Curriculum

The curriculum content is centered around seven curricular themes. These themes are woven throughout the curriculum, creating a cohesive and enriching educational experience that not only prepares you for the challenges of occupational therapy, but also instills the values and skills necessary to thrive as a compassionate and successful healthcare professional. As you progress through our curriculum, you’ll acquire the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills essential to effectively help people with health issues that affect everyday activities.

  • Master critical elements of human occupation to build a strong knowledge base, enhance critical thinking, and cultivate self-directed resourcefulness.

  • Gain an understanding of the profession’s evolution, scope, and contemporary influences while developing skills in foundational practice tools.

  • Immerse yourself in real-world experiences through Level I and Level II fieldwork under the guidance of knowledgeable fieldwork educators.

  • Master the occupational therapy process through hands-on courses while developing strong clinical reasoning skills to excel in various practice areas.

  • Explore value-based themes of professionalism, ethics, and servant leadership throughout the curriculum.

  • Elevate your clinical decision-making with a focus on ongoing evidence-based practice, knowledge translation, and the diverse roles of occupational therapists as educators.

  • Culminate your studies with a transformative scholarly project, integrating and showcasing knowledge gained through in-depth experiential exposure in a specific area of study and practice.

The Wagner College OTD Program philosophy is built upon the following core values:

  1. The “core belief in the positive relationship between occupation and health and the view that people are occupational beings” (AOTA, 2020, p.4). Moreover, that this professional perspective differentiates and distinctly defines occupation therapy practice.
  2. That this perspective translates to an occupation-based intervention approach to facilitate clients’ maximization of their occupational performance and participation which is client-centered, practical, contemporary, and meaningful.
  3. That to produce graduates and entry-level practitioners as described in its mission, program faculty are committed to the scaffolded shift from a pedagogical approach to student learning to the more appropriate teaching and learning principles of andragogy.
  4. Occupational therapy professionals generally value in their life and practice:
    • Occupational justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity
    • Cultural sensitivity and cultural literacy
    • Service to others, the community, and the profession
    • Professionalism and respect for others
  5. By virtue of their role and skill sets, occupational therapy professionals are advocates for individuals, communities, populations, and the profession across varied settings and contexts, e.g., organizational, underserved populations and practice areas, and legislative and policy-making.
  6. Students, faculty, and staff personal, professional, and occupational health and wellness.

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain
and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2), 7412410010.
https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001

Course Descriptions

  • Year 1 
  • Year 2 
  • Year 3 

Summer 1

OTD 520 What is Occupational Therapy? (3 credits)
Explores the history and evolution of occupational therapy and examines the core beliefs and official documents that define the profession’s practice purpose, process, and scope. The correlation between human occupation and health and wellness is examined to further understanding of the occupational therapy process guiding practitioners. Establishes the basis for OTD 620 Fundamentals of Practice and further professional phase study.   OTD 610 Functional Anatomy (4 credits)
Detailed examination of human anatomy and physiology focusing on the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems as they relate to functional movement and occupation. Laboratory sessions support learning and basic biomechanics are introduced for expanded study and analysis during OTD 615 Clinical Kinesiology. 

OTD 640 Essential Clinical Practice Skills (2 credits)
Emphasizes sound judgment, safety, and competency in the baseline skills expected of occupational therapy practitioners in contemporary interprofessional clinical environments such as the assessment of vital signs, cardio pulmonary resuscitation, functional transfers, wheelchair mobility and management, and the selection and use of ambulatory devices and adaptive equipment.
 

Fall 1

OTD 615 Clinical Kinesiology (4 credits)
Applies the principles of mechanics to anatomy and physiology providing in-depth analysis and understanding of human movement from an occupational perspective. Laboratory sessions focus on biomechanical assessment contributing to clinical reasoning and overall occupation-based intervention planning. Prerequisite: OTD 610 Functional Anatomy  OTD 620 Fundamentals of Practice (3 credits)
Examines the foundational elements that delineate and distinguish occupational therapy as an allied health profession through a comprehensive study of occupation; the theories, frames of reference, and models guiding contemporary practice; and fundamental practice tools such as activity analysis, therapeutic use of self, cultural literacy readiness, and frameworks for effective goal and progress note writing. Prerequisite: OTD 520 What is Occupational Therapy?   OTD 625 Medical Conditions Impacting Occupational Performance (3 credits)
Explores and examines the physiological, developmental, mental, and psychological diseases, disabilities, illnesses, and injuries commonly encountered in occupational therapy practice that impact the occupational health and wellness of persons, groups, and populations.  OTD 740 Mental Health Process Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
Examines the aspects of the occupational therapy process specific to mental and behavioral health practice settings and service delivery contexts. First in the series of practice-based courses, beginning clinical reasoning and other practice skills are developed in looking at occupational therapy evaluation, intervention, and outcome assessment where psychosocial and associated factors have impacted client engagement in occupation.   OTD 660 Level IA Fieldwork (2 credits)
Introduces fieldwork and the application of knowledge to practice within the clinical education phase of the curriculum. Didactic elements support the fieldwork experiential components of the course focusing on mental health functions and factors influencing client engagement in occupation and guide reflection on the clinical reasoning process.  

