Curriculum
First Year
Fall Semester on-campus, 16cr
SAR OT500: Integrative Seminar 1 and LIFW
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OTD students only. - This graduate course in occupational therapy is the first integrative seminar in a 4-seminar sequence designed to enhance clinical reasoning processes by integrating knowledge from previous educational and work experiences with current courses and weekly fieldwork experiences. Using problem-based case scenarios, class discussion, classroom activities, fieldwork experiences and reflective journaling this seminar focuses on learning the foundations for professional socialization, group processes, therapeutic relationships, ethical practice and other professional issues for working with persons and populations of all ages with a variety of needs for occupational therapy services. Self-directed, collaborative learning and class participation are essential aspects of this seminar. (Credits: 2)
SAR OT513: Analysis and Adaptation of Occupation
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OTD students only - This course will introduce students to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain & Process (OTPF) 3rd edition (AOTA, 2014), an official document for the profession. Through lecture and participatory activities, students will investigate aspects of the domain of occupational therapy and "achieving health, well-being, and participation in life through engagement in occupation" (AOTA, pg. S4). Employing logical thinking, critical analysis, problem solving, and creativity students will learn how to analyze and adapt occupations and activities. Students will be able to explain the meaning and dynamics of occupation and activity, including the interaction of areas of occupation, performance skills, performance patterns, activity demands, context(s), and client factors. Through community service projects, students will articulate to clients and the general public the distinct value of occupation to support participation. Using small team presentations, students will gain an understanding of the importance of the historical and philosophical base of occupational therapy. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT520: Evidence-Based Practice 1
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Basic Statistics; OTD students only. - * This course is designed for occupational therapy graduate students to develop beginning skills for conducting evidence-based practice. The focus is on using research evidence to support the first task of therapy: getting to know the client and the client's needs. Students learn how to find, use, and communicate about two types of published research reports that support the therapist's task of getting to know a client: (1) reports about the occupational lives and needs of people like the client (i.e., similar health care conditions, gender, cultural group, etc.), and (2) reports about the quality of different assessment methods for gaining information about a client's occupational life and needs. The format of class sessions is primarily discussion, with some lecture, that is structured around actual client cases and guiding questions. Student performance is assessed with class participation, homework assignments, and a final exam/project. (Credits: 2)
SAR OT526: Functional Movement: Analysis and Assessment
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Gross Human Anatomy; OTD students only - Graduate Corequisites: (SARHS581) - This occupational therapy course examines changes in gross and fine movement skills across the life course, and the relation of these changes to occupational performance. In addition, students learn biomechanical, ecological systems, and dynamical systems' principles underlying human movement and their application to functional activities including seating, transfers, and mobility. Principles covered in lecture are applied through practical experiences and discussions during the application sessions. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT529: Occupation Across the Life Course
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Developmental Psychology; OTD students only - This course examines current theory and research related to the development of human occupation throughout the life course. Human development is viewed from occupation-based and ecological perspectives, emphasizing the inextricable links among person, environment, and occupation. The performance of activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, work/education, play/leisure, and social participation, especially as potentially affected by health and disability, will be examined across the life course. Students are required to observe, interpret, and describe occupational performance, and to apply relevant theories and constructs to understand the development of human occupation. Students will begin to develop a base of knowledge about different types, administration, and interpretation of assessment methods and measures. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT589: Orientation to Practice
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OTD students only. - This graduate course in occupational therapy is designed to orient and introduce students to current and emerging areas of practice. Guest faculty and practitioners will share their experience and expertise for various areas of practice to aid students in understanding the typical contexts of fieldwork experiences that will be an integral part of the curriculum. This course is intended to introduce students to common types of client populations across the lifespan and typical interventions and goals for areas of practice addressing mental health, pediatrics, and physical disabilities occupational needs and services. Goals, guidelines, policies and procedures for participating in the academic program's Level I (LIFW) and Level II (LIIFW) fieldwork programs will be reviewed. Training in confidentiality/privacy laws will be provided to support students in abiding by professional ethics and behaviors. Additionally, opportunities for professional development within and outside of the University will be highlighted. (Credits: 0)
PhD Mentored Research (work in research lab with PhD Program faculty five hrs/week): Students in the dual degree program will begin research training in a mentor’s lab during the first and second year of the OTD program. This can include literature review and synthesis, developing knowledge of human subjects research ethics, data collection, working on a research team, and assisting with data analysis and dissemination. Students may receive grant-funded research assistantships, college-funded scholarships which include responsibilities to work in research labs, or earn independent study credits.
