Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
OTHA 2331 Physical Function in Occupational Therapy
Houston Community College System
Coleman College for Health Sciences
CRN# 83100—Term: 6151—
2014 Fall Semester
Instructor: Lisa Simon, OTR
Co instructor: Erin Henry, MOT
How to Reach the Instructor
Office Hours and Location:
HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences, 1900 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030
PH: (713) 718-7400 extension-TBA
Office hours: Tuesday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Thursday 11:30 to 2:30
Email: [email protected]
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or problems you have concerning this course.
If you are having difficulties with the curriculum, please approach me as soon as possible so
that I can help you get back on track. Your success is important to me.
Course Description:
Physical function to promote occupational performance. Includes frames of reference,
evaluative tools, intervention strategies, and consumer education.
End-of-Course Outcomes:
The student will be able to prioritize frames of reference to promote physical function;
administer occupational therapy assessment procedures for physical function;
implement intervention strategies; and assess client factors that influence occupational
performance.
Prerequisites:
The student has attained mastery of all second semester OTHA courses, including
OTHA 1301, and OTHA 1305 and 1309. Also, the student must be in good standing in
the OTA program.
Credit hours:
3 semester hours/ units: (2 lecture, 3 lab), weekly.
Course location/Day/Time:
HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences, 1900 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030
Lecture:
Lab: RM 445
Course Master Syllabus: OTHA 2331
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Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Lecture: Tuesday 3:30p.m.-6:00 p.m. Lab 1: Thursday 3:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
End of Course Objectives:
To master this course, students are expected to perform on assignments, assessments
and class activities to a minimum of 75% mastery. By ACOTE standards, the student will
be able to:
B.1.7 Articulate the importance of using statistics, tests, and measurements for the
purpose of delivering evidence-based practice.
B.2.4 Articulate the importance of balancing areas of occupation with the achievement
of health and wellness for the clients.
B.2.5 Explain the role of occupation in the promotion of health and the prevention of
disease and disability for the individual, family, and society.
B.2.7 Demonstrate task analysis in areas of occupation, performance skills,
performance patterns, activity demands, context(s) and environments, and client factors
to implement the intervention plan.
B. 2.8 Use sound judgment in regard to safety of self and others and adhere to safety
regulations throughout the occupational therapy process as appropriate to the setting
and scope of practice.
B.2.10 Explain the need for and use of compensatory strategies when desired life tasks
cannot be performed.
B.2.11.Identify interventions consistent with models of occupational performance.
B. 4.1. Gather and share data for the purpose of screening and evaluation using
methods including, but not limited to, specified screening tools; assessments; skilled
observations; occupational histories; consultations with other professionals; and
interviews with client, family, and significant others.
B.4.2 Administer selected assessments using appropriate procedures and protocols
(including standardized formats) and use occupation for the purpose of assessment.
B.5.1 Assist with the development of occupation-based intervention plans and
strategies (including goals and methods to achieve them) on the basis of the stated
needs of the client as well as data gathered during the evaluation process in
collaboration with the client and others. Intervention plans and strategies must be
culturally relevant, reflective of current occupational therapy practice, and based on
available evidence. Interventions address the following components:
 The occupational profile, including participation in activities that are meaningful and
necessary for the client to carry out roles in home, work, and community
environments.
 Client factors, including values, beliefs, spirituality, body functions (e.g.,
neuromuscular, sensory and pain, visual, perceptual, cognitive, mental) and body
structures (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, genitourinary, integumentary
systems).
 Performance patterns (e.g., habits, routines, rituals, roles).
Course Master Syllabus: OTHA 2331
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Occupational Therapy Assistant Program


Context (e.g., cultural, personal, temporal, virtual) and environment (e.g., physical,
social).
Performance skills, including motor and praxis skills, sensory–perceptual skills,
emotional regulation skills, cognitive skills, and communication and social skills.
B.5.2 Select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures to
enhance safety, health and wellness, and performance in ADLs, IADLs, education,
work, play, rest, sleep, leisure, and social participation.
