This course examines the historical development of occupational therapy, including philosophical, social, political, economic, and medical influences on clinical practice. Current practice settings, the role of the occupational therapist, professional standards, OT process, OT theories, and OT models of practice are included in this course.

This course will promote the development of self-awareness of personal strengths, areas of growth, and behaviors needed to become an effective clinician. Emphasis will be on personal and professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical practice. Students will explore the PLNU Occupational Therapy program curriculum design and develop a plan for personal success and growth in the program.

This course will enable students to practice the judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients and clients. Students will learn to integrate the best external evidence with their clinical expertise and patient concerns to ask a focused question to satisfy the health needs of a specific patient; find the best evidence by searching the literature; critically appraise the literature; apply the results in clinical practice; and evaluate the outcomes in patients. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to engage with other healthcare disciplines through guided discussions.

This course examines the theoretical frameworks explaining health disparities across various populations, with a focus on social determinants of health. Students will explore a diverse set of policies and practices that promote health equity, including those that address privilege and power, encourage capacity building, and facilitate community engagement. Bridging macro and micro approaches to health, this course aims to cultivate health professionals who practice empathy.

The development of human occupations across the lifespan, their meaning and roles, and the conditions that create barriers to engagement in meaningful occupations are included in this course. The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework will serve as a guide to analyzing contexts, performance patterns, performance skills, occupations, and their impact on client's ability to achieve health and well-being.

This course provides knowledge and understanding of basic concepts of kinesiology, including normal human movement across the lifespan. Emphasis will be on analyzing movement patterns, balance, upper and lower extremity motor function, and the axial skeleton.

This course provides experiential learning through analysis of individuals and video case studies of normal movement patterns used during performance of occupations. Students will demonstrate commonly used assessments which analyze upper and lower extremities motor function and balance.

This course introduces analyzing data and designing research experiments in occupational therapy. Topics include selected techniques and designs used in research, with special emphasis given to planning, conducting, and reporting of research, and applied statistical analysis and interpretation of data from the field of occupational therapy.

In this course, students explore common mental health conditions following the DSM-V and applicable occupational therapy practice frameworks. Emphasis is on the impact of mental health conditions on occupational performance and participation across the lifespan. The role of OT in mental health in traditional and role emerging settings and the impact of reimbursement systems on the provision of services are additional topics covered. Students will learn and apply client-centered occupational therapy assessments, evidenced-based interventions, group process, and principles of documentation which meet reimbursement requirements.

Students will apply knowledge gained in OCC 6011 to the administration of standardized assessments, development of initial evaluations and treatment plans, and analysis of occupational performance for individuals with mental health disorders.

This is the first of three Level I Fieldwork experiences focusing on the role of OT for persons and populations with mental health conditions in underserved community settings. Students will develop therapeutic use of self, communication abilities, observational skills, and awareness of how contextual factors influence the provision of healthcare services.

This course will explore reimbursement systems, including local, state, and federal governmental agencies and private insurers' influence on payment and access to OT services. Students will gain familiarity with electronic medical record systems and develop skills to document effectively to ensure reimbursement and prevent the needs for engaging in the appeal process.

Students will engage in a collaborative learning experience with other disciplines through case-based learning. Emphasis will be on understanding the roles and responsibilities of team members and analyzing cases using a holistic framework.

Low- and high-tech adaptations for persons, tasks, environments, and/or contexts to promote optimal health and occupational performance are the focus of this course. Students will also learn about the use of physical agent modalities, orthotic interventions, wheelchair seating and positioning, low- and high-tech adaptive equipment, and 3-D printing to promote health and wellness across the lifespan.

In this course, students will apply knowledge gained in OCC 6018 to promote competence in use of adaptive equipment, modalities, orthotics, 3D printing, wheelchair seating and positioning, and low- and high-tech equipment to promote health and wellness in clients.

This lecture course will prepare students to gain patient care skills needed to provide safe and effective treatment in medical settings. Students will learn safety measures in the management of clients with physical disabilities, common client deficits seen in medical settings, and the role of OT in the treatment of medically ill patients.

Students will apply concepts learned in OCC 6019 to manage clients safely in medical settings by demonstrating competency in the assessment of vital signs, functional mobility, management of acute care equipment, and adherence to infection control standards. Students will analyze clients through video and written case studies, and then apply knowledge gained to the creation of evaluations and treatment plans.

