Program in Occupational Therapy
1101 N. Campbell, Room 500
Phone: (915) 747-7270
E-mail: ot@utep.edu
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Gretchen M. Schmalz
PROFESSOR: Schmalz
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR: Bois
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS: Hadlock, Schwander-Flores
CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR: Funk
LECTURER: von Korff
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a dynamic profession and an integral part of modern comprehensive health care. Men and women, as registered, certified occupational therapists, provide direction for an individual's participation in activities that are related to work and leisure for the purposes of promoting and maintaining health; preventing disability; evaluating and treating physical, social, and emotional disabilities; and regaining, retaining, and attaining maximum human function. Occupational therapists analyze, select, and direct evaluation and treatment, choosing from a wide variety of activities that are creative, manual, educational, related to the care of oneself, recreational, and vocationally oriented. Occupational therapy services are provided in a variety of settings, ranging from medical facilities to community health agencies, schools, and private practice.
The professional course of study in occupational therapy is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education:
P.O. Box 31220
Bethesda, MD 30824-1220
(301) 652-2682
The program at The University of Texas at El Paso leads to a designated baccalaureate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, and the course of study is twenty-eight months in length. A minimum of 64 semester credit hours in prerequisites is required prior to enrollment as an occupational therapy major. The professional course of study is 28 months in length.
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Degree
Course Work
ENGL 1311 or 1611, 1312
HIST 1301, 1302
POLS 2310, 2311
BIOL 1305-1107
BIOL 1306-1108
BIOL 2311-2111
CHEM 1407
PSYC 1301, 2310, and three additional hours in PSYC
SOCI 1301
COMM 1301 or 1302
MATH 1320
PSYC 1303
Visual and Performing Arts (3 hours from University Core Curriculum Menu)
Humanities (3 hours from University Core Curriculum Menu)
Institutionally Designated Option (3 hours from University Core Curriculum Menu)
Total preprofessional course work is 64 semester credit hours.
Prior to enrollment in upper-division courses, a person is considered to be pre-occupational therapy. To be eligible for consideration for an occupational therapy major, a student needs to have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.7, plus a science (biology, chemistry) GPA of 2.5, and a behavioral science (psychology, sociology) GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite course work listed above. Prior to application to the major, the student must have completed a minimum of 6 credit hours of science prerequisites and 6 credit hours of the behavioral science prerequisites. All prerequisite course work must be completed prior to enrolling in the upper- division courses for the fall semester in which the student is admitted to the major. The only exception is for those students who may be lacking POLS 2311. This prerequisite course or hours can be taken during the fall semester through the summer term of the junior year. This course must be passed with a grade of "C" or better. Failure to complete the course in this time frame with a satisfactory grade will prevent the student from enrolling in further courses in the major. To re-enroll as an occupational therapy major, the student would need to go through the application process for the next entering class. A new class is admitted each fall.
Upon enrollment in the professional phase of the program, a grade of "C" or higher must be earned in each occupational therapy course. If a student earns less than a "C" in any occupational therapy course, the next higher course may not be taken until the prerequisite course is repeated and passed with a "C" or better. An occupational therapy course may be repeated only once. A student who receives a total of 3 course grades of less than a "C" while enrolled in the major is no longer able to continue in the Occupational Therapy Program.
An applicant must submit an application for admission to the occupational therapy major to the Occupational Therapy Program�s office by December 1st of the year preceding anticipated enrollment. Applications received after the December 1st deadline may be considered, but priority for initial selection will be given to students meeting the deadline. Selection into the occupational therapy professional program is based upon the number of applicants, space availability, academic performance, and a pre-admission test battery.
At the time of enrollment in the professional phase of the program, the student will submit the results of a recent physical examination, current TB test results, a record of current immunizations (including Hepatitis B vaccinations), and documentation of immunity to chicken pox. All students are required to maintain current CPR certification Level C, according to the American Heart Association Standards. Evidence of this certification is required at the beginning of the upper-division classes. Students are expected to be proficient in computer word processing. All occupational therapy majors will be required to show evidence of professional liability insurance.
