Curriculum
Didactic Courses (26 courses, 52 credits required)
Code
Course
Credits
MOT 601Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy2
The student will learn and integrate the foundational aspects of the profession of occupational therapy that guide the scope of practice, assessment and intervention, regulation, and reimbursement. Further, students will appreciate the guiding documents for occupational therapy practice in the United States.
Online-Asynchronous learning
MOT 602Anatomy for OT2
The study of human anatomical structures related to goal-directed movement supports active engagement in meaningful occupations. A regional approach to the study of structures is aided by specimens, models, and multimedia.
Hybrid-Scheduled synchronous learning and onsite learning components
MOT 603Neuroscience in OT2
This course is an introduction to Neuroscience and designed to develop the learners understanding the relationship between neuronal structure and function. The course presents information relevant to an understanding of the fundamental concepts in clinical and basic neuroscience. This course will provide you with the foundation for further study of the basic function of the nervous system and a background for practical study in the interpretation of signs, symptoms and presentation of neurological disorders.
Online-Asynchronous learning with scheduled synchronous sessions
MOT 605Human Movement & Performance2
This course involves the analysis of normal and pathological movement of the human body. Concepts related to normal and abnormal biomechanics, kinesiology, osteokinematics and basic arthrokinematics are applied to joints of the body as well as deformable tissues.Concepts of movement are applied to functional movement and tasks that support engagement in meaningful occupations. This course includes interactive simulations with functional anatomy courseware, video observation and interaction with lab assignments to demonstrate psychomotor skills in functional assessment. Course also includes an oncampus component where students will participate in functional assessments including manual muscle testing, range of motion testing, postural analysis, functional range of motion screening and interpretation of evaluation results.
Hybrid-Scheduled synchronous learning and onsite learning components
MOT 606Occupations Across the Lifespan 2
Students examine occupational performance across the lifespan and how numerous variables affect occupational performance including temporal, environmental, and social/cultural factors. Students explore the role occupation plays in survival, health, and well-being. Students are also introduced to various frames of reference and occupational therapy theories to help organize, assess, and interpret occupational performance for individuals and populations. Finally, students learn to analyze occupational performance through a systemized approach to activity analysis.
Online-Asynchronous learning
MOT 608 Leadership, Management, & Entrepreneurship for OT2
This course will allow the student to explore the foundations associated with designing, promoting, and leading a healthcare organization. The course will offer instruction regarding the following principles: financial planning; budgeting, marketing/branding; strategic planning, space designing, and core principles associated with developing and or leading a healthcare organization. The student will utilize current best evidence and clinical practice guidelines in establishing business planning principles for owning or operating a healthcare organization. Students will engage in critical reasoning within forum discussions and through the development of an executive business summary.
Online-Asynchronous learning
MOT 610Culture & Occupation2
This course will provide students with an in-depth exploration of the intricate relationship between culture and occupation. Occupations are life-sustaining, purposeful, and meaningful. Students will critically examine how cultural values, beliefs, customs, and practices influence occupational engagement, participation, and identity across the lifespan of diverse populations. The course will focus on cultural humility, emphasizing the application of cultural sensitivity and responsiveness to clinical practice, communication
skills, advocacy, and research within occupational therapy.
Online-Asynchronous learning
MOT 613 OT for Children/Youth: Conditions & Participation1
This course provides foundational and advanced knowledge of clinical conditions affecting children and adolescents, including physical, neurological, and psychosocial impairments and disabilities. Learners examine typical occupational performance challenges encountered in pediatric practice and apply evidence based professional reasoning to evaluate and plan interventions. Emphasis is placed on understanding the interaction between developmental conditions, social determinants of health, and public health factors that shape participation and well-being for children and youth.
Online-Asynchronous learning
MOT 616Advocacy in OT; Policy, Legal, & Ethical Contexts2
This course raises awareness of important policy, legal and ethical issues affecting the domain and process of occupational therapy. The course examines evidence supporting ways to advocate for others as leaders in healthcare and to self-advocate to function within an ethical decision-making framework. Emphasis is placed upon a) gaining awareness of efforts to empower clients [i.e., person, population or organization] to seek and obtain resources to fully participate in occupations, b) exploring methods to influence policy change and c) examining strategies to identify, manage and reduce risk of legal and professional ethical problems.