Spring Semester on-campus, 18cr
SAR OT501: Integrative Seminar 2 and LIFW
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OT500, OT513, OT520, OT526, OT529, OT589; OTD students only. - This course is the second in a four-seminar sequence designed to develop and enhance professional reasoning processes by integrating knowledge and skills from previous educational and work experiences and from concurrent OT courses with weekly fieldwork experiences. This seminar focuses on reasoning related to theories of learning and behavior change; the assessment, intervention, and documentation process; use of theory and research evidence in practice; therapeutic rapport and communication; and other professional topics and issues as they relate to working with persons and populations of all ages in a variety of OT practice contexts. Self-directed and collaborative learning, class participation, reflective writing for application and analysis of learning, case-based learning, and ongoing development of a professional portfolio are essential aspects of this seminar. (Credits: 2)
SAR OT524: Introduction to the OT Process
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OT500, OT513, OT520, OT526, OT529, OT589. OTD students only. - This course is designed to introduce students to the Occupational Therapy process as described in the OT Practice Frameworks II. The course is organized around the "Paired Cooperative Learning" (PCL) experience. This is a collaborative student relationship designed to provide a practical context for developing skills in evaluation, planning, implementing, and documenting client-centered, occupation and evidence-based occupational therapy assessment and intervention. Students will learn to apply theory to the OT Process in developing and implementing intervention. Professional topics related to therapeutic use of self, interviewing, clinical reasoning, use of theory to guide practice, professional development and wellness-oriented practice are addressed. Course principles are applied to all areas of OT practice. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT538: Assistive Technology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OT501, OT524, OT556, OT562, OT620; OTD students only - Graduate Prerequisites: (SAROT513) - This course provides a lecture and laboratory-based introduction on the use of assistive technologies and related issues, such as funding and legislation. Since the area of assistive technology is a rapidly changing and dynamic one, this course is designed to provide a basic understanding of various types of technologies, user populations, and environments. It is also designed to provide informational resources for students to access later in clinical experiences. (Credits: 2)
SAR OT556: Neuroscience for Occupational Therapy
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OT500, OT513, OT520, OT526, OT529, OT589; MSOT students only - In this foundation neuroscience course, the student will be presented with topics including histology of the central nervous system, gross anatomy and organization of the central nervous system, cross-sectional anatomy of the brainstem and spinal cord, autonomic nervous system anatomy and function, ascending sensory pathways, descending motor pathways, cranial nerves: location, fibers course and function, vasculature of the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord, visual system, vestibular system, auditory system, cerebellum, basal ganglia, cerebral cortical structure and function, limbic system: learning and memory, and development and normal aging of the nervous system. In addition to an in depth discussion of the neuroanatomy of each of the above systems and structures, each topic will have an applied component in which students will investigate the impact of these systems and structures on function. Students will be presented with case studies in class and in the lab portion of the course which reinforce the clinical application of the course topics. In lab, students will also conduct exercises related to the testing of neurological function and investigate neuranaotmic structures using brain atlases and images. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT562: Learning and Behavior Change
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OT500, OT513, OT520, OT526, OT529, OT589; OTD students only. ; Undergraduate Corequisites: (SAROT556 & SARHS582) - This graduate course in occupational therapy is designed to examine interdisciplinary theories and methods of learning and behavior change that inform current OT theoretical approaches and interventions. The course explores the impact of various clinical conditions and cognitive function on learning and behavior change. Readings, independent learning and group activities are combined with assignments focused on 1) analyzing theory as a guiding principle in designing evidence-based, occupation and client centered interventions, and 2) demonstrating an understanding of selected occupational therapy assessments that include a metacognitive or dynamic component, including knowledge of assessment procedures and clinical implications of assessment findings. Class participation and independent learning are an essential aspect of this course. Class format is lecture and application discussions. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT620: Evidence-Based OT Practice 2