Course content includes typical and atypical physical, cognitive, and social development conditions seen in infants and young children. Developmental theories and early-intervention models of service, occupational therapy process and treatment settings for children and families, form the foundation of this course. Assessments and treatment interventions will focus on providing culturally sensitive and family focused care for children with disabilities.

In this course, students will apply knowledge gained in OCC 6020 by observing typical child development, analyzing children with atypical development, and practicing the administration of assessments and interventions. Students will also develop documentations and treatment plans which meet insurance requirements based on client observations, written evaluations, and video case studies.

This course focuses on conditions affecting adolescents, common treatment settings, and the occupational therapy process for assessment and intervention for adolescents and families. Students will learn common assessments, treatment focusing on the mental health needs of this population, strategies to promote health and wellness, and services for assisting students in transitioning to adulthood.

Students will apply concepts learned in OCC 6021 to create documentation which meets reimbursement requirements, demonstrate relevant assessments for this population, and develop age and culturally appropriate interventions based on video and written case studies.

This is the second of three Level I Fieldwork experiences focusing on client interactions to develop observational and clinical reasoning skills, therapeutic use of self, communication abilities and understanding of the OT process for children and /or adolescents. Students will analyze the effects of developmental dysfunction on the lives of children or adolescents, perform developmental screenings, and develop and implement group interventions.

This course is the second of two experiences with underserved clients, patients, groups, and populations in the community clinic. Students will conduct a needs assessment, develop, and implement a clinical program to promote health and wellness with individual clients, groups, and/or populations for persons with acute or chronic medical conditions, to enhance engagement in occupations.

This course focuses on common upper and lower extremity orthopedic conditions, which affect adults and older adults. Systems and processes for adults and older adults, which facilitate and limit occupational therapy services, will be considered. The role of occupational therapy in typical and emerging practice settings will be explored. Principles of occupation-based assessment will be emphasized.

This course will apply knowledge gathered in OCC 6026, focusing on administration and interpretation of assessments, use of adaptive equipment for people with orthopedic conditions, practice in writing documentation which meets insurance requirements, and the provision of occupation-based treatment. Students will be required to engage in a client simulation and demonstrate competency in the occupational therapy process.

The focus of this course is on common central nervous system (CNS) conditions influencing adults and older adults, degenerative and acquired CNS disorders. Course content includes an analysis and assessment of how motoric, cognitive and perceptual dysfunction impact occupational engagement. Students will learn assessments and interventions which are occupation and evidence-based. Documentation principles which meet insurance requirements will be emphasized.

This course will apply knowledge gained from OCC 6027 through experiential hands-on practice in administration of assessments and treatment which are occupation-based for clients with neurological conditions. Students will perform initial evaluations and create documentation and treatment plans based on insurance requirements in a client simulation and demonstrate competency in the occupational therapy process.

This course builds upon prior skills and knowledge gained about healthcare insurers, explores key qualities needed by OT leaders and managers, and identifies opportunities for ongoing professional development. Students learn and apply knowledge of business skills through the development of a private practice business plan for an emerging practice area. The importance of intradisciplinary collaboration is enhanced through a learning experience with local OT Assistant students.

This course is the third of three Level I fieldwork settings to promote clinical reasoning, professional behaviors and application of knowledge of adult and/or older adult conditions to the assessment and treatment of adults and/or older adults.

This course prepares students for Level II Fieldwork experiences through case-based scenarios involving potential ethical and professional issues. Students will engage in reflective activities to identify areas of personal growth needed prior to the start of their first Level II Fieldwork experience.

This is the first of two, 12-week, Level II fieldwork courses, focusing on the integration of all coursework. The goal of this experience is for students to demonstrate entry-level competency to practice in this type of clinical setting by the end of this experience.

This is the second of two-Level II fieldwork courses. The emphasis of this course is on the integration of all didactic and clinical coursework to date. By the end of this second Level II Fieldwork, students will demonstrate entry-level competency to practice as an OT in any clinical setting. Students must complete this second, Level II Fieldwork experience within 18 months of finishing their didactic coursework.

This is the third of three professional seminar courses. The focus of this course is to prepare students for success in passing the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Students will also learn strategies to obtain desired employment as an occupational therapist after passing the NBCOT exam.

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore ethical concepts in OT practice, learn strategies for success in the program, gain beginning confidence and skills to function as a professional.

