Curriculum
Overview of Curriculum Design|Program
Goals and Student Learning Outcomes|Sequence of Classes|Course Descriptions
Overview of Curriculum Design:
Our MS-OT curriculum is sequenced for the study of occupational behavior across
the life span, therapeutic interventions to support occupational participation,
professional skills, values and behaviors, and models of research and evidence-based
practice. There are four strands; students take at least one course from each strand
each of the 4 semesters of the curriculum: 1) Foundational Knowledge; 2) Evidence-based
Practice; 3) Critical Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making; and 4) Professional
Skills. These strands all lead the student to apply theory, core concepts and ethics
to practice during fieldwork and ultimately to professional practice. Sixteen graduate
level courses make up the course sequence.
The courses focus on general knowledge about occupational development, performance
and disruptions, professional values and behaviors and the process of practice,
and research in occupational therapy practice. The professional courses progress
to more specific detail about the relationship of occupational dysfunction to social
participation. Throughout the curriculum, students learn about devising and implementing
interventions that relate to deficits in occupational participation amongst individuals
of all ages and from a broad range of cultural, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic
diversity.
The program is designed to prepare professional, well-qualified occupational therapists
who collaborate with individuals, families, groups, organizations and systems to
enable participation in meaningful and culturally relevant occupations to improve
health and quality of life.
The program begins with basic biological science courses early in the curriculum
(human anatomy and functional neuroanatomy) (Foundation Knowledge thread)
with later professional courses focused on diseases and conditions that lead to
occupational dysfunction. Students take a series of courses on professional
practice (Professional Skills thread). Professional Skills I introduces
them to professional standards and promotes the acquisition of professional behaviors
and values necessary for the therapeutic process. Next, in Professional Skills II,
students develop interpersonal and communication skills and experience in group
dynamics. In Professional Skills III, they develop skills for management and supervision
in health, education and social systems. In Professional Skills IV, they learn program
development, grant writing, and implementation of community-based programs. Students
also take a series of courses designed to help them understand and intervene in
conditions that impair participation in occupations across the life span (Critical
Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making thread). They take: Assessment
of Occupational Participation, Occupation-Based Theory and Practice, Infant and
Childhood Occupations and Therapeutic Interventions, Adolescent and Young Adult
Occupations and Therapeutic Interventions, and Middle and Late Adulthood Occupations
and Therapeutic Interventions. These courses focus on: 1) deficits in participation
and disabilities related to age and stage of development: 2) assessment of performance
of activities of daily living appropriate to each age group; and 3) occupational
therapy evidence-based intervention approaches. Students participate in fieldwork
courses (Level I) associated with each of these courses in order to apply theory
and knowledge learned in the classroom to clinical and community settings.
Finally, they take a series of courses designed to provide the fundamentals of clinical
and scientific reasoning evaluation procedures that are relevant to the practice
of occupational therapy (Evidence-based Practice thread).
These courses culminate in research projects, meta-analyses or systematic reviews
of occupational therapy practice areas , conducted under the supervision of occupational
therapy faculty. As a final project, students present their findings in the form
of a research report or professional presentation to their University colleagues.
Students in the MS in OT program also have the opportunity to enroll in some elective
graduate courses designed for the MS in Therapeutic Sciences or Ph.D. in Kinesiology.
Relevant courses might include special topics in motor control/motor learning, sensory
integration, occupation and temporality, service coordination, or policy analysis.
The final component of the MS in Occupational Therapy Program consists of 6 months
of fieldwork (Level II), during which students learn how to apply knowledge gained
in academic courses to clinical settings. Specifically, they apply: 1) occupational
knowledge, 2) professional ethics, standards, and values, 3) effective therapeutic
relationships, 4) knowledge of the context of service delivery, 5) principles of
management and systems, and 6) evidence-based practice to promote participation
in meaningful and culturally relevant occupations. The Level II Fieldwork
experience is carried out in two different clinical settings under the supervision
of clinical educators.
The following will describe the Student Learning Outcomes associated with each of
the threads:
Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Foundational Knowledge
Foundational knowledge provides the underpinnings for understanding the motor, sensory,
social, cognitive and psychological substrates of human occupation in typical and
non-typical development.