Graduate Prerequisites: OT500, OT513, OT520, OT526, OT529, OT589; OTD students only. - This is a graduate-level course for occupational therapy students designed to develop essential skills for conducting evidence-based practice. We will focus in detail on appraising the internal, external, and statistical validity of evidence related to intervention effectiveness and predicting client outcomes. We will examine evidence gathered using a variety of quantitative methods including group designs and meta-analytic approaches. Readings have been selected from a variety of peer-reviewed journals related to health and disability to introduce students to the interdisciplinary literature that may provide valuable evidence for occupational therapy practice. (Credits: 2)
PhD Mentored Research (work in research lab with PhD Program faculty five hrs/week): Students in the dual degree program will begin research training in a mentor’s lab during the first and second year of the OTD program. This can include literature review and synthesis, developing knowledge of human subjects research ethics, data collection, working on a research team, and assisting with data analysis and dissemination. Students may receive grant-funded research assistantships, college-funded scholarships which include responsibilities to work in research labs, or earn independent study credits.
Summer Semester on-line, 8cr, 14wk
SAR RS910: RS PhD Directed Reading
For students working with a faculty member on a topic-specific literature review. (Credits: Var)
Note: During the directed reading experience, students work with a faculty member on a topic-specific literature review. This helps students develop a research focus area and rehabilitation sciences content expertise.
Year 2
Fall Semester on-campus, 18cr
SAR OT502: Integrative Seminar 3 and LIFW
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OT501, 0T524, 0T556, OT562, OT620; MSOT and OTD students only. - This is the third course in a sequence designed to develop clinical reasoning by integrating course-related knowledge with weekly fieldwork experiences. The course uses problem-based case scenarios and fieldwork experiences to practice reasoning about evaluation and intervention for person of all ages with a variety of disabling conditions. Students apply client-centered, occupation and evidence-based practice concepts to their evaluation and intervention plans. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT563: Context and Occupational Performance
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OT501, OT524, OT556, OT562, OT620; MSOT and OTD students only. - This graduate course in occupational therapy is designed to be taken concurrently with two other complementary courses: OT564 and OT503 (Integrative Seminar/LIFW III). This course focuses on knowledge and resources needed for effective clinical reasoning in occupation therapy practice. Topics covered include practice contexts/environments, healthcare/education regulations and policies, and interdisciplinary practitioner roles. Content is applied particularly to individuals living with long-term conditions who are most likely to benefit from compensatory and adaptive interventions to enable performance of meaningful occupations. Classes consist primarily of lectures, group discussions, audiovisual presentations, and case study discussions. (Credits: 2)
SAR OT564: Skills for Occupation Based Practice 1
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OT501, OT524, OT556, OT562, OT620; MSOT and OTD students only. - This companion course to OT563 Context and OT502 Integrative Seminar III emphasizes the development of assessment and intervention skills for working with individuals living with chronic conditions likely to benefit from compensatory and adaptive strategies. Students have opportunity for hands-on practice in selecting, administering, and interpreting assessments, as well as choosing and implementing occupation-based interventions. Best practice is promoted by requiring students to support their assessment and intervention choices through theoretical and empirical evidence. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT568: Occupation-Based Practice for Individuals
This course is designed to provide practice of skills to select and implement specific occupational therapy assessments and interventions. Specifically, this course provides opportunity for hands on practice to choose, administer and interpret assessments along with opportunity to develop collaborative goals, and choose, implement, and re-evaluate interventions. Documenting weekly sessions provide extensive practice of written communication. This course will focus on individuals living in the community with chronic conditions. Implementing client-centered, theory driven, evidence-based, and occupation-based interventions will be emphasized throughout. This class meets 2x/week, once as a large group and once/week for intervention session. Students spend time outside of class time reviewing the evidence, practicing administration of assessments, developing session plans, and preparing for client sessions. (Credits: 4)
PhD Mentored Research (work in research lab with PhD Program faculty five hrs/week): Students in the dual degree program will begin research training in a mentor’s lab during the first and second year of the OTD program. This can include literature review and synthesis, developing knowledge of human subjects research ethics, data collection, working on a research team, and assisting with data analysis and dissemination. Students may receive grant-funded research assistantships, college-funded scholarships which include responsibilities to work in research labs, or earn independent study credits.
