Occupational Science

This seminar course introduces occupational therapy (OT) students to the major.  Students will engage in introductory learning activities to promote success in the program by familiarizing themselves with career options related to the major.  The course will include a broad overview of current issues related to healthcare in the United States as well as provides a survey of concepts and practice areas related to occupational therapy.

This interdisciplinary seminar course provides an overview of the foundational concepts and principles of health and human services. It aims to introduce students to the fundamental knowledge, skills, and practice benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to care. By integrating various perspectives, students will gain an introductory understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and collaborative nature of the professions in promoting health, well-being, and functional independence.

An introductory study of a specific topic in Occupational Science. Intended for freshmen and sophomores, or for students with little or no background in the subject. The student may repeat the course, but not the same topic.

This course provides occupational therapy students with essential skills and knowledge to effectively document client care and meet professional standards. This includes an overview for future occupational therapists on medical record documentation requirements and professional, responsible documentation strategies. The course will cover therapeutic requirements in various practice settings, reimbursement systems, funding and appeals mechanisms, and treatment/diagnosis codes that affect occupational therapy.

Students will explore behavioral interventions for lifestyle choices related to occupational participation. This course will define and cover areas such as interventions focusing on evidence-based approaches, medical management, engagement strategies, planning health care for individuals, groups and populations with or at risk for chronic health conditions.

This course provides a unique exploration into the foundational principles of occupational science, introduction to the occupational therapy practice framework, and theories of practice in occupational therapy. Students will explore the use of occupation to establish meaning and competence and understand how people establish identity through the development of the occupational self. Students will recognize the influence of occupation on well-being and quality of life through understanding occupation-based practice while analyzing current theories, models and frames of reference which shape practice.

The focus of this course is on musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics of human motion. Primary emphasis is placed on functional anatomy of the extremities, head, neck, and trunk. Laboratory focus is on palpation, manual muscle testing and goniometry.

This course explores the intricate relationship between human development and occupational engagement from infancy through end of life. Drawing on theories and research from occupational therapy, psychology, sociology, and other relevant disciplines, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how occupational engagement evolves and impacts individuals' overall well-being. By exploring the interplay between biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors, students will develop a nuanced perspective on the complex dynamics of occupational development. Students will understand factors that influence individuals achieving meaningful and fulfilling lives through engagement in occupations that are congruent with their developmental needs and goals.

This course introduces students to the underlying causes of health, wellness, and illness. Theories and evidence supporting multiple underlying determinants of health are presented through the lens of common conditions that are seen in occupational therapy practice across the lifespan. Through these perspectives, students will increase their understanding of the interplay of biology, genetics, individual behavior, health services, social factors, and policymaking that influence the health of individuals and populations.

An in-depth, self-directed study for Junior- or Senior- level students under the guidance of a sponsoring faculty member on a planned topic that is not covered by an existing Keuka College course.

Students complete a full-time (or equivalent) clinical experience, the first of two to total 24 weeks under the supervision of a licensed or otherwise regulated occupational therapist serving as a fieldwork educator. Level II fieldwork is designed to develop competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapists via an in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients, focusing on the application of purposeful and meaningful occupation and research, administration, and management of occupational therapy services. Students complete Level II fieldwork in a variety of settings with exposure to a variety of clients across the lifespan. Supervision by the fieldwork educator(s) begins as direct, then decreases to less direct supervision as appropriate for the setting, severity of the client's condition, and the ability of the student to support progression toward entry-level competence.

Students complete a full-time (or equivalent) clinical experience, the second of two to total 24 weeks under the supervision of a licensed or otherwise regulated occupational therapist serving as a fieldwork educator. Level II fieldwork is designed to develop competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapists via an in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients, focusing on the application of purposeful and meaningful occupation and research, administration, and management of occupational therapy services. Students complete Level II fieldwork in a variety of settings with exposure to a variety of clients across the lifespan. Supervision by the fieldwork educator(s) begins as direct, then decreases to less direct supervision as appropriate for the setting, severity of the client's condition, and the ability of the student to support progression toward entry-level competence.

This course focuses on the development of skills and the occupational therapy process that support clients' engagement in the occupations of daily life across the lifespan. This integrated theory and practice course examines occupational therapy treatment approaches for psychosocial dysfunction. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of evaluation and intervention approaches related to a variety of occupational performance needs. These approaches may include: create, promote (health promotion), establish, restore (remediation, restoration), maintain, modify (compensation, adaptation), and prevent (disability prevention) on the basis of clients' desired outcomes.

Lab for OCC-430

This course focuses on the development of skills and the occupational therapy process that support clients' engagement in the occupations of daily life across the lifespan. This integrated theory and practice course examines occupational therapy treatment approaches for physical dysfunction. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of evaluation and intervention approaches related to a variety of occupational performance needs. These approaches may include: create, promote (health promotion), establish, restore (remediation, restoration), maintain, modify (compensation, adaptation), and prevent (disability prevention) on the basis of clients' desired outcomes.