In addition to traditional lecture and laboratory course work, the student is provided with opportunities to integrate theory and practice through clinical placement. Initial placements, known as Preceptorships, are in conjunction with academic course work. Units of field studies are provided in approved locations in Texas and surrounding states. Relocation to facilities out of the El Paso area, at the student's own expense, is required for most units of field studies.
Upon completion of all curriculum requirements, the designated degree of Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy is conferred. Graduates of the program will be able to sit for the national Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, Registered that is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Successful completion of the NBCOT examination leads to certification by the NBCOT and allows the graduate to use the letters "OTR" (Occupational Therapy, Registered). Application for the certification examination includes some questions that relate to felony convictions.
For further information on potential limitation related to felony conviction, you can contact NBCOT at:
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
800 S. Frederic Ave. Suite 200
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150
(301) 990-7979
Conviction of a felony offense may result in ineligibility for licensure. Each case is considered on an individual basis by the state licensing agency. Successful completion of the program does not, in and of itself, guarantee that a license will be granted
Many states, including Texas, require a license to practice occupational therapy. Graduates are eligible to take the examination approved by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners. Upon successful completion of the examination, candidates become eligible for a license to practice occupational therapy in Texas. Most states with licensure, including Texas, accept the examination administered by the NBCOT.
All occupational therapy students must perform within limits of safe practice. A faculty member may drop a student from a course with a grade of "F" if the student's occupational therapy practice is deemed unsafe as defined in the Safe and Effective Practice Policy for students, which is posted on the Official Bulletin Board in the College.
Upper-Division Occupational Therapy Courses
Courses must be taken in the following sequence and in the semester indicated.
Junior Year
Fall
OT 3410 Functional and Applied Anatomy 4
OT 3311 Human Adaptation to Pathophysiology 3
OT 3321 Basic Concepts in Occupational Therapy 3
OT 3103 Occupational Therapy Practice Skills 1
OT 3301 Therapeutic Media I 3
OT 3114 Medical Terminology 1
Total 15
Spring
OT 3313 Studies in Human Neurosciences 3
OT 3312 Clinical Psychiatry 3
OT 3222 Biomechanical Approach in Occupational Therapy 2
OT 3122 Biomechanical Approach in Occupational Therapy 1
Lab
OT 3202 Therapeutic Media II 2
OT 3223 Evaluations in Occupational Therapy 2
OT 3123 Evaluations in Occupational Therapy Lab 1
OT 3135 Preceptorship A 1
Total 15
Summer
OT 4204 Therapeutic Media III 2
OT 4315 Legal/Ethical Issues in Health Care 3
OT 4136 Preceptorship B 1
OT Elective* (3)
Total 6 (9)
Senior Year
Fall
OT 4228 Rehabilitative Approach in Occupational Therapy 2
OT 4227 Work and Human Occupations 2
OT 4127 Work and Human Occupations Lab 1
OT 4316 Management Skills in Occupational Therapy 3
OT 4225 Developmental Approaches in OT 2
OT 4125 Developmental Approaches in OT Lab 1
HSCI 3315 Research for Health Professionals 3
OT Elective* (3)
Total 14 (17)
Spring
OT 4224 Psychosocial Approaches in Occupational Therapy 2
OT 4124 Psychosocial Approaches in Occupational Therapy
Lab 1
OT 4229 Neurodevelopmental Approaches in Occupational
Therapy 2
OT 4129 Neurodevelopmental Approaches in Occupational
Therapy Lab 1
OT 4205 Upper Extremity Orthotics and Prosthetics 2
OT 4326 Advanced Professional Concepts in Occupational
Therapy 3
OT 4137 Preceptorship C 1
OT Elective* (3)
Total 12 (15)
Summer
OT 4338 Field Studies in OT: Elective* 3
OT 4640 & OT 4641, OT 4642 & OT 4643,
or OT 4644 & OT 4645 6
Field Studies in Occupational Therapy 6
Total 12 (15)
Fall
OT 4640 & OT 4641, OT 4642 & OT 4643,
or OT 4644 & OT 4645 6
Field Studies in Occupational Therapy 6
Total 12
TOTAL PROFESSIONAL COURSE WORK CREDIT HOURS 89
*3 hours of required elective credits - suggested possible semesters
Occupational Therapy (OT)
3103 Occupational Therapy Practice Skills (0-2)
Introduction to basic level application of occupational therapy practice skills including: beginning skills in basic physical assessments, life support, and infection control; patient/therapist interaction and verbal/non-verbal communication; physical management techniques relevant to occupational therapy practice; utilization of library resources; computer usage; and basic documentation of the treatment process. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: OT 3321 with a grade of "C" or better. OT 3321 may be taken concurrently with OT 3103.