Spring Semester on-campus, 16cr
SAR OT530: Occupation Based Practice with Groups
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OT502, OT538, OT563, OT564, OT621; OTD students only - Graduate Prerequisites: (SAROT524 & SAROT533 & SAROT535 & SAROT537) - This Level I Fieldwork Practicum and Integrative Seminar in Occupational Therapy is the culminating course in a four-semester course sequence. It is designed to enhance clinical reasoning by integrating knowledge and skills from current and previous courses with a weekly fieldwork experience. Students use principles of program development, needs assessment, group intervention planning and implementation, along with theory and research evidence, to design and co-lead occupation-centered groups in a variety of practice settings and contexts with child, adult and elder populations. Readings, independent learning, and group supervision are combined with assignments specific to planning and leading a group. Class participation and independent learning are an essential aspect of this course. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT565: Skills for Occupation Based Practice 2
Undergraduate Prerequisites: OT502, OT538, OT563, OT564, OT621; MSOT and OTD students only. - This companion course to OT566 Client Factors emphasizes the development of assessment and intervention skills for working with individuals living with conditions likely to benefit from remedial interventions directed toward performance skills and client factors. Students have opportunity for hands-on practice in selecting, administering, and interpreting assessments, as well as choosing and implementing interventions. Best practice is promoted by requiring students to support their assessment and intervention choices through theoretical and empirical evidence. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT586: Professional Service Management
Graduate Prerequisites: OT502, OT538, OT563, OT564, OT621; MSOT and OTD students only. - This required graduate course provides a fundamental, critical overview of health care management principles. Detailed discussions, teamwork, practical case study experiences, as well as oral and written assignments will guide the soon-to-be entry-level occupational therapist to effectively manage people and resources, and to understand political, regulatory, economic, and social forces that are affecting a constantly changing and often complex health and rehabilitation environment. Major emphasis is on advocacy and legislation, reimbursement, financial planning, personnel management, leadership, negotiation skills, conflict resolution, ethics, grant writing, starting up a new program, business or practice, entrepreneurship, and marketing. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT590: Fieldwork Seminar/Field Experience Fee
Graduate Prerequisites: OT502, OT538, OT563, OT564, OT621; OTD students only. Registration req uired for all students in the semester prior to the start oftheir off- campus field experiences. - Fee is equal to the cost of two credits. The Fieldwork Seminar is for students completing the didactic coursework in the program. Topics preparing for the transition from the academic setting to the practice setting, program policies and procedures, criteria for evaluating student performance, supervision issues, fieldwork experience responsibilities and information on certification, licensure and the job search. (Credits: 0)
SAR OT943: Professional Development Seminar (develop research-based capstone project with research mentor)
PhD Mentored Research (work in research lab with PhD Program faculty five hrs/week): Students in the dual degree program will begin research training in a mentor’s lab during the first and second year of the OTD program. This can include literature review and synthesis, developing knowledge of human subjects research ethics, data collection, working on a research team, and assisting with data analysis and dissemination. Students may receive grant-funded research assistantships, college-funded scholarships which include responsibilities to work in research labs, or earn independent study credits.
Summer Semester on-line, 8cr, 14wk
SAR OT944: Needs Assessment and Program Development
Introduces students to methods of assessing how occupation contributes to health and well-being among populations. Provides opportunities to develop and practice needs assessment skills. Students will learn how to access and analyze large data sets to examine whether a health problem in a community warrants occupational therapy intervention. Students will conduct a needs assessment of a population and develop a proposal for occupational therapy intervention to address the identified needs. (Credits: 4)
SAR RS910: RS PhD Directed Reading
For students working with a faculty member on a topic-specific literature review. (Credits: Var)
Note: During the directed reading experience, students work with a faculty member on a topic-specific literature review. This helps students develop a research focus area and rehabilitation sciences content expertise.