Online-Asynchronous learning
Prerequisites: MOT 601, 610
MOT 617Pediatric Evaluation & Intervention3
This course explores evaluation of occupational performance, performance components,
and occupational environments among adults. Typical occupational performance problems evaluated by occupational therapists will be investigated. Issues related to screening, assessment, evaluation, and the interpretation of such will be addressed. This course explores aspects of typical and atypical development across childhood and adolescence, focusing on occupational performance, performance skills, and occupational environments rehabilitation or habitation among children and youth. The primary focus is on occupation-based program/intervention planning. Students will utilize evidence-based decision-making and clinical reasoning necessary to practice with these special populations will also be an emphasis during this course
Hybrid-Scheduled synchronous learning and onsite learning components
Prerequisites: MOT 606, MOT 613
MOT 618 OT for Adults with Neurological & Physical Conditions1
This course provides learners with an integrated understanding of major neurological and physical diseases, injuries, and conditions that affect adult occupational performance. Learners will analyze diagnostic and evidence-based intervention approaches through a medical and holistic lens, while considering social determinants of health that impact outcomes.
Online-Asynchronous learning
MOT 620Scholarly Inquiry I 3
This course provides an overview of research design from the perspective of the hierarchy
of levels of evidence. This course reviews PubMed, Index Medicus, other search methodologies, the American Psychological Association editorial format, the composition of a scientific/professional manuscript, and the style of Scientific/professional writing, its construction, and formats. This course also introduces the student to qualitative research methods and their applications to problems and phenomena in healthcare. Emphasis is placed on scholarly writing, the appropriate use and differences of qualitative methods, their philosophical underpinnings, and their application to clinical issues.
Online-Asynchronous learning with scheduled synchronous sessions
MOT 621Scholarly Inquiry II3
This course provides an overview of research design from the perspective of the hierarchy
of levels of evidence. Students will examine common designs of studies in terms of problem
statements, question formulation, methodological features, and significance of findings for application in practice. The course will prepare students to judge evidence based on: 1) reliability and validity of diagnostic tests, standardized assessments and outcome measures 2) effectiveness of clinical interventions for a client; population or organization; 3) natural history of health-related conditions; and 4) risk of harm from select preventative and therapeutic interventions. Quantitative article critiques will be conducted to strengthen students’ abilities to analyze the relationship between research question and study design to facilitate understanding of how evidence informs practice.
Online-Asynchronous learning with scheduled synchronous sessions
MOT 623OT for Adults with Psychosocial Conditions1
This course provides learners with foundational knowledge of the psychological, behavioral, and neurocognitive conditions commonly addressed by occupational therapists across diverse practice settings—including community, inpatient, outpatient, and emerging contexts. Learners will also examine social determinants of health, developing a holistic perspective on how environmental, social, and cultural factors affect participation and well-being, while fostering critical thinking and meaningful application.
Online-Asynchronous learning
MOT 625Adult Physical & Neurological Evaluation & Intervention I3
This course is the first in a two-course sequence focusing on the evaluation and analysis of adult occupational performance, emphasizing physical and neurological functions. Learners explore typical and atypical performance patterns, participate in occupation-based assessment and analysis, and learn to interpret findings to inform intervention planning. Learners will develop evidence-based professional reasoning and apply theoretical models to guide their evaluative and intervention decisions. The course emphasizes screening, standardized and non-standardized assessment, interpretation of data, and safe, ethical practice with diverse adult populations all of which guide occupation focused interventions. An on campus lab component provides hands-on practice with assessment tools, client simulations, and peer collaboration supporting adult learning principles through practical application, reflection, and integration with real-world scenarios.