3114 Medical Terminology (0-0-1)
A self-paced course designed for the occupational therapy student to gain a working knowledge of medical terminology, symbols, abbreviations, roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
3122 Biomechanical Approach in Occupational Lab (0-2)
Techniques in the application of mechanical principles to evaluation and treatment of individuals with problems of strength, range of motion, endurance, and tissue integrity.
Prerequisite: OT 3222 with a grade of "C" or better. OT 3222 may be taken concurrently with OT 3122.
3123 Evaluations in Occupational Therapy Lab (0-2)
A laboratory learning experience on conducting evaluations in general areas of occupational therapy practice. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: OT 3223 with a grade of "C" or better. OT 3223 may be taken concurrently with OT 3123.
3135 Preceptorship A (0-0-1)
Seminar and clinical experience that integrates applications of theoretical knowledge to specific areas of practice and patient populations. Prerequisites: OT 3222 and OT 3122, each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 3222 and OT 3122 may be taken concurrently with OT 3135.
3202 Therapeutic Media II (1-3)
Use of therapeutic activities which integrate biomechanical and psychosocial concepts to treatment, along with activity analysis and application to a variety of patient populations. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisites: OT 3222, OT 3301, and OT 3312, each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 3222 and OT 3312 may be taken concurrently with OT 3202.
3222 Biomechanical Approach in Occupational Therapy (2-0)
Focuses on the biomechanical frame of reference with application of mechanical principles to human function for evaluating and treating people with problems of strength, range of motion, endurance, and tissue integrity. Prerequisites: OT 3103, OT 3122, OT 3321, and OT 3410, each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 3122 may be taken concurrently with OT 3222.
3223 Evaluations in Occupational Therapy (2-0)
Focuses on the evaluation step of the occupational therapy process within a variety of frames of reference, patient populations, and practice areas. Prerequisites: OT 3321 and OT 3123, each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 3123 may be taken concurrently with OT 3223.
3301 Therapeutic Media I (2-3)
Focuses on basic activity analysis to understand the performance components required for participation in activities. Includes teaching skills and an exploration of the implication of leisure and time management to wellness. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisites: Admission to the program; OT 3103 and OT 3321, each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 3103 and OT 3321 may be taken concurrently with OT 3301.
3311 Human Adaptation to Pathophysiology (3-0)
The study of pathophysiological processes and their impact on the body systems, with special attention to disease or trauma-induced alterations of regulatory mechanisms in the human organism. Links the foundational body of knowledge of normal human structure and functions to disruptions that affect occupational performance and performance components.
3312 Clinical Psychiatry (3-0)
Emphasizes the psychiatric function and dysfunction involved in work, play, activities of daily living, and temporal adaption. Prerequisite: OT 3311 with a grade of "C" or better.
3313 Studies in Human Neurosciences (3-0)
Advanced study in human neurosciences with emphasis on the structures and the functions of the nervous system as applied to occupational performance and performance components. Prerequisite: OT 3410 with a grade of "C" or better.
