of Occupational Therapy Student Handbook which is posted online at http://www.uab.edu/ot/student-resources.
Application Deadline and Procedure
See Occupational Therapy Low Vision Rehabilitation Admissions Checklist at the top of the page.
International Students:
See Occupational Therapy Low Vision Rehabilitation Admissions Checklist --In addition to the following items:
- A transcript evaluation from World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org) may be required.
- Students from countries where English is not the official and primary language must also take and receive an acceptable score on the TOEFL,or IELTS.
- Submit official TOEFL test score (Institution code: 1856) or official IELTS score (provide the Graduate School's mailing address to the testing company/center)
Typical Program (Course requirements are listed in semester credit hours)
The curriculum is designed with the working occupational therapist in mind. Coursework emphasizes practical application of the information taught. Projects are designed to reinforce learning of application to practice. Materials for completion of the courses can be obtained through the internet and required texts. The student must have consistent access to the internet. A high-speed connection (DSL, cable, satellite) is strongly recommended.
Two Tracks Are Available:
Certificate Only
On completion of the required coursework the student will be awarded a Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the student’s name will appear in the commencement bulletin. A transcript of the coursework taken for the certificate will be available.
The curriculum for the certificate is offered online as web-based distance education for practitioners. Students accepted into the program begin the curriculum in January or August and complete one course per semester. Because one course builds on another, students must take the courses in sequence. The final course requires that the student come to the UAB campus for a one weekend 3 day on campus intensive where the will work in small groups with instructors to demonstrate assessment and intervention skills. This is the only time the student is required to come to the UAB campus during the entire curriculum. Based on these requirements, course work for completion of the certificate will require 5 semesters.
Low Vision Rehabilitation Certificate/Postprofessional Master’s Degree Program
Students may choose to make the low vision curriculum the major emphasis of the coursework for the Postprofessional Master’s Degree offered by the Department of Occupational Therapy. Students completing the certificate program will only need to complete an additional 12 credits of coursework and 6 credits of research to receive the Postprofessional Master’s Degree. Coursework for the Postprofessional degree is also online.
LOW VISION REHABILITATION CURRICULUM
The courses must be completed sequentially in the order listed below.
The list shows the course sequence for both student cohorts—one entering the program in the spring and the other entering in the fall.
Typical OT Curriculum Course Sequence
| Fall Cohort | ||
| 1st Fall Semester | OT 677 Foundations I | 3 credits |
| 1st Spring Semester | OT 679 Foundations II | 3 credits |
| 1st Summer Semester | OT 690 Foundations III | 3 credits |
| 2nd Fall Semester | OT 689 Foundations in Brain Injury | 3 credits |
| 2nd Spring Semester | OPEN students may take the OT 696 or 695 elective or a course in the post professional master’s program | |
| 2nd Summer Semester | OT 691 Foundations IV | 3 credits |
| Spring Cohort | ||
| 1st Spring Semester | OT 677 Foundations I | 3 credits |
| 1st Summer Semester | OT 679 Foundations II | 3 credits |
| 1st Fall Semester | OT 690 Foundations III | 3 credits |
| 2nd Spring Semester | OT 689 Foundations in Brain Injury | 3 credits |
| Students may also take the OT 696 or 695 elective | ||
| 2nd Summer Semester | OT 691 Foundations IV | 3 credits |
|
Total Credits 15 credits
|
For further information contact:
Program Coordinator
Occupational Therapy Low Vision Rehabilitation Certificate Program
UAB School of Health Professions
SHPB 355
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-1212
Telephone 205-975-6860
E-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web www.uab.edu/lowvision
Course Descriptions
Occupational Therapy (Entry Level OT)
605. Therapeutic Skills. Group theory and group dynamics are presented. Basic group and individual client-therapist interaction skills are introduced including: selecting a theory base, designing groups, writing group protocols, analyzing group activities, implementing specific group techniques, and evaluating progress of group members. Methods of establishing rapport, giving feedback, and employing therapeutic use of self are emphasized. 3 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
606. Occupation Based Practice Models. Introduction to fundamental concepts of occupational therapy frameworks, theory, philosophy, conceptual models and models of practice. 3 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
607. Analysis of Occupational Performance. Introduction to intervention techniques commonly used in occupational therapy practice; activity analysis and synthesis; application of typical growth and development in relationship to different age groups and populations. 3 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
609. Barriers to Occupational Performance. Exposure to content specific to human disease processes, injuries, and developmental or inherited abnormalities within body systems that affect an individual's occupational performance. 3 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
610. Mental Health Diagnoses Across the Lifespan. Examines developmental and psychiatric conditions that result from disease, congenital, traumatic, environmental or social processes. Relationships among disease or disorder, impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions are emphasized in terms of the impact upon occupational performance. 3 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
620. Foundations of Occupation: A & P. Designed to provide occupational therapy students a fundamental knowledge of human anatomy. An emphasis will be placed on the musculo-skeletal and peripheral nervous systems to enhance the understanding of conditions that will likely be encountered in the practice of occupational therapy. 4 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
623. Foundations of Occupation: Neuroscience. Advanced study of structure and function of central nervous system augmented with client examples. 3 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to the OT Program.