Hybrid-Scheduled synchronous learning and onsite learning components
Prerequisites: MOT 618
MOT 626Evaluation & Intervention for Psychosocial Performance2
This course focuses on the evaluation and intervention of occupational performance related to psychological, behavioral, and neurocognitive function in adults. Learners will investigate typical and atypical conditions affecting mental health and functional cognition, with emphasis on screening, evaluation, interpretation, and occupation-based intervention planning for persons, groups, and populations. The course examines primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and compensation strategies through individual and group interventions that support participation and performance in meaningful occupations. Learners will apply evidence-based decisionmaking and professional reasoning, integrating current best practices with theoretical frameworks. A required on-campus lab component allows learners to practice standardized assessments, develop and implement intervention plans, and explore multidisciplinary collaboration, and care coordination, preparing them for complex psychosocial practice environments.
Hybrid-Scheduled synchronous learning and onsite learning components
Prerequisites: MOT 623
MOT 627Adult Physical & Neurological Evaluation & Intervention II 2
The course will focus primarily on the application of occupation-based interventions in psychosocial settings. Occupational therapy theories and frames of reference are used to identify and prevent/reduce occupational performance problems related to physical and neurological dysfunction. Intervention strategies targeting primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention will be explored and critically analyzed. Common settings where occupational therapists address conditions and/or impairments will be explored. The study of theory and frames of reference related to occupation-based interventions for adult persons with physical and neurological disorders or injury will be explored and applied. Students will review and integrate current best evidence related to interventions supporting participation and performance in meaningful occupations.
Online-Asynchronous learning
Prerequisites: MOT 618, MOT 625
MOT 630Health & Wellness in OT Practice2
Building on prior courses reflecting evidence-based practice and occupational therapy principles and practice, this course emphasizes principles of public and community-based practice through occupation. The course exposes students to research associated with emerging roles for occupational therapists in health promotion, prevention and primary healthcare. Students are challenged to conceptualize how occupational therapy can meet growing societal needs in the context of population health issues and initiatives, an occupational justice framework, and models of behavior change.
Online-Asynchronous learning
Prerequisites: MOT 617, MOT 623, MOT 626
MOT 631Program Development for Community Health2
Building on prior courses reflecting evidence-based practice and occupational therapy principles and practice, this course emphasizes principles of program development and evaluation. The course will provide an opportunity for the learner to design and develop occupation-based programs for groups, and populations related to primary health care, health promotion or community-based programs. Mechanisms of program development such as a feasibility study, proposal preparation, grant writing, and business planning will be reviewed along with topics associated with reimbursement, basic survey design, and program evaluation. Students will choose a program approach, and a target population will be investigated. Students will utilize evidence-based decision-making and clinical reasoning necessary to practice with these special populations will also be a focus during this course.
Online-Asynchronous learning
Prerequisites: MOT 617, MOT 626, MOT 627
MOT 635Assistive Technology & Environmental Design 3
This course exposes students to the provision of assistive technology for clients throughout
the lifespan to help enhance their participation and performance in meaningful occupations and enhance their quality of life. Students will be exposed to specific models and frames of reference, assessment tools and assistive technology (communication aids, environmental controls, low vision, community mobility, computers and software, and technology for care), and strategies to support the implementation and daily use of such adaptations. This course includes an on-campus component where students will participate in environmental assessment and design, equipment and technology adaptations for clients of all ages to address psychosocial, neurocognitive, physical and neurological needs.
Hybrid-Scheduled synchronous learning and onsite learning components
Prerequisites: MOT 613, MOT 617, MOT 618, MOT 623, MOT 626, MOT 627
MOT 641Older Adults Clinical Conditions in OT1
This course explores the commonly seen conditions (physical, neurological, and psychological conditions experienced by geriatric individuals, groups and populations in the United States. The course will review diagnostic and intervention features from the lens of a medical model, holistic perspective, and the social determinants of health.
Online-Asynchronous learning
MOT 643Older Adults Evaluation & Intervention3
This course provides learners with knowledge and skills for the evaluation of occupational performance, performance components, and occupational environments among older adults. Learners engage in problem-based learning, interactive seminars, structured observation, group discussion, case study analysis, and peer presentations. Emphasis is placed on the role of screening, evaluation, interpretation, and documentation in shaping intervention and discharge planning for geriatric clients. The course includes an on-campus lab component where learners implement evaluation tools and develop occupation-based plans using evidence-based reasoning and clinical judgment.