This is the first of three Level I Fieldwork experiences focusing on the role of OT for individuals and populations with mental health conditions in underserved community settings. Students will develop therapeutic use of self, communication abilities, observational skills, and awareness of how contextual factors influence the provision of healthcare services. Professional case discussions provide students with opportunities to analyze clinical scenarios, apply theoretical knowledge, and develop critical reasoning skills in a collaborative setting.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to pediatric OT practice, emphasizing child development, common conditions, and family-centered care. Students will explore theoretical foundations, frames of reference and the impact of context, family, and childhood factors on occupational engagement from infancy through adolescence. The course also focuses on clinical evaluation, equipping students with the skills to select, administer, and interpret standardized and non-standardized assessments.

The lab component of this course provides hands-on experience in pediatric assessment, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to clinical evaluation. Students will practice administering, scoring, & interpreting standardized and non-standardized assessments, including interviews, observations, and self-report tools, to assess occupational performance in children. Emphasizing family-centered care, labs will include case-based simulations and interactive activities to refine clinical reasoning in screening, evaluation, and documentation.

This course integrates foundational knowledge of theory and diagnoses common to pediatric practice and allows students to apply this knowledge to develop and implement interventions, advocate for OT and related services, monitor and document progress and plan for discharge from OT services. Students will develop critical reasoning skills with a focus on strengths-based, developmentally appropriate interventions that support children and their families in a variety of settings from infancy to the transition to adulthood.

This lab course provides hands-on learning to reinforce evidence-based pediatric OT interventions across various settings, including schools, hospitals, NICUs, and early intervention programs. Students will refine clinical thinking skills through case-based problem-solving and occupation-based treatment planning, with a strong emphasis on sensory processing, motor control, and functional interventions. Family-centered care is integrated through practice in coaching techniques, caregiver education, and telehealth. Using simulation, specialized equipment, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students will develop competency in designing and implementing interventions that promote occupational engagement.

This is the second of three Level I Fieldwork experiences focusing on the role of OT for adults with physical disabilities. Students will build on their skills gained from Level I FW-A by working with clients and interdisciplinary team members in traditional settings. Professional case discussions provide students with opportunities to analyze clinical scenarios, apply theoretical knowledge, and develop critical reasoning skills in a collaborative setting.

This course builds upon student skills gained during OCC 6045 in how to address the needs of underserved clients to enhance engagement in occupations. Students will conduct a needs assessment and develop and/or implement a program or service to meet that site's clinical needs. Students will advocate for the distinct role of occupational therapy and its meaningful impact within community settings.

This course considers the etiology and medical management of orthopedic conditions commonly found in adults and older adults. The impact of these conditions on occupational engagement will be explored. Students will learn standardized and non-standardized occupation-based assessments used in varying clinical settings, explore evidence-based practice for these populations, document results to promote the efficacy of OT to other professionals, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide optimal care.

This lab-based course allows students to learn how to administer, score, interpret, and document standardized and non-standardized occupation-based assessments for adults and older adults with orthopedic conditions. Through case-based learning, simulation, and hands-on practice, students will gain an appreciation of the impact of conditions on occupational performance and engagement. Competency in assessment and treatment will be assessed through simulation and skill checks.

This course complements knowledge gained in OCC 6070 by discussing the etiology and medical management of neurologic conditions commonly found in adults and older adults. The impact of these conditions on occupational engagement will be explored. Students will learn standardized and non-standardized occupation-based assessments used in varying clinical settings, explore evidence-based practice for these populations, document results to promote the efficacy of OT to other professionals, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide optimal care.

This lab-based course allows students to learn how to administer, score, interpret, and document standardized and non-standardized occupation-based assessments commonly used with adults and older adults with neurologic disorders. Through case-based learning, simulation, and hands-on practice, students will gain an appreciation of the impact of conditions on occupational performance and engagement. Competency in assessment and treatment will be assessed through simulation and skill checks.

This is the third of three Level I Fieldwork experiences which focuses on the role of OT in working with children and adolescents. Students will build upon knowledge gained through their two prior Level I Fieldwork experiences by adding greater use of structured observational tools, caregiver education and planning of treatment for clients. Professional case discussions provide students with opportunities to analyze clinical scenarios, apply theoretical knowledge, and develop critical reasoning skills in a collaborative setting.

Students will engage in this course following successful completion of OCC 6033. The focus of this course is to prepare students for success in passing the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Students will also learn strategies to obtain desired employment as an occupational therapist after passing the NBCOT exam.