624. Occupations of Infants, Children, and Adolescents. This course addresses aspects of evaluation, intervention planning, implementation, and specific intervention strategies across diagnostic categories for children, birth through adolescents. Occupational therapy addresses client needs using a holistic approach that incorporates all aspects of an individual's lifestyle. This course will focus on components of occupational performance, and occupational performance issues related to adaptation and life satisfaction. 4 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
625. Occupations of Adults and Older Adults I. This course addresses aspects of evaluation, intervention planning, implementation, and specific intervention strategies across diagnostic categories in adult and elder rehabilitation. Occupational therapy addresses client needs using a holistic approach that incorporates all aspects of an individual's lifestyle. This course will focus on occupational areas of work play, and leisure addressing components of occupational performance and context s and how these areas affect occupational performance. 4 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
631. Foundations of Occupation: Biomechanics. Basic kinesiological principles and functional movement patterns of the human body during occupational performance. Study of principles and techniques for obtaining data about the status of the clients' joint range of motion and muscle strength. 4 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
632, 633. Fieldwork Seminar I, II. Forum for exchange of ideas and experiences; detailed case study/inservice on modality and intervention chosen from client census during previous term's Level I Fieldwork experience. 1 hour each. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
634. Seminar in Professional Readiness. Forum for exchange of ideas and experiences; student, faculty, and alumni presentations on variety of topics. 2 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
653. Using the Literature for Evidence Based Practice. History of and rationale for evidence-based practice, introduction to typologies of evidence, search of databases, developing questions for occupational therapy practice, critiquing evidence, analyzing bodies of evidence developed from research questions, and integrating evidence into practice. 3 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
661. Wellbeing and Health Through Occupation. Course will evaluate and critique the evidence which supports the relationship between occupation, health promotion, lifestyle choices, and prevention of injury and disease, using occupational therapy models and approaches to practice while considering contexts. 3 hours.
662. Enhancing Occupational Performance: Modalities. This course will provide the opportunity to consider the occupational therapy process related to the design, fabrication, application, fitting, and training in the use of orthotics, prosthetics, and other modalities. Students will consider and apply the foundational knowledge, underlying principles, indications, contraindications, and precautions necessary for evidence-based practice. 3 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
663. Promoting Occupations of Communities, Organizations, and Systems of Practice. Course provides opportunities to evaluate and critique evidence for current and emerging areas of OT practice within organizations, systems, and ommunities. Students will evaluate current OT practice and identify potential service gaps. Students will critically discuss strategies for development of OT services emphasizing the business related aspects of working with arenas. 2 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
665. Occupations of Adults and Older Adults II. Intervention for the elderly from the perspective of the functional impact of age-related changes, evaluation and remediation of functional limitations and personal and environmental adaptations to promote continuing autonomy. 4 hours. PREREQUISITE:Admission to OT Program.
667. Research Methods. Research ethics, descriptive, exploratory and experimental design, basic statistical concepts, and discussion of various types of research to enable student to critically analyze and use scientific literature to improve practice. Emphasis will be placed on understanding components of the research report and concepts associated with judging of internal and external validity.3-4 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program
668. Mental Health Practice in Adulthood. Examines mental health conditions that result from disease, congenital, traumatic, environmental or social processes. Relationships among impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions are emphasized in terms of the impact upon occupational performance. Evaluation, intervention planning, and intervention are studied. 4 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
673. Engagement in Occupations Through Technology I. Acquaints students with the following: theories relative to assistive technology, client centered practice, OT process relative to assistive technology, and certification and laws affecting assistive technology. Students will consider technology applications relative to the areas of occupation as referenced in the Framework for OT Practice, as well as elements of safety, education of clients and families, and the roles of OTs and OTAs in assistive technology practice. 3 hours.
674. Engagement in Occupation Through Technology II. This course is designed to acquaint the student with assessments used in evaluation of clients for assistive technology, specific intervention strategies, elements of safety related to assistive technology, the education of clients and families and other key people in the context of the user. The roles of OTs and OTAs in assistive technology practice will also be addressed. 3 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
675. History and Theory of Occupation. A historical survey of occupation, occupational meaning, and purposeful activity as used by occupational therapists in the study of the occupational nature of human beings across the life span. Students will gain an understanding of how leaders of the profession articulate occupational and therapeutic applications across time. 3 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
677. Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation I. Introduces the student to the field of low vision rehabilitation and addresses core knowledge needed for subsequent courses. Topics include settings and reimbursement for occupational therapy services, anatomy and physiology of the eye and visual system, medical conditions causing low vision, administration and interpretation of low vision exams, principles of optics, design and application of optical devices. 4 hours. PREREQUISITE: permission.