Year 3
Fall Semester LIIFW (0cr)
SAR OT593: Level 2 Fieldwork 1
Graduate Prerequisites: All MSOT and OTD professional courses. - Full-time, on-site clinical experience. (Credits: 0)
Note: BU students do not pay tuition for SAR OT593/SAR OT594 Level II Fieldwork. The OT clinical affiliation fee (equivalent to the cost of two credits) is paid during the Year 2 Spring semester via registration of SAR OT590 Fieldwork Seminar/Field Experience Fee, and keeps students on the university records as full-time students during internships.
No student may start Level II Fieldwork (LIIFW) until all required professional courses have been completed with an acceptable grade (C), the minimum cumulative GPA (3.0+) is achieved, and professional behavior and technical standards are met. All students must complete LIIFW within 24 months of finishing their required professional courses work.
Spring Semester LIIFW (0cr) and on-line (2cr, 7wk)
SAR OT594: Level II Fieldwork II
Graduate Prerequisites: All MSOT and OTD professional courses. - Full-time, on-site clinical experience. (Credits: 0)
SAR OT946: Preparation for Doctoral Experiential Component
To prepare for the Doctoral Experiential Component this course will guide students through the 2nd Doctoral Project task: thoroughly evaluating and synthesizing the literature on existing methods for addressing the proposed problem to be addressed in the Doctoral Project. This review of the literature will provide the foundation for the rationale, design, and methods for the student's proposed response to the problem. (Credits: 2)
Summer Semester on-line, 6cr, 14wk
SAR OT947: Mentored Studies in Doctoral Experiential Component
This on-line course provides students with concurrent mentoring from their faculty advisor and peer mentor while they are completing the doctoral experiential component. Students meet on-line in small mentoring sections with their faculty advisor throughout the doctoral experiential component. Students will complete the 3rd Doctoral Project task: design and implement an intervention or program that is guided by current theory and best evidence. Students will develop a model for the hypothesized mechanisms of action of a particular intervention or program and incorporate a feasible and effective method for evaluation within the design of the program to be implemented during the doctoral experiential component in the situation of practice. (Credits: 4)
SAR OT948: Mentored Doctoral Experiential Dissemination
In this course students complete their culminating Doctoral Project and disseminate the findings from their scholarly work, relating theory to practice and demonstrating synthesis of advanced knowledge. The students present their Doctoral Project and discuss findings in a professional forum related to their selected area: clinical practice, research, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education or theory development. Development of individualized learning objectives for the dissemination, plan for dissemination and evaluation of student performance objectives occurs in collaboration with the student, Doctoral Project academic mentor and mentor in the situation of practice with expertise in one of the above areas. (Credits: 2)
SAR OT949: Doctoral Experience Component
This doctoral experiential component is an in-depth experience in one or more of the following student-selected areas: clinical practice, research, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education or theory development. This experience is designed to support advanced skills the student's selected area. The experience is a minimum of 14 full-time weeks (560 hours). Development of individualized learning objectives, assignments and evaluation of student performance objectives occurs in collaboration with the student, Doctoral Project mentor and mentor in the situation of practice with expertise in one of the above areas. (Credits: 0)
SAR OT949 Doctoral Capstone Practicum
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree Awarded
Students earn their Doctorate in Occupational Therapy after completion of Level II Fieldwork and Doctoral Capstone requirements within 5 years from initial matriculation. A minimum 92 graduate-level credits from courses numbered 500+ are required for the Entry-level OTD degree.
Upon entry into the PhD portion of the dual degree program, students will follow the PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences Curriculum and Degree Requirements. Time to earn the degree is accelerated due to mentored research experiences, completion of RS910 Directed Reading coursework as electives, and submission of pre-dissertation manuscript for publication to fulfill PhD degree requirement.