Lab for OCC-440

This course focuses on the development of skills and the occupational therapy process that support clients' engagement in the occupations of daily life across the lifespan. This integrated theory and practice course examines occupational therapy treatment approaches for neurocognitive dysfunction. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of evaluation and intervention approaches related to a variety of occupational performance needs. These approaches may include: create, promote (health promotion), establish, restore (remediation, restoration), maintain, modify (compensation, adaptation), and prevent (disability prevention) on the basis of clients' desired outcomes.

Lab for OCC-440

This laboratory course focuses on the development of skills and therapeutic techniques that support clients' engagement in the occupations of daily life across the lifespan. Students will develop evaluation and intervention skills related to functional mobility, the use of assistive technology and physical agent modalities to enhance treatment and promote client outcomes. Students will be able to design, fabricate, apply, fit and train in orthotics and prosthetic devices. Utilizing these approaches, students will enhance the clients' desired occupational outcomes.

This course promotes students' ability to demonstrate the ethical integration of clinical concepts learned throughout their didactic coursework to increase independent and critical thinking skills concurrently while on Level II Fieldwork experiences. Students will engage in opportunities to enhance understanding of evidence-based, inter/intradisciplinary, theory-driven and occupation-centered evaluation and intervention.

This course promotes students' ability to demonstrate the ethical integration of clinical concepts learned throughout their didactic coursework to increase independent and critical thinking skills concurrently while on Level II Fieldwork experiences. Students will engage in opportunities to enhance understanding of evidence-based, inter/intradisciplinary, theory-driven and occupation-centered evaluation and intervention.

An advanced study of a specific topic in Occupational Science. Intended for juniors and seniors or for students with an appropriate background in the subject. The student may repeat the course, but not the same topic.

This course introduces students to the principles of scholarship and evidence-based practice in occupational therapy. Students will locate, select, and critically appraise quantitative and qualitative research, evaluating methodology, validity, and relevance to the profession. Emphasis is placed on understanding levels of evidence, ethical research practices, and the role of research in informing occupational therapy practices. Through scholarly activities such as systematic literature reviews, evidence tables, and critical analysis exercises, students will cultivate skills necessary to translate research into practice.

This course advances students' ability to apply scholarship, research, and evidence within occupational therapy practice through a mixed methods lens. Students will design and disseminate research projects on a self-selected topic while identifying opportunities for future scholarship. Emphasis is placed on developing critical appraisal skills, integrating evidence into professional reasoning, and demonstrating ethical and rigorous research practices. By applying and communicating research findings within professional contexts, students will enhance their ability to think critically and contribute meaningfully to evidence-based occupational therapy practice.

This graduate-level course explores the principles and practices of instructional design and the teaching-learning process within the context of occupational therapy. Students will develop and apply skills in creating and evaluating learning objectives, designing instructional materials, assessing learning outcomes, and delivering professional-level presentations for individuals and groups across clinical and community settings.

This course will provide occupational therapy students with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively engage in community-based initiatives, influence policy development, and advocate for the profession. These activities will provide opportunities for linking evidence-based knowledge within advanced practice situations and demonstrate collaboration with communities/organizations and other professionals.

This course offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating journey through the interconnected world of various health care disciplines. Students will learn to perceive their profession as an integral part of an inter-professional team, and to assimilate the responsibilities and approaches for continuous professional advancement. This course equips students with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to function effectively as members of inter-professional teams. It encompasses research and theories that provide guidance for successful team formation and resolution of problems.

This course aims to enhance students' existing knowledge by exploring specialized aspects of occupational therapy practice. It will equip them with the essential skills and comprehension needed to tackle intricate challenges in the field. Students will actively participate in collaborative discussions, case-based problem-solving, and hands-on exercises to apply the acquired concepts. By the course's conclusion, students will have acquired advanced knowledge, honed critical thinking abilities, and developed professional competencies that will empower them to excel in occupational therapy and make contributions to the profession.

This seminar course is designed to integrate the concepts and skills gained throughout the duration of the professional education program and experiential learning to enhance clinical reasoning skills through patient case studies and clinical simulations across the lifespan and practice settings. The focus will be on conducting a comprehensive, evidence-based OT assessment and intervention process that takes into account the patient's overall well-being, including their physical, psychological, and social circumstances.

This course has a goal of fostering a deeper comprehension of healthcare management, leadership, entrepreneurial principles, and ethical challenges encountered in the occupational therapy (OT) field. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning skills in addressing professional matters, thereby enhancing students' understanding of their own roles as leaders and managers, both personally and in relation to others. As part of managing self, the course aims to cover various aspects such as education surrounding professional certification, and licensure preparation.