Hybrid-Scheduled synchronous learning and onsite learning components
Prerequisites: MOT 641
MOT 650Advanced Topics3
This advanced course exposes learners to specialized knowledge and skills in area such as driving habilitation and rehabilitation, low vision rehabilitation, and other emerging practice areas across the lifespan. Learners will build professional reasoning for evaluation and intervention planning, develop collaborative skills for interdisciplinary practice, and address unique needs of special populations through evidence-based and occupation-centered approaches. An on-campus lab component provides hands-on experience in activity analysis, environmental adaptation, assessment, and intervention strategies related to the topics explored in this course.
Hybrid-Scheduled synchronous learning and onsite learning components
Prerequisites: MOT 605, MOT 606, MOT 613, MOT 618, MOT 625, MOT 627
MOT 670AResearch Practicum1
Faculty-directed clinical, basic, or applied research practicum, which may include but not limited to review of literature preparation, human subjects committee proposal development, data collection, and presentation/manuscript preparation. Graded Pass/Fail.
Online-Asynchronous learning with scheduled synchronous sessions
MOT 670BResearch Practicum1
Faculty-directed clinical, basic, or applied research practicum, which may include but not limited to review of literature preparation, human subjects committee proposal development, data collection, and presentation/manuscript preparation. Graded Pass/Fail.
Online-Asynchronous learning with scheduled synchronous sessions
MOT 670CResearch Practicum1
Faculty-directed clinical, basic, or applied research practicum, which may include but not limited to review of literature preparation, human subjects committee proposal development, data collection, and presentation/manuscript preparation. Graded Pass/Fail.
Online-Asynchronous learning with scheduled synchronous sessions
Fieldwork Courses (4 courses, 16 credits required)
Code
Course
Credits
MOT 619Level I A Fieldwork (1 week or equivalent)1
The clinical education of Level I fieldwork is to introduce students to the fieldwork experience, to apply knowledge to practice, and to develop an understanding of the needs of clients. Level I fieldwork shall be integral to the program’s curriculum design and include experiences designed to enrich didactic coursework through directed observation and participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process. The focus of these experiences is not intended for the student to be independent in performance. Qualified personnel for supervised Level I fieldwork include but are not limited to, occupational therapists, psychologists, physician assistants, teachers, social workers, nurses, and physical therapists.
Clinical/Hybrid
Prerequisites: MOT 623
MOT 629Level I B Fieldwork (1 week or equivalent)1
The clinical education of Level I fieldwork is to introduce students to the fieldwork experience, to apply knowledge to practice, and to develop an understanding of the needs of clients. Level I fieldwork shall be integral to the program’s curriculum design and include experiences designed to enrich didactic coursework through directed observation and participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process. The focus of these experiences is not intended for the student to be independent in performance. Qualified personnel for supervised Level I fieldwork include but are not limited to occupational therapists, psychologists, physician assistants, teachers, social workers, nurses, and physical therapists.
Clinical/Hybrid
Prerequisite: MOT 613
MOT 651Level II A Fieldwork (12 weeks)7
The MOT curriculum at RMU contains both an academic and a fieldwork component. The academic component is designed to provide the student with a firm foundation in basic health sciences, occupational therapy theory and models, use of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Practice 4th Ed, screening/evaluation, occupational based intervention techniques, evidence-based practice, critical thinking and clinical thinking, emerging practice trends, communication and professionalism. The fieldwork component is designed to integrate all of this didactic knowledge with hands-on, practical experience.
Clinical
Prerequisites: All MOT didactic courses, MOT 619, MOT 629
MOT 652Level II B Fieldwork (12 weeks)7
The MOT curriculum at RMU contains both an academic and a fieldwork component. The academic component is designed to provide the student with a firm foundation in basic health sciences, occupational therapy theory and models, use of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Practice 4th Ed, screening/evaluation, occupational based intervention techniques, evidence-based practice, critical thinking and clinical thinking, emerging practice trends, communication and professionalism. The fieldwork component is designed to integrate all of this didactic knowledge with hands-on, practical experience.
Clinical
Prerequisites: MOT 613, 617, 623, 625, 626, 627, OT 730, 731, MOT 619,629, 641, 643. 651