685. Advanced Fieldwork Experience I. Full-time supervised practice experience designed to develop entry-level professional skills consisting of a 3-month experience. 10 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
686. Advanced Fieldwork Experience II. Full-time supervised practice experience designed to develop entry-level professional skills consist of a 3-month experience. 10 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
688. Occupation & Health: Groups & Communities. This course will provide opportunities to reflect upon the facilitating and inhibiting nature of group and community settings and to consider the domains and contexts of both occupation and its influence on health, well-being, and lifestyle. 1-6 hours. PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
698. Master's Level Non-Thesis Research. Non-thesis research hours. (6 hours total). PREREQUISITE: Admission to OT Program.
LOW VISION / POSTPROFESSIONAL COURSES
642. Research Design in OT. First of three courses in which post professional master’s students will design, implement, and document their final project. This course will review research methodologies appropriate for use by clinicians in practice; discuss sampling; data management; and IRB training and approval. 1-3 hours. (online). PREREQUISITE: permission.
643. Data Analysis in OT Research. Second of three courses in which post professional master’s students will design, implement, analyze, and document their final project. This course addresses data management and data analysis using SPSS. 1-3 hours (online). PREREQUISITE: permission.
644. Project Dissemination-Prof Writing and Presentation. Third course in which post professional master’s students will design, implement, and document their final project. This course will address documentation of project outcomes, writing for publication, and professional presentation. 1-3 hours (online). PREREQUISITE: permission.
647. Leadership in Occupational Therapy. To develop leadership competencies for the occupational therapist to enable understanding of personal development and organizational change dynamics. This course will explore aspects of leadership as they relate to the OT profession. 3 hours.
648. Assistive Technology in Pediatric OT. Assistive technology includes a broad range of devices, services, strategies, and practices used to compensate, remediate, or enhance functional performance of occupations for individuals with disabilities. This course will provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for occupational therapists to critically analyze and apply assistive technology principles with pediatric clients. 3 hours.
653. Using Lit: Evidence-Based Practice. History of and rationale for evidence-based practice, introduction of typoloties of evidence, search of databases, developing questions for occupational therapy practice, critiquing evidence, analyzing bodies of evidence developed in response to research questions, and integrating evidence into practice. 3 hours.
658. Foundations of Professional Education. Introduction to occupational therapy postprofessional education. Concepts introduced include the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Function, Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, the American Psychological Association writing framework, and the continuing competency aspects of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Professional Development Tool. 4 hours (online). PREREQUISITES: permission.
677. Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation I. Introduces the student to the field of low vision rehabilitation and addresses core knowledge needed for subsequent courses. Topics include settings and reimbursement for occupational therapy services, anatomy and physiology of the eye and visual system, medical conditions causing low vision, administration and interpretation of low vision exams, principles of optics, design and application of optical devices. 3-4 hours. PREREQUISITE: permission.
679. Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation II. Building on the information provided in OT 677, this course addresses specific treatment strategies to enhance occupational performance in persons with visual impairment. Students learn to use information obtained from evaluations to design appropriate treatment interventions. Topics covered: assistive technology and computer modifications, reading, writing, and environmental assessment/modification. 3-4 hours. PREREQUISITE: permission.
689. Foundations in Treatment of Visual Impairment from Brain Injury.This course addresses evaluation and intervention for adults experiencing occupational limitations secondary to visual processing impairment from acquired brain injury. Topics include neuroanatomy of the visual processing system, evaluation and intervention for deficits in visual acuity, visual field deficits, evaluation and intervention for deficits in oculomotor function, and evaluation and intervention for deficits in visual attention and cognitive processing. 3 hours. PREREQUISITE: permission.
690. Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation III. Building on the information provided in OT 679, this course teaches students to apply intervention strategies to enhance occupational performance. Topics include: completing activities of daily living with and without vision, functional mobility, diabetes self management, and driving and transportation. 3 hours. Prerequisite: permission of instruction.
691. Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation IV. As the final course in the curriculum sequence, students demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge gained in the previous foundation courses to selecting and interpreting evaluations and designing interventions for adults with various impairments. Content provided: review and synthesis of key evaluation and intervention principles for working with persons with age-related vision impairment and brain injury; practicum in diabetes self-management, functional mobility and assistive technology; influence of policy and regulation on practice; occupational justice and advocacy; developing and marketing low vision rehabilitation programs within the health care system; professional development and continuing professional competence. 3 hours
692. Directed Readings. Readings for in depth study of specialized topics. 1-3 hours. PREREQUISITE: permission.
696. Evaluation and Treatment of Children with Visual Impairments. Taught by Linda Nobles, MS, OTR/L, this course addresses issues related to working with children with visual impairment. Topics covered: medical conditions causing vision loss in children including optical and cortical visual impairment; evaluation techniques, optical devices, assistive technology, treatment strategies, and working with parents and school systems. 2 hours (online). PREREQUISITIES: permission.