3321 Basic Concepts in Occupational Therapy (3-0)
Overview of occupational therapy practice; introduction to the theories, frame of reference, and tools of occupational therapy practice.
3410 Functional and Applied Anatomy (3-3)
A study of the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, and peripheral nervous systems of the human body involved in locomotion and in the exploration and manipulation of one's environment. Laboratory includes dissection of cadavers. Laboratory fee required.
4124 Psychosocial Approaches in Occupational Therapy Lab (0-2)
Lab for practice of technical competencies in the application of psychosocial approaches to therapy. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: OT 4224 with a grade of "C" or better. OT 4224 may be taken concurrently with OT 4124.
Lab using the techniques of the developmental treatment approaches for application of the occupational therapy process to the pediatric population. Prerequisite: OT 4225 with a grade of "C" or better. OT 4225 may be taken concurrently with OT 4125. Laboratory fee required.
4127 Work and Human Occupations Lab (0-2)
Laboratory experience for the evaluation of work readiness and physical capacity for work as well as treatment skills related to Work Programs. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: OT 4227 with a grade of "C" or better. OT 4227 may be taken concurrently with OT 4127.
Lab using the techniques of the neurodevelopmental treatment approaches for application of the occupational therapy process to adults with neurological disorders. Prerequisites: OT 4225, OT 4125, and OT 4229 (may be taken concurrently), each with a grade of "C" or better.
4136 Preceptorship B (0-0-1)
This is a continuation of Preceptorship A with special emphasis on the treatment management planning process. Prerequisites: OT 3122, OT 3222, and OT 3135, each with a grade of "C" or better.
4137 Preceptorship C (0-0-1)
This is a continuation of Preceptorships A and B with a special emphasis on the evaluation process. Prerequisites: OT 4136, OT 3223, and OT 3123, each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 3223 and OT 3123 may be taken concurrently with OT 4137.
4204 Therapeutic Media III (1-2)
Incorporates higher levels of activity and task analysis with instructions in occupational therapy modalities with emphasis on grading and adapting activities for prevocational and vocational deficits. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisites: OT 3202 and OT 4228, each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 4228 may be taken concurrently with OT 4204.
4205 Upper Extremity Orthotics and Prosthetics (1-2)
Integration of foundational and theoretical knowledge with technical competencies in fabrication, modification, and application of orthotics and prosthetics in occupational therapy practice. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: OT 3222 with a grade of "C" or better.
4224 Psychosocial Approaches in Occupational Therapy (2-0)
Higher level integrative tasks in the application of psychosocial approaches to occupational therapy treatment planning and intervention. Prerequisites: OT 3123, OT 3223, OT 3312, and OT 4124, and each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 4124 may be taken concurrently with OT 4224.
4225 Developmental Approaches in Occupational Therapy (2-0)
Integration of basic foundational knowledge, theoretical constructs, and developmental approaches to occupational therapy treatment planning and intervention with the pediatric population. Prerequisites: OT 3223, OT 3123, OT 3311, OT 3313, and OT 4125, each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 3223, OT 3123, OT 3311, and OT 4125 may be taken concurrently with OT 4225.
4227 Work and Human Occupation (2-0)
Focuses on human occupation and other frames of reference as it relates to the scope of work-related programs. Prerequisites: OT 3123, OT 3223, OT 4127, and OT 4204, each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 3123, OT 3223, OT 4127, and OT 4204 may be taken concurrently with 4227.
4228 Rehabilitative Approach in Occupational Therapy (1-2)
This course focuses on higher level integrative tasks to apply the rehabilitation frame of reference to occupational therapy treatment planning and intervention. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisites: OT 3122 and OT 3222, each with a grade of "C" or better.
Integration of foundational neuroscience knowledge, theoretical constructs, and neurodevelopmental approaches to occupational therapy treatment planning and intervention for the adult with neurologically based physical dysfunction. Prerequisites: OT 4225, OT 4125, OT 4129, each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 4129 may be taken concurrently with OT 4229.