Spring 1

OTD 618 Essential Neuroscience for OT Practice (3 credits)
Advanced study of clinically-based neuroanatomy building upon basic neuroscience concepts introduced in OTD 610 Functional Anatomy. Cellular, systems, physiological, and regional level study also leads to a practice-ready understanding of neurologic disorders encountered by occupational therapists. Laboratory sessions reinforce learning and include neurologic testing applicable to occupational therapy practice.  OTD 742 Adult Rehabilitation (4 credits)
Examines the operationalization of the occupational therapy process with adults. Second in the series of practice-based courses, clinical reasoning and other skills acquired thus far are integrated to more fully understand the ongoing interaction of occupational therapy evaluation, intervention, and outcome assessment where physical and cognitive conditions have impacted client engagement in occupation and evidence-informed occupational therapy rehabilitation or habilitation services are indicated.  OTD 628 Assessment and Evaluation of Occupational Performance (3 credits)
Emphasizes the evaluation component of the occupational therapy process focusing on the occupational profile and analysis of occupational performance leading to sound and reasoned intervention planning. Analysis of the factors to be considered in selecting appropriate assessment tools for clients across the lifespan support laboratory sessions dedicated to proper assessment administration.
  OTD 645 Interventions to Support Occupation I (3 credits)
Active engagement in the contemporary intervention methods and tasks such as physical agent and mechanical modalities, adaptive equipment, orthotics, and prosthetics used in practice to prepare clients for or enhance their participation in occupations and activities.

OTD 665 Level IB Fieldwork (2 credits)
Ongoing fundamental application of knowledge to practice via Level I fieldwork in a specified practice area. Didactic elements support the fieldwork experiential components of the course and reflective practice as well as structure preparation for Level II fieldwork. 

Summer 2

OTD 630 Professional Writing and Communication (3 credits)
Emphasizes the critical elements of scholarly and clinical-based technical writing as well as email, verbal, and virtual communication in professional settings. Course components devoted to writing and consuming scholarly work such as APA style, professional literature search methods, and mechanisms for professional dissemination serve as foundations for the Research and Evidence Informed Practice and Doctoral Capstone series of courses. Clinically-based elements such as advocacy-based service documentation and analysis of interprofessional team dynamics have direct application to practice-based courses and Level II fieldwork.

OTD 730 Research and Evidence-Informed Practice I (3 credits) 
Introduction to the research process and role that evidence plays in guiding occupational therapy practice. Examination of research methods and designs, statistical analysis, advanced literature search methods, ethical research policies and procedures, and evidence appraisal undergird student scholarly work and integration of evidence to inform clinical decision making.

OTD 646 Interventions to Support Occupation II (3 credits)
Active engagement in contemporary technology-based intervention methods and tasks such as virtual reality, assistive technology, electronic ADL aids, environmental modifications, and wheelchair technology used to prepare clients for or enhance their participation in occupations and activities.  

Fall 2

OTD 745 Pediatric and School-Based Practice (5 credits) 
Examines the occupational therapy process from birth through adolescence in a variety of practice settings including school-based service delivery contexts. Third in the series of practice-based courses, clinical reasoning skills are further honed in looking at the operationalization of occupational therapy evaluation, intervention, and outcome assessment where developmental, congenital, behavioral, sensory, and other factors have impacted the engagement in occupations specific to infants, children, and adolescents.  OTD 731 Research and Evidence-Informed Practice II (3 credits)
Builds upon OTD 730 Research and Evidence-Informed Practice I to produce student scholarly work that advances professional knowledge translation and evidence-informed professional reasoning. Relatedly investigates the grant process as a potential funding source for scholarly, program development, and other professional initiatives. Prerequisite: OTD 730 Research and Evidence-Informed Practice I  OTD 747 Orthopedics and Upper Extremity Practice (2 credits)
Investigates the occupational therapy process when orthopedic conditions impact client occupational performance and participation. This advanced practice-based course emphasizes evidence-informed interventions and protocols for common upper and lower extremity conditions and includes an introduction to practice in hand therapy.  OTD 750 Service Delivery: Professional Issues and Advocacy (3 credits)
Explores current issues, systems, and legislations affecting practice, the profession, and consumers of occupational therapy services and actively engages students, inherent to their role as occupational therapy professionals, in various advocacy initiatives.  OTD 870 Doctoral Capstone: Exploration and Generation (2 credits)
Structures the exploration of potential areas and ideas for the doctoral capstone and centers on the elements integral to capstone preparation, i.e., an exploratory literature review, needs assessment, goals and objectives, and evaluation strategies. The ