Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, 2018-2020 Bachelor of Science in Health Science, 2015-2018
"Home is where the heart is"
Sacred Heart University allowed me to achieve my goals and grow as a student, professional, friend, volunteer, and colleague. This university became my second home so quickly, as I made friends that turned into family and connections that I will keep forever. I am grateful for my education and every opportunity SHU has given me. From volunteering in the Bridgeport community to studying abroad, I have grown tremendously as an individual from my five years at Sacred Heart.
I know that I will remain a part of the Sacred Heart University community as I embark on my next adventures in life. Once a pioneer, always a pioneer!
Below is a list of course descriptions from my graduate studies and links to my course syllabi:
OT 501 INTRO TO OT AS A PROFESSION 3.0 Credit(s) This course will introduce Occupational Therapy students to the foundations of professional practice. Students will develop a historical and philosophical perspective of the profession, explore what it means to be a professional, and understand the theories and models that guide occupational therapy practice. Both the national and international view of practice will be promoted. Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 503 RESEARCH 1: INTRO TO RESEARCH 2.0 Credit(s) This course will provide students with a thorough understanding of the importance of research to the profession of occupational therapy and with the ability to read the research of their profession. Students will be able to converse with others about basic research principles, explain their use of research to others, and be able to understand and critique the research of occupational therapy and other professions. Topics covered in this course include basic concepts of research, an overview of research designs and methods, and concepts of examining research evidence critically. Course formats include seminar, lecture, and workshops. Offered: Spring Semester All Years OT 504 THERAPEUTIC USE OF SELF I 2.0 Credit(s) This first semester course is designed to promote reflection on the educational process and the individual student's future occupational therapy practice. Students will complete reflective self-assessments and analyze them to determine their therapeutic personality traits and modes necessary for developing a professional identity and skill base. Understanding the nature of the therapeutic relationship as an intentional process is taught for successfully developing client and group dynamics. Course formats will include seminars, discussions, and in class and online course activities. Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 505 HEALTH POLICY & LAW 2.0 Credit(s) This course examines national and state health and education policies, legislation, and laws that affect occupational therapy practice. Access, quality, and cost factors (classification and reimbursement) are examined in relation to service delivery models in health and education with a particular emphasis on policy and legislation affecting populations with needs and conditions that fall within the domain of occupational therapy practice. Course delivery includes lecture, discussion, web-based resources, and classroom learning activities. Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 523 APPLIED FUNCTIONAL ANAT & NEUROANATOMY 4.0 Credit(s) This course examines the organization, development, and function of the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune and lymphatic systems of the human body. The course will examine the relationship between these systems in terms of their function on occupational performance across the lifespan. The course will emphasize neuroscience, kinesiology, and how these concepts apply to occupational therapy practice. Course content will be delivered in the context of experiential and human anatomy labs, seminars, and selfdirected learning. Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 524 HUMAN CONDITIONS ACROSS LIFE SPAN 3.0 Credit(s) This course will explore the characteristics and implications of major categories of mental and physical health conditions that occupational therapists may encounter when working with clients across the lifespan. The course is designed to build a common language and foundation for future coursework, requiring occupational therapy assessment choices and intervention strategies for clients with mental and physical conditions (disability/ deficits/pathology) across the lifespan. Human conditions will be examined in the context of the human systems affected by the condition, epidemiology, prognosis, mental and/or physical deficits/disability associated with the condition, and medical and pharmacological interventions and their impact on function and research. Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 525 HEALTH & WELLNESS: PERSONAL JOURNEY 0.5 Credit(s) This course consists of the personal pursuit of one's well-being: mind, body, and spirit. Students will reflect on different dimensions of wellness, health literacy, and the biological and environmental (physical and social) forces, both controllable and uncontrollable, that affect health and well-being. Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 526 TOPICS IN MENTAL HEALTH 2.0 Credit(s) This course will examine the evidence that serves as a foundation of occupational therapy interventions in current practice for clients with mental health conditions. Current theories will be examined and analyzed related to areas of occupation, performance skills, performance patterns, context, activity demands, and client factors. Spirituality and the meaning of occupations for an individual will also be considered in the context of evaluation and intervention. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-524 OT-501 OT-546 OT-504 OT-505 OT-523 Offered: Spring Semester All Years OT 527 PROB. BASED LEARNING IN MENTAL HEALTH 3.0 Credit(s) This course will utilize problem-based learning (PBL) to develop self-directed learning, research, and critical analysis and synthesis of the acquired knowledge for evidence-based practice in occupational therapy mental health. Students will practice clinical decision-making while applying their knowledge of the OT foundational theories and principles to the evaluation and intervention process and to clients with mental health conditions. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-546 OT-501 OT-505 OT-504 OT-523 OT-524 Offered: Spring Semester All Years OT 528 CLINICAL LAB IN MENTAL HEALTH 5.0 Credit(s) In this laboratory course, students will apply the concepts explored in PBL and seminar utilizing self-directed learning and critical thinking skills during "hands-on" learning experiences. The focus will be on developing basic clinical skills of occupational therapy evaluation, individual and group interventions, as well as professional behaviors and team collaboration skills within the contexts of the daily lives of clients with mental illness and their families. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-546 OT-501 OT-505 OT-504 OT-523 OT-524 Offered: Spring Semester All Years OT 529 LEVEL I FLD WORK & SEMINAR MENTAL HLTH 0.5 Credit(s) The purpose of this course is for the student to integrate academic learning with clinical practice. It is designed to enhance clinical reasoning processes by integrating knowledge from previous educational and work experiences with current courses and weekly fieldwork experiences. Fieldwork in combination with PBL, lab, and seminar will focus on reflective processes, therapeutic relationships, ethical practice, and other professional issues for working with mental health clients with a variety of needs for occupational therapy services. Self-directed, collaborative learning and class participation are essential aspects of this course. Students will engage in fieldwork seminar during the semester. Each student will attend a six- or eight-week mental health experience during this semester. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-546 OT-501 OT-504 OT-524 Offered: Spring Semester All Years OT 530 GROUPS 2.0 Credit(s) Students will study the elements of groups to understand how they operate and how occupational therapists utilize groups for assessment and intervention within particular frames of reference and theoretical models. The format of the course includes lecture, online material, discussions, and experiential learning activities. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-501 OT-504 OT-546 Offered: Spring Semester All Years OT 531 RESEARCH II 2.0 Credit(s) This course will apply concepts and content learned in OT 503 to actual research activities using single-subject research design. Students will engage in a review of the literature and will develop a proposal for a study using single subject research design. Additionally, students will examine the methods of procuring funding for research activities related to their research proposal. In-class activities will develop data collection, data analysis, and data reporting. Class formats will include lectures, discussions, workshops, and online activities. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-503 Offered: Late Spring Semester All Years OT 542 HLTH, PREVENTION & WELL BEING 2.0 Credit(s) This course offers specific knowledge for the development of a deep understanding of occupational therapy's role in health promotion practice and disease or disability prevention. Students will develop an understanding of conceptual models in relation to health and wellness and explore approaches as well as the evidence regarding how physical, mental, and spiritual health are critical to a person's overall health, well-being, disease prevention, and the ability to participate meaningfully in their daily occupations. Offered: Late Spring Semester All Years OT 543 NEEDS ASSESS. & PROG. DEVELOPMENT 3.0 Credit(s) This course examines occupational therapy theory and present-day practice in the context of the community and builds on knowledge acquired in OT 542. Students are given the opportunity to complete a health promotion/prevention population-based needs assessment and community-based program for a community population/site of their choosing, subject to instructor approval. This experience is designed to give the skills needed to identify needs and work in a community. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-505 OT-504 Offered: Spring Semester All Years OT 545 TOPICS IN PEDS & ADOLESCENCE 2.0 Credit(s) This course will examine the evidence that serves as a basis of occupational therapy assessment and intervention in current practice with clients from birth through adolescence. Current theories will be examined and critically analyzed relating to areas of occupation, performance skills, performance patterns, context, activity demands, and client factors. Spirituality and the meaning of occupations for an individual will also be considered in the context of evaluation and intervention. Students will actively participate in discussion and debate regarding the work done in their PBL groups, to describe and defend the theoretical and research basis for their clinical decisions. The format for this course will be presentation, discussion, and collaborative work. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-546 OT-523 OT-524 OT-501 OT-503 OT-505 Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 546 HUMAN OCC & ACTIVITY ANALYSIS 3.0 Credit(s) In this course the term "occupation" is defined and examined broadly. Students will untangle the concepts of occupation and activity, purposeful-activity function, and health. They'll explore their understanding of occupation used in purposeful and meaningful ways as they facilitate the health and well-being of clients. Students will examine their professional heritage, occupation, and activity, and review the historical development of activity analysis as a valuable tool of occupational therapy across all clients and contexts. Students will learn ways to internalize the values of occupational therapy such as client-centered care. Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 547 CLINICAL LAB PED & ADOLES. 5.0 Credit(s) In this laboratory course, students will apply the concepts explored in PBL and seminar utilizing self-directed learning and critical thinking skills during hands-on learning experiences within the contexts of the daily lives of families of infants and children through early adulthood while maintaining professional behaviors and team collaboration. Documentation, evaluation, planning, and the development of intervention plans through the use of clinical cases will be emphasized. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-503 Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 548 LEVEL I FW & SEM PEDS & ADOLS 1.0 Credit(s) The purpose of this course is for the student to integrate academic learning with clinical practice. It is designed to enhance clinical reasoning processes by integrating knowledge from previous educational and work experiences with current courses and weekly fieldwork experiences. Fieldwork in combination with PBL, lab, and seminar will focus on reflective processes, therapeutic relationships, ethical practice, and other issues for pediatric and adolescent populations with a variety of needs for occupational therapy services. Self-directed, collaborative learning and class participation are essential aspects of the course. Students will engage in fieldwork seminar during the semester. Each student will attend a six- or eight-week fieldwork experience in a pediatric or adolescent setting. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-546 OT-523 OT-524 OT-501 OT-504 Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 549 PROB BAS LEARN PEDS & ADOLES 3.0 Credit(s) This course will utilize problem-based learning (PBL) to develop self-directed learning, research, and critical analysis and synthesis for evidenced-based practice in pediatric occupational therapy. Students will practice clinical decision-making skills in applying their knowledge of occupational therapy theories and principles to the evaluation and intervention process with clients from birth to adolescence. This course will focus on the affective and cognitive domains of learning within Bloom's taxonomy. Students will develop the ability to think like an occupational therapist in considering the child's natural environment while also beginning to internalize the values of occupational therapy such as client-centered care. Cases and assignments will encourage students to adopt a family-centered perspective. Additionally, students will learn the team skills required of an occupational therapist on the healthcare team, sharing information appropriately while listening to others' views respectfully and with thoughtful consideration. The format for this course will be small PBL tutorials and independent small-group work. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-545 Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 574 TOPICS IN ADULTS & GERIATRICS 2.0 Credit(s) This course will examine current topics and trends and occupational therapy's role when working with adult and geriatric populations, building on knowledge acquired in the previous two trimesters. This course will supplement the lab and PBL components of the program's adult and geriatric curriculums and require students to reflect on lab and the PBL scenarios, and apply that knowledge to other 'like' cases. The intention is for students to consider theories and evidence to make informed decisions about evaluation and intervention strategies and to develop sound clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-575 Offered: Late Spring Semester All Years OT 575 PROBLEM BASED LEARN. ADULTS & GERIATRIC 3.0 Credit(s) This course utilizes Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to develop self-directed learning, research, and critical analysis and synthesis for evidenced-based practice in occupational therapy with the adult and geriatric populations and builds on knowledge acquired in the previous two trimesters. Students will learn to consider the diversity within these age groups in relation to physical, social, and cognitive factors and lifestyle and investigate the multidisciplinary and contextual support systems available to enable occupational performance. The format for this course will be PBL. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-574 Offered: Late Spring Semester All Years OT 576 CLN. LAB: ADULTS & GERIATRIC 5.0 Credit(s) In this lab-format course, students will apply the concepts explored in PBL and seminar utilizing self-directed learning and critical thinking skills during "hands-on" learning experiences and builds on knowledge acquired in the previous two trimesters. The focus will be on developing the basic knowledge and clinical and documentation skills of occupational therapy for effective evaluation, intervention, and discharge within the contexts of the daily lives of adult and geriatric clients while maintaining professional behaviors and team collaboration. Course format will include lectures, discussions, and in-class/community laboratory experiences. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-546 OT-523 OT-524 OT-501 OT-504 Offered: Late Spring Semester All Years OT 577 LEVEL 1 FW & SEM ADULT & GERI 1.0 Credit(s) The purpose of this course is for students to integrate academic learning with clinical practice. It is designed to enhance clinical reasoning processes by integrating knowledge from previous educational and work experiences with current courses and weekly fieldwork experience. Fieldwork in combination with PBL, lab, and seminar will focus on reflective processes, therapeutic relationships, ethical practice, and other professional issues for working with adult populations with a variety of needs for occupational therapy services. Self-directed, collaborative learning and class participation are essential aspects of this course. Students will engage in this fieldwork seminar during the semester. Each student will attend a six- to eight-week fieldwork experience in adult and geriatric settings. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-546 OT-523 OT-524 OT-501 OT-504 Offered: Late Spring Semester All Years OT 578 CAPSTONE I PLAN, PERMIS & APP 1.5 Credit(s) The capstone experience consists of two courses, OT 544 and OT 608, which includes the content, knowledge, and skills students need to plan and prepare, obtaining access and permissions, their projects for implementation before OT 608, in which they will complete the project and professional poster presentation. This course will include in-class seminars and project mentoring to build the content, knowledge, and psychomotor skills needed to complete their projects. Completion of a scholarly literature review paper is a course requirement. Prerequisite: Take OT-543 and OT-503 Offered: Late Spring Semester All Years OT 607 LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT 3.0 Credit(s) This course uses the formats of lecture, seminar, collaborative group work, and presentations to study leadership, supervision, and management in healthcare contexts and organizations. This course provides the knowledge and opportunities to practice critical and ethical reasoning, and skills for organizational analysis, leadership, management, and supervision. Theories including aspects such as leadership, management, budgeting, marketing, and strategic planning will be examined in detail. Evidence-based processes will be used to find and evaluate research evidence to determine the best course of action in management, supervisory, and leadership situations. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-505 Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 608 CAPSTONE II: IMPLEMENTATION 1.5 Credit(s) This capstone course consists of the content, knowledge, and skills students need to implement and complete their capstone projects, complete a proposal for presentation to a professional conference, and complete a professional poster, presentation, and defense. Project mentoring, content knowledge, and psychomotor skill building exercises will occur during in-class time. The capstone project is a culminating project of the Occupational Therapy curriculum incorporating the knowledge, skills, professional behaviors, AOTA's code of ethics, core values, and attitudes. Prerequisite: Take OT-578 Offered: Fall Semester All Years OT 609 PORTFOLIO I 1.0 Credit(s) Students will build a portfolio that documents learning in a variety of content areas as well as professional behaviors and clinical reasoning skills. The portfolio provides students with an opportunity to prepare for practice, the NBCOT exam, and eventual employment. The portfolio is a graduation requirement. This is a self-paced, online course including discussions and video chat with the course instructor. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-607 Offered: Spring & Summer Semesters All Years OT 680 EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WITH ASD 3.0 Credit(s)
Offered: As Needed Contact Department OT 691 FIELDWORK II 4.0 Credit(s) Students will engage in fieldwork during the spring and summer semesters. Students will apply their understanding of occupation, professional practice, identity, and leadership during a twelve-week, full-time fieldwork placement. Objectives of this course continue to focus on personal transformation as occupational therapists. Students are expected to develop the professional competencies of an entry-level therapist for a particular site by the conclusion of this experience. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-529 OT-577 OT-548 OT-527 OT-528 OT-574 OT-575ýOT-549 OT-547 Offered: Spring Semester All Years OT 693 FIELDWORK LEVEL II 4.0 Credit(s) Students will engage in fieldwork during the spring and summer semesters. Students will apply their understanding of occupation, professional practice, identity, and leadership during a twelve-week, full-time fieldwork placement. Objectives of this course continue to focus on personal transformation as occupational therapists. Students are expected to develop the professional competencies of an entry-level therapist for a particular site by the conclusion of this experience. Prerequisite: TAKE OT-529 OT-548 OT-577 OT-527 OT-528 OT-574 OT-575ýOT-549 OT-547 Offered: Obsolete - Summer Semester All Years OT OT623L PROF. INTERACTION: GROUPS LAB 0.0 Credit(s)