- The student will demonstrate understanding of body structures, function and pathological
conditions
- The student will describe and critically examine multiple theories and models of
practice associated with the science and research of human occupation
- The student will understand and appreciate the role of occupational participation
on health promotion and well being and the prevention of disease and occupational
dysfunction.
Evidence Based Practice
Understand the principles and importance of research, scientific inquiry and theory
development for the advancement of the profession
- articulate the importance of research for best practice and continued development
of the profession,
- use professional literature to make informed practice decisions,
- understand and interpret basic descriptive, correlation, and inferential statistics,
- understand and critique research studies,
- understand the importance of scholarly activities that will contribute to the development
of a body of knowledge relevant to the occupational therapy profession
Critical Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making
Provide services to support and enhance participation in daily life tasks and occupations
- assess clients’ participation in occupations and employ a collaborative approach
to determine the clients’ occupational needs within the context of family
and society,
- assess factors within the environment that influence participation in occupation,
- develop an occupation-based plan that encompasses the clients’ needs and desires,
their ability to participate in environments, and the goals and methods to accomplish
those aims,
- demonstrate the ability to analyze, grade and adapt occupation,
- employ culturally relevant occupations to support the intervention goals that are
meaningful to the client,
- monitor and assess the effect of occupational therapy intervention,
- plan for discharge in collaboration with the client, terminate occupational
therapy when intervention goals have been achieved or determined that they cannot
be achieved and an alternative plan designed.
Professional Skills
Demonstrate and understanding and appreciation of professional values and behaviors
and a role in professional conduct and lifelong learning
- understand the values of the profession,
- understand the varied roles of the occupational therapist as practitioner, educator,
researcher, and entrepreneur,
- establish appropriate therapeutic relationships with individuals, groups, organizations
and systems,
- utilize effective interpersonal communication and demonstrate effective and culturally
sensitive group communication,
- demonstrate use of safety precautions with the client during the process of practice,
- demonstrate knowledge about legal and ethical issues related to care in health,
education, and community settings,
- accept responsibility for one’s own professional growth
Sequence of Classes
Students are admitted to the program for classes beginning in June. All students
must enroll in Anatomy 622-Human Anatomy for Physical and Occupational Therapy Students
on the UW-Madison campus during the summer of the first year.
The program length consists of one summer session, four academic semesters (fall
& spring) and 6 months of fieldwork. Throughout the 2.5 years, the curriculum
follows a specified sequence which is outlined below. Completion of 61 credits is
required, and students are encouraged to enroll in elective courses related to occupational
therapy during their residence in the program.
Summer Admission to the Program:
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Credits:
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ANAT 622 Human Anatomy (with cadaver labs & OT Discussion Section)
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6
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Fall I
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|
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ANAT 637, Functional Neuroanatomy
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3
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OT 610 Professional Skills I: Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy
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2
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OT 620 Occupation-Based Theory and Practice
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2
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OT 621 Assessment of Occupational Participation
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3
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OT 671 Scientific Inquiry in Occupational Therapy I: Evidence-Based Practice
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2
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Spring I
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|
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OT 611 Professional Skills II: Communication and Interpersonal Interaction in Occupational
Therapy
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2
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OT 622 Infant and Childhood Occupations and Therapeutic Interventions
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4
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OT 625 Level I Fieldwork: Infants and Children
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1
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OT 672 Scientific Inquiry in Occupational Therapy II: Methods of Inquiry
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3
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OT 629 Medical Lectures
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1
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Fall II
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|
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OT 612 Professional Skills III: Organization and Management in Occupational Therapy
Practice
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3
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OT 623 Adolescent and Young Adult Occupations and Therapeutic Interventions
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4
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OT 626 Level I Fieldwork: Adolescents and Young Adults
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1
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OT 673 Scientific Inquiry in Occupational Therapy III: Data Collection and Analysis
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3
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Spring II
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|
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OT 613 Professional Skills IV: Community-Based Occupational Therapy Practice
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2
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OT 624 Middle and Late Adulthood Occupations and Therapeutic Interventions
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4
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OT 627 Level I Fieldwork: Adults and Elders
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1
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OT 674 Scientific Inquiry in Occupational Therapy IV: Scientific Writing for Publication
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2
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Summer and Fall
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OT 662 Level II Fieldwork A
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6
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OT 664 Level II Fieldwork B
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6
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Total (not including electives)
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61
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Course Descriptions
ANAT 622: Human Anatomy-Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
Gross human anatomy involving complete dissection of the human body. Special emphasis
is placed on the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems, and living subject
and surface anatomy.
