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2024 - 2025 Catalog Year
Occupational Therapy Assistant (Full-time)

Degree: Associate of Applied Science
Division: Health Sciences

Health Sciences degree programs consist of open enrollment courses (general education and division specific) and program specific courses with limited enrollment. The open enrollment courses may be taken prior to entry into the limited enrollment courses. The limited enrollment courses are offered during the technical portion of the program that includes clinical, practicum, or professional practice experience. The technical section of a program has restrictions on the number of students that may start the limited enrollment courses each term (or year), based on space availability and accreditor guidelines, for example, objective quantitative factors. As a result of this limited class size, there may be a waiting period between completion of the prerequisites and other program requirements for entry into the limited enrollment courses, and the start of those courses. Some programs have instituted a competitive selection process for entry to the limited enrollment/restricted courses. To qualify for entry to limited enrollment courses, please see the Applicant Information packet found on the Health Sciences webpage: http://www.sinclair.edu/academics/divisions/hs/

This Sample Program Pathway is designed to provide an example of course selections in a term by term sequence. Please see an Academic Advisor for a plan specific to your academic needs.

Program Prerequisites
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Description: History, philosophy, ethics and definitions of occupational therapy; overview of occupational therapy practice areas; differences between occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants; functions of professional and regulatory agencies; exploration of learning experiences within the occupational therapy assistant program curriculum; basic prefixes, roots and suffixes; terminology and standard abbreviations required for understanding of the language used in medicine. One classroom, two lab hours per week.

Notes: OTA 1111 is not offered during Summer semesters.

Description: Orientation to the health care delivery system, including history, economics, medical/legal issues, professionalism, ethics, sociological aspects and wellness concepts. Orientation to the use of technology in the health care system will also be provided, including user interfaces, telecommunications and networks. The development of health care team skills, including critical thinking and problem-solving strategies and multicultural health care perspectives, will be presented. One classroom, three lab hours per week.

Description: The first course in a two-semester sequence studying the structure and function of the human body. Topics include introductory terminology, biochemistry, cells, the integumentary system, the skeletal system, the muscular system, the nervous system and the endocrine system. Three classroom, two lab hours per week.

Prerequisites: MAT 0100 or MAT 0600 or MAT 1130

Corequisites: BIO 1147

Description: Lab for the first course in a two semester sequence studying the structure and function of the human body.

Corequisites: BIO 1141

Description: In English Composition I students learn reflective, analytical and argumentative writing strategies, incorporating sources and personal experience. Students will negotiate between public and private rhetorical situations and purposes to achieve academic literacy. They will write multiple drafts using a recursive writing process as they work toward fluency in style and mechanics. Note: Students who have not successfully completed the pre-requisites listed can register for ENG 1101 together with the co-requisite course ENG 0101 - English Composition I Booster.

Prerequisites: DEV 0035 or Other (Placement Test Score)

 

Term hours subtotal:

11

Fall Semester (First Year)
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Description: Introduction to occupational therapy and people with physical, psychosocial and/or developmental disabilities in a non-traditional community-based setting with supervision provided by a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant. Focuses on activity implementation, observation skills, professionalism, therapeutic use of self and occupational therapy practice framework language. Two classroom, three clinical hours per week.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Fall Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1111 and Restricted to Majors

Description: Functional Anatomy of neurological and musculoskeletal systems. Analysis of nervous systems, major joint and muscle groups involved in daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, cooking, and housekeeping.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Fall Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1111 and Restricted to Majors

Description: Effect of the features of major diseases, injuries, and disorders on adult occupational performance. Physical dysfunction theories, models of practice, frames of reference that provide the foundation of occupational therapy. Screening and evaluation of occupational performance affected by physical dysfunction. Includes use of occupations for the purpose of assessment, specified screening tools, assessments, observation, checklists, histories and interviews with clients and/or their family members or caregivers.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Fall Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1111 and Restricted to Majors

Corequisites: OTA 1214

Description: Focus on physical dysfunction intervention to increase independence in areas of occupation. Screening and evaluation of occupational performance affected by physical dysfunction. Includes use of occupations for purpose of physical dysfunction assessments and interventions. Six lab hours per week.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Fall Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1111 and Restricted to Majors

Corequisites: OTA 1213

Description: The second course in a two-semester sequence studying the structure and function of the human body. Topics include the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, metabolism, the urinary system, fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base balance and the reproductive system. Three classroom, two lab hours per week.

Prerequisites: BIO 1141

Corequisites: BIO 1248

Description: Lab for the second course in a two-semester sequence studying the structure and function of the human body.

Corequisites: BIO 1242

Description: Exploration of the development, maintenance and termination of interpersonal relationships. The focus is on effective verbal and nonverbal interactions between two people, highlighting methods of initiating and maintaining effective communication with, and understanding of, others through learning and applying interpersonal communication theory.

