Curriculum
The program is delivered via a hybrid model, with both online and onsite components. Students will be on campus one week each semester for the first three semesters for four to five consecutive days, typically during the 4th or 13th week of the semester. Students will experience a thorough curriculum consisting of didactic and experiential (fieldwork) courses, with fieldwork happening in the last two semesters. There are a total of 68 credit hours required for the successful completion of the program, including the credits earned via experiential fieldwork.
Students will take a practice Occupational Therapy Knowledge Examination (OTKE) while in the program, which will provide feedback and prepare them for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
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
MOT 602Clinical Anatomy for OT w/Lab2
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
MOT 603Clinical Neuroscience in OT w/Lab 3
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
MOT 605Human Movement & Performance w/Lab2
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
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
MOT 608Essentials of Practice Management & Administration2
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
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
MOT 613Pediatric Clinical & Developmental Conditions in OT1
This course provides students with foundational knowledge on clinical conditions causing
childhood and adolescent impairments and disabilities (physical, neurological, and
psychosocial). Typical occupational performance problems addressed by occupational
therapists will be investigated. Students will utilize evidence-based decision-making and
clinical reasoning necessary to practice with these special populations.
Online
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
Prerequisites: MOT 601, 610
MOT 617Pediatric Evaluation & Intervention w/Lab 3
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
Prerequisites: MOT 606, MOT 613
MOT 618Adult Physical & Neurological Clinical Conditions in OT 1
This course will provide students with an understanding of major neurological/physical
diseases, injuries, and disorders that may impact adult occupational performance. The course will review diagnostic and general intervention features from the lens of a medical model, a holistic perspective, and the social determinants of health.
Online
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
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
MOT 623Adult Psychosocial Clinical Conditions in OT1
This course will provide students with the foundational knowledge of the psychological, behavioral, and neurocognitive conditions commonly addressed by occupational therapy in traditional settings (community, inpatient, outpatient, and non-traditional settings.
Online
MOT 625Adult Physical & Neurological Evaluation w/Lab3
This course explores evaluation of occupational performance, performance components,
and occupational environments, and occupational analysis among adults in relation to physical and neurological function. Typical occupational performance problems evaluated and analyzed 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 physical and neurological performance in adulthood, focusing on occupational performance, performance skills, and occupational environments rehabilitation among adults. The primary focus is on evaluation and assessment/analysis. Students will utilize evidence-based decision-making and clinical reasoning necessary to practice with these special populations.
Hybrid
Prerequisites: MOT 618
MOT 626Adult Psychosocial Evaluation, & Intervention w/Lab2
This course explores evaluation of occupational performance, performance components,
and occupational environments, occupational analysis and intervention among adults in
relation to psychological, behavioral and/or neurocognitive function. Typical occupational
performance problems evaluated and treated by occupational therapists will be investigated. Issues related to screening, assessment, evaluation, and the interpretation of such will be addressed. Individual and group Interventions for psychosocial, behavioral, and neurocognitive conditions will be explored. Intervention strategies targeting primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention will be explored and critically analyzed. This course explores aspects of typical and atypical mental health and functional cognition, focusing on occupational performance, performance skills, and occupational environments rehabilitation among adults. The primary focus is on evaluation and assessment/analysis but will also focus on individual and group occupation-based program/intervention planning. Students will review and integrate current best evidence related to interventions supporting participation and performance in meaningful occupations. Students will utilize evidence-based decision-making and clinical reasoning necessary to practice with these special populations.
Hybrid
Prerequisites: MOT 623
MOT 627Adult Physical & Neurological Interventions2
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
Prerequisites: MOT 618
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
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
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
Prerequisites: MOT 613, MOT 617, MOT 618, MOT 623, MOT 626, MOT 627
MOT 641Geriatric 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
MOT 643Geriatric Evaluation & Intervention w/ Lab3
This course explores evaluation of occupational performance, performance components,
and occupational environments among geriatric populations. The content will be learned through a problem-based learning approach, instructor and student-lead seminar, structured observation, group discussion, case studies, and student presentations. Typical occupational performance problems evaluated by occupational therapists will be investigated. Issues related to screening, assessment, evaluation, will be addressed.
Hybrid
MOT 650Advanced Topics w/Lab3
The purpose of this course is for occupational therapy students to gain advanced knowledge and skills of assessment and interventions related to driving habilitation/rehabilitation, low vision among young adults, adults, and geriatrics, and other emerging practice areas. An additional focus will be placed on the collaboration of occupational therapy with interdisciplinary teams. This course includes an on-campus component where students will participate in activity analysis, intervention and evaluation with special populations with primary focus on advanced topics of low vision rehabilitation, driving rehabilitation and other emerging or specialty areas.
Hybrid
Prerequisites: MOT 605, MOT 606, MOT 613, MOT 618, MOT 625, MOT 641
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
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
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
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