ANAT 637: Functinal Neuroanatomy
For occupational therapy and physical therapy majors. Motor and sensory systems
under normal and altered conditions.
OT 610: Professional Skills I: Professional Practice in OT
This course introduces entry-level occupational therapy students to the foundations
and basic tenets of occupational therapy and the process and domain of the profession.
Topics include the history, development, and parameters of the profession; the “Occupational
Therapy Framework” and selected models of practice; roles, behaviors and responsibilities
of occupational therapists; professional values and ethics; clinical reasoning;
the process of designing and documenting client-centered, occupation-based interventions;
therapeutic use of activity and occupation; activity and task analysis; and safety
in occupational therapy practice.
OT 611: Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy-II
This course applies knowledge from clinical, theoretical, and research literature
on the use of communication and interpersonal interaction in occupational therapy
practice. Emphasis will be placed on clinical reasoning as it relates to group processes,
cultural competency, and the phenomenological experience of persons with disability.
OT 612: Professional Skills III: Organization & Management in
OT Practice
This course covers the principles and practices of organization and management and
their application in both traditional and innovative occupational therapy practice
settings. Knowledge of the external and internal forces acting on the health, education,
and social service systems, in which occupational therapists typically work, provides
the foundation for developing skills as a team member, collaborator, supervisor,
manager, entrepreneur, or advocate for occupational therapy services. Students gain
knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective management and supervision,
for attending to fiduciary responsibilities, and for addressing legal and ethical
concerns.
OT 613: Professional Skills IV: Community-Based OT Practice
This course incorporates the program’s view of occupation as involving active
participation in culturally-relevant and meaningful activities throughout the life
span and engages students in the exploration of the concepts of occupational alienation,
deprivation, marginalization and imbalance. During the semester, students develop
an understanding of these concepts and their relationship to achieving occupational
justice for diverse populations. Through the development of a community-based program
grant, students express their understanding of the power of occupation as a transformative
agent for the identified population.
OT 620: Occupation-Based Theory & Practice
This course focuses on theories and research on human occupations.
Occupation is defined as active participation in person-centered culturally relevant
and meaningful patterns of activity which occur across the lifespan in the context
of a person’s environment. The therapeutic use of occupation is fundamental
to occupational therapy practice. Research pertaining to the form, function and
meaning of daily occupations for the individual and society, and the implications
for occupational therapy practice will be discussed.
OT 621: Assessment of Occupational Participation
An overview of skills required for the assessment of occupational participation
in a variety of contexts, ages, and populations. Students learn to critically evaluate:
1) assessment tools and evaluation methods based on evidence from research, current
models of practice, and clinical utility, and 2) multi-dimensional demands of activities
and occupations, client factors and process skills related to occupational performance,
and the role of environmental context in the occupational analysis process.
OT 622: Infant & Childhood Occupation & Therapeutic Intervention
This course will describe the foundations of pediatric occupational therapy practice
including theory and core concepts; models of practice and service delivery; the
assessment and treatment process; and alterations in performance components, skills,
and participation for children with various disabilities. Using multiple case studies,
students will engage in diagnostic reasoning and evaluation, research disability
trajectories and occupational participation, and create appropriate goals and treatment
plans.
OT 623: Adolescent & Young Adult Occupations & Therapeutic Interventions
During this course, students will enhance their knowledge of typical adolescent/young
adult development and learn to recognize signs or symptoms of occupational dysfunction.
Students will develop skill in designing occupational therapy interventions appropriate
for specific conditions associated with this age group.
OT 624: Middle & Late Adulthood Occupations & Therapeutic Interventions
Knowledge of typical occupational roles for mid- and later life will provide a foundation
for understanding the physical, psychosocial, temporal and environmental conditions
that may impede occupational participation. Students will develop skills in occupational
therapy assessment and intervention for conditions commonly associated with the
aging process.
OT 625: Level-I Fieldwork: Infants & Children
This course provides occupational therapy students with a clinical experience in
the use of therapeutic intervention to facilitate participation of children with
disabilities and their families in everyday occupations within their community.
In this clerkship students are expected to apply appropriate theory and principles
to assessment and intervention, to conduct standardized assessment and observations
according to appropriate guidelines, to collaborate and consult with stakeholders,
to design and implement a therapeutic intervention, and to document and evaluate
the effectiveness of an intervention.
OT 626: Level-I Fieldwork: Adolescent & Young Adults
This course provides occupational therapy students with a clinical experience involving
occupational therapy practice with adolescents and young adults. In this Level-I
experience, students are expected to apply appropriate theory and principles to
assessment and the planning and carrying out of occupational therapy interventions
with adolescents and young adults with disabilities.
OT 627: Level-I Fieldwork: Adults & Elders
This course provides occupational therapy students with a clinical experience involving
occupational therapy practice with adults thirty-five years old and up. In this
Level-I experience, students are expected to apply appropriate theory and principles
to assessment and the planning and carrying out of occupational therapy interventions
with adults with disabilities.
OT 629: Medical Lectures for Occupational Therapy
Introduction to the etiology of developmental, orthopedic, neurological, and psychiatric
disorders, as well as medical, surgical, and therapeutic approaches commonly used
to address them. Course material is presented by medical faculty, practitioners,
and clinicians at the University of Wisconsin medical school and hospitals.
OT 662: Level II Fieldwork-A
This course is a twelve-week supervised practical application of occupational therapy
in an approved practice setting. The student is required to complete a minimum
of 24 weeks full-time in order to pass fieldwork and be eligible to take the certification
examination. The student begins fieldwork after all academic coursework has
been successfully completed.
OT 664: Level II Fieldwork-B
This course is a twelve-week supervised practical application of occupational therapy
in an approved practice setting. The student is required to complete a minimum
of 24 weeks full-time in order to pass fieldwork and be eligible to take the certification
examination. The student begins fieldwork after all academic coursework has been
successfully completed.
OT 671: Scientific Inquiry in OT I: Evidence-Based Practice
This course is designed to inform students regarding the role and creation of practiced-based
evidence in occupational therapy. The course covers the concepts, methods, and strategies
related to evidence-based practice. The goal of the course is to support students
in the development of critical reading and writing skills with particular
relevance to understanding human occupation and the practice of occupational therapy
through scientific inquiry. This course is the first in the sequence leading
to the development of a proposal and completion of a research project.
OT 672: Scientific Inquiry in OT II: Methods of Inquiry
This course is the second in the four course Scientific Inquiry sequence supporting
the Evidence Based Practice Strand of the OT curriculum. This and other courses
are designed to support the development and use of evidence in occupational therapy
practice. This course provides an overview of research and evaluation procedures
that have particular relevance to understanding human occupation and the practice
of occupational therapy through scientific inquiry.
OT 673: Scientific Inquiry in OT III: Data Collection/Analysis
This course supports the development of a research proposal and the skills needed
to implement a research project. This course builds on the skills developed through
pre-requisite coursework as well as courses completed in the first year of the MSOT
program (OT 671, OT 672 & OT 621). Through a series of lectures, small group
discussions and lab activities students are guided through the development of a
research proposal and analysis of data.
OT 674: Scientific Inquiry in OT IV: Scientific Writing for Publication
In this course students complete the collection and analysis of their data as well
as the development of a final paper and poster presentations of their study findings.
The skills addressed in this course include data entry and management, data analysis
and preparation of tables and figures and the integration of the findings with existing
literature. The emphasis on scientific writing and presentation emphasizes the importance
of contribution to the OT literature and continuing education programs.