 

Term hours subtotal:

16

Spring Semester (First Year)
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Description: Continue refining definition of occupational therapy and experience with people with physical, psychosocial and/or developmental disabilities in a non-traditional community-based setting under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant. Focuses on occupational therapy documentation, observation skills, professionalism and activity analysis. Two classroom, three clinical hours per week.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Spring Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1211 and Restricted to Majors

Description: Exploration of human development from conception to death including developmental stages, theories supporting human development, occupational engagement throughout the lifespan and cultural impact on human development.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Spring Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1211 and Restricted to Majors

Description: Effect of the features of major neurological diseases, injuries and disorders on adult occupational performance. Neurological Dysfunction theories, models of practice, frames of reference that provide the foundation of Occupational Therapy. Screening and evaluation of occupational performance affected by neurological dysfunction. Includes use of occupations for the purpose of assessment, specified screening tools, assessments, observation, checklists, histories and interviews with clients and/or their family members or caregivers.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Spring Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1213 and Restricted to Majors

Description: Focus on neurological dysfunction intervention to increase independence in areas of occupation. Screening and evaluation of occupational performance affected by neurological dysfunction. Includes use of occupations for purpose of neurological dysfunction assessments and interventions. Six lab hours per week.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Spring Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1214 and Restricted to Majors

Corequisites: OTA 1313

Description: Personal development, including development of the self as an effective therapeutic tool, exploration of values, personal and cultural attitudes, sensitivity to cultural differences, group process and ethical decision making. One classroom, two lab hours per week.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Spring Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1111 and Restricted to Majors

Description: Pathological changes associated with the most commonly occurring diseases of each body system. Correlates changes with patient's response, diagnostic studies, and treatment modalities.

Notes: Students may choose from ALH 1140 or ALH 2220.

Prerequisites: BIO 1107 or BIO 1121 or BIO 1141

 

Term hours subtotal:

14

Fall Semester (Second Year)
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Description: Effect of the features of major diseases, injuries, and disorders that affect pediatric population's occupational performance. Pediatric Function and Dysfunction theories, models of practice, frames of reference that provide the foundation of Occupational Therapy. Screening and evaluation of occupational performance affected by dysfunction in the pediatric population. Includes use of occupations for the purpose of assessment, specified screening tools, assessments, observation, checklists, histories and interviews with clients and/or their family members or caregivers. Pediatric medical and educational practice settings.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Fall Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1313 and Restricted to Majors

Corequisites: OTA 2413

Description: Focus on intervention to increase independence in areas of occupation with pediatric population. Screening and evaluation of occupational performance affected by dysfunction. Includes use of occupations for purpose of assessments and interventions with infants, children and adolescents. Six lab hours per week.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Fall Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1314 and Restricted to Majors

Corequisites: OTA 2412

Description: Effect of the features of major psychosocial diseases and disorders on occupational performance. Psychosocial dysfunction theories, models of practice, frames of reference that provide the foundation of occupational therapy. Screening and evaluation of occupational performance affected by psychosocial dysfunction. Includes use of occupations for the purpose of assessment, specified screening tools, assessments, observation, checklists, histories and interviews with clients and/or their family members or caregivers.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Fall Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1213 and Restricted to Majors

Corequisites: OTA 2415

Description: Focus on psychosocial dysfunction intervention to increase independence in areas of occupation. Screening and evaluation of occupational performance affected by psychosocial dysfunction. Includes use of occupations for purpose of psychosocial dysfunction assessments and interventions. Role of the Occupational Therapy Assistant in a variety of mental health settings and in the therapeutic group process. Six lab hours per week.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Fall Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1214 and Restricted to Majors

Corequisites: OTA 2414

Description: Level 1 Fieldwork integrates the academic classroom instruction and clinical experiences in an Occupational Therapy setting(s) under the direct supervision of an Occupational Therapy practitioner and coordinated by the Academic Fieldwork Educator. Two classroom, seven clinical hours per week.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Fall Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 1311 and Restricted to Majors

Description: Sociological exploration of American racial and ethnic diversity. Emphasis given to the social construction of race and ethnicity, patterns of intergroup contact and global migration. Historical comparative analysis of selected groups with emphasis given to economic, political and structural inequalities.

Prerequisites: SOC 1101 or OTA 1111

Description: University-parallel course covering topics such as history and systems of psychology, behavioral research methods, physiology of behavior, sensation, perception, learning, memory, consciousness, cognition, personality, lifespan development, gender, social psychology, motivation, emotion, stress, mental disorders and therapies.

 

Term hours subtotal:

15

Spring Semester (Second Year)
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Description: First of two full-time 8-week assignments of advanced clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapy Practitioner which must be completed before the student is eligible for national certification examination. Fourteen clinical hours per week.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Spring Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 2416 and Restricted to Majors

Corequisites: OTA 2523

Description: Facilitation of increased practical knowledge and problem-solving skills to address professional, ethical, legal and social issues within clinical practice.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Spring Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 2416 and Restricted to Majors

Corequisites: OTA 2511

Description: Second of two 8-week full-time assignments of advanced clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapy Practitioner which must be successfully completed before the student is eligible for national certification examination. Fourteen clinical hours per week.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Spring Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 2511 and Restricted to Majors

Corequisites: OTA 2524

Description: Facilitation of discussion on issues related to the transition from student to entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistant. Advanced exploration of legal and ethical issues related to occupational therapy practice.

Notes: Program limited enrollment course. Spring Only.

Prerequisites: OTA 2523 and Restricted to Majors

Corequisites: OTA 2512

Description: Solve health science applications; convert within and between metric, household and apothecary systems; read and interpret health science labels and graphs; calculate and apply statistical concepts; solve problems involving parenteral, pediatric and/or intravenous administration and dosage calculations. Traditional testing (proctored or in Testing Center) is used in all online sections.

Notes: Choose from MAT 1130 or Any Mathematics, Statistics & Logic elective from the approved Ohio Transfer 36 List. View electives at: http://www.sinclair.edu/ot36

Prerequisites: MAT 0050 or Other (Satisfactory score on math placement test)

 

Term hours subtotal:

9

This information is for planning purposes only. Sinclair College will make every effort to offer curriculum listed above but reserves the right to change, add and cancel curriculum offerings for unforeseen circumstances. View current catalog.