4350 Selected Topics in Occupational Therapy (3-0)
Selected topics of current interest. May be repeated when topic varies.
4252 Independent Investigative Studies in Occupational Therapy (0-0-2)
Two credit hours of self-directed study planned to meet the learning objectives of the student in a special area of interest. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 in major courses.
4315 Legal/Ethical Issues in Health Care (3-0)
A study of legal and ethical principles as they apply to the provision of health care and an in-depth look at how this applies to the allied health professional's roles and responsibilities.
4316 Management Skills in Occupational Therapy (3-0)
Application of management principles within the occupational therapy setting. Prerequisite: OT 4136 with a grade of "C" or better.
4326 Advanced Professional Concepts in Occupational Therapy (3-0)
Application of clinical reasoning and social systems concepts to a variety of cases integrating foundational knowledge and theoretical constructs. Prerequisites: OT 3311, OT 3312, OT 4228, and OT 4325, each with a grade of "C" or better. OT 4325 may be taken concurrently with OT 4326.
4338 Field Studies in Occupational Therapy: Elective (0-0-20)
Elective six week full-time clinical experience designed to provide the student with additional learning experience in applying technical competencies and theoretical constructs acquired during the academic portion of the program to the occupational therapy process in an area of practice selected by the student. These experiences must be under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR). Course related fee required. Prerequisites: All required occupational therapy academic work and Preceptorships.
4352 Independent Investigative Studies in Occupational Therapy (0-0-3)
Three credit hours of self-directed study planned to meet the learning objectives of the student in a special area of interest. Prerequisite: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 in major courses.
4640 Field Studies in Occupational Therapy: Developmental Health (0-0-20)
Full-time clinical experience in which the student applies technical competencies and theoretical constructs to the occupational therapy process with patients who have problems in the area of developmental health. These experiences must be under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR). This course is graded on a credit/no credit basis. Course related fee required. Prerequisites: All required occupational therapy academic work and Preceptorships. Corequisite: OT 4641.
4641 Field Studies in Occupational Therapy: Developmental Health (0-0-20)
Full-time clinical experience in which the student applies technical competencies and theoretical constructs to the occupational therapy process with patients who have problems in the area of developmental health. These experiences must be under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR). This course is graded on a credit/no credit basis. Prerequisites: All required occupational therapy academic work and Preceptorships. Corequisite: OT 4640.
4642 Field Studies in Occupational Therapy: Mental Health (0-0-20)
Full-time clinical experience in which the student applies technical competencies and theoretical constructs to the occupational therapy process with patients who have problems in the area of mental health. These experiences must be under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR). This course is graded on a credit/no credit basis. Course related fee required. Prerequisites: All required occupational therapy academic work and Preceptorships. Corequisite: OT 4643.
4643 Field Studies in Occupational Therapy: Mental Health (0-0-20)
Full-time clinical experience in which the student applies technical competencies and theoretical constructs to the occupational therapy process with patients who have problems in the area of mental health. These experiences must be under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR). This course is graded on a credit/no credit basis. Prerequisites: All required occupational therapy academic work and Preceptorships. Corequisite: OT 4642.
4644 Field Studies in Occupational Therapy: Physical Health (0- 0-20)
Full-time clinical experience in which the student applies technical competencies and theoretical constructs to the occupational therapy process with patients who have problems in the area of physical health. These experiences must be under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR). This course is graded on a credit/no credit basis. Course related fee required. Prerequisites: All required occupational therapy academic work and Preceptorships. Corequisite: OT 4645.
4645 Field Studies in Occupational Therapy: Physical Health (0-0-20)
Full-time clinical experience in which the student applies technical competencies and theoretical constructs to the occupational therapy process with patients who have problems in the area of physical health. These experiences must be under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR). This course is graded on a credit/no credit basis. Prerequisites: All required occupational therapy academic work and Preceptorships. Corequisite: OT 4644.