B.5.3 Provide therapeutic use of occupation, exercises, and activities (e.g., occupationbased intervention, purposeful activity, preparatory methods).
B.5.5 Provide training in self-care, self-management, health management and
maintenance, home management, and community and work integration.
B.5.9. Adapt environments (e.g. home, work, school, community) and processes,
including the application of ergonomic principles.
B.5.11. Provide fabrication, application, fitting, and training in orthotic devices used to
enhance occupational performance and participation, and training in the use of
prosethetic devices.
B.5.12 Provide training in techniques to enhance community mobility, including physical
transfers, wheelchair management, and mobility devices.
B.5.15 Recognize the use of superficial thermal and mechanical modalities as a
preparatory measure to improve occupational performance. On the basis of the
intervention plan, demonstrate safe and effective administration of superficial thermal
and mechanical modalities to achieve established while adhering to contraindications
and precautions.
B.5.19.Use the teaching–learning process with the client, family, significant others,
colleagues, other health providers, and the public. Collaborate with the occupational
therapist and learner to identify appropriate educational methods.
Required texts:
(APA style)
Early, M. B. (2013). Physical dysfunction practice skills for the occupational therapy assistant
(3rd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier/Mosby.
References/ Supplemental Materials:
Recommended Interactive Tutorials (CD-ROM and/or DVD) are provided by the
HCCS/OTHA Program to promote interactive learning to support skills assessed in
practicals. The Interactive Tutorials are located in the OTAH lab (455) on computers and
can arrange to schedule time for access/use.
Course Master Syllabus: OTHA 2331
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Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Byers-Cannon, S. (n.d.). Occupational therapy with elders: Strategies for the COTA (3rd ed.).
Elseiver.
Gillen, G. (n.d.). Stroke rehabiitation (3rd ed.). Elseiver-Mosby.
Zoltran, B. (n.d.). Vision, perception and cognition: A manual for the evaluation and treatment
of the adult with acquired brain injury (4th ed.). · Eurospan Group.
Grading Sources:
Midterm: 20%
Quizzes: 15%
Final: 20%
Class Participation: 5%
Practicals: 20%
Class Projects: 20%
Total: 100%
Requirements for Each Grading Source Follows:
Your final grade for this class will be determined by your performance on your mid-term,
quizzes, class participation, practicum and your final exam. There will be NO MAKE UP FOR
EXAMS OR QUIZZES, so please make sure you don’t miss any.
Exams will consist of multiple choice questions related to the coursework covered through the
semester. The FINAL EXAM will be cumulative.
Class Participation will be based upon a formula using class attendance, professionalism, and
completion of classroom activities.
Presentation will be given before the class by individuals using PowerPoint that will be based
on actual medical condition/disorder.
Requirements for Each Grading Source Follows:
Grading System:
GRADE
A
B
C
F
PERCENTILE
93.0-100
84-92.9
75-83.9
74.9-0
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Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
This percentage system for letter grade assignment will be utilized for all reporting.
Specific grade compilation will be explained in each course syllabus at the beginning of
each semester. Grades will not be rounded.
In order to pass a course, a student must have a 75%. A final course grade will not be
assigned until all course work has been completed. Student will be assigned an
incomplete until all work is submitted within the timeframe outlined by the instructor of
record. If all assignments are not completed within the allotted time frame, and in
accordance with HCC policy, the incomplete will convert to an F and student will have to
withdraw from the program.
A grade of zero will be given for late assignments in this course. Extenuating
circumstances should be discussed with the course instructor prior to the assignments
due date.
THE GRADE OF “D” IS NOT GIVEN IN THE HEALTH CAREERS DIVISION - OTHA
PROGRAM.
Any student receiving a grade of F must withdraw from the OTA program, but may
reapply for readmission the following year by following the outlined procedures in this
handbook.
It is highly recommended that a student earning less than 75% in any exam seek
individual tutoring from the course instructor and attend open lab sessions for review.
Students should refer to the health Sciences Division Policies and Procedures in this
handbook for questions related to the assignment of grades, grade change policy, and
grade appeals.
SCANS
The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) identified
Competencies in the areas of Resources, Interpersonal, Information, Systems, and
Technology; and foundation skills in the areas of Basic Skills, Thinking Skills, and
Personal Qualities. This course is part of a program in which each of these
Competencies and Skills are integrated.
F-1 Reading
Text book chapters in preparation for lecture, discussion and class activities.
F-2 Writing
Communicate thoughts, ideals and information through individual and group writing
assignments.
F-3 Speaking
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Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Complete oral presentations with participation including specified group tasks. Each
student will participate in class discussions of course assignments.
F-9 Decision
Identify process and problem solving steps in application of a variety of modalities as
preparatory activities to occupation based treatment
F-12 Reasoning
Apply clinical reasoning steps in treatment planning and interventions.
C- 5 Acquire/Evaluate information
Demonstrate ability to screen & interview clients, as well as, use OT Information
assessments to determine what patient’s function and dysfunction.
C- 6 Organize information
Organize resources for further training, education and competency in specified area of
interest.
C- 7 Interpret and Report communicate information
Report and summarize the applicable indications and contraindications for treatment
approaches as it relates to preparatory and occupation based treatment.
C-12 Exercise Leadership
Function in the role of lead therapist with education to patient, staff, and members of
healthcare services
C-16 Monitor/Correct System Performance
Identify and select appropriate treatment intervention for physical dysfunctions. Identify
the need to modify treatment goals and intervention as appropriate.
Policies:
All policies as noted in the OTHA Student Handbook must be followed. See Student
Handbook for extensive listing of all policies presented within this syllabus.
Attendance, Exam, and Assignments
Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If
attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may
withdraw students from the class. Refer to the OTHA Handbook for further details.
In this occupational therapy assistant program, each student is expected to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Attend ALL on/off classes, labs, programs and community activities.
Report to classes, events and activities on time.
Sign in with name, initials and arrival time in classes and events/activities.
Notify instructors (min. 20 minutes) prior to the start of class if arriving late or
absent.
a. leave message per class - include name, day, date and expected time of
arrival.
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Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
b. leave message per class -- include name, day, date if absent.
Assume sole responsibility for materials/handouts/information covered when
absent.
Approach faculty/staff for make-up assignment(s), when applicable.
Familiarize self with program/courses policy regarding absences and late class
arrival.
Follow program/course policy regarding absences and late class arrival.
Withdraw from classes for non-attendance or excessive absences.
As per HCCS Policy, student may be dropped for excessive absences. Absences that
equal to (or) > 12.5% of the hours of instruction are excessive. If the student is late to
class X 4 times = 1 day absent.
Withdrawal
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from
the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class. The instructor does,
however reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a
student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is
submitted before the FINAL WITHDRAWAL DATE. The student is also strongly
encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.
State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire
undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions,
all course withdrawal automatically counts towards this limit. Details regarding this
policy can be found in the HCC college catalog.
Scholastic Honesty
A student attending HCC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the
mission of the college as an educational institution. Students have the responsibility to
submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research or self-expression.
Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college
representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and
evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to,
plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents. Penalties for
scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from
lowering a grade on one assignment to an F in the course and/ or expulsion from the
college.
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Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Student Discipline
The policy as followed by Health Sciences Division and outlined in the HCC Student
Handbook will be followed.
ADA Statement
Any student with documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision,
hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the
Disability Service Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester.
Faculty is authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability
Support Office. If you have any questions, please contact the disability counselor at
Coleman College at (713) 718-7082.
Safety Statement
Houston Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment
for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with HCC environmental,
health and safety procedures and agree to follow HCC safety policies. Because some
health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become
familiar with the emergency procedures and campus safety plan map in each
classroom.
Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and
courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or
safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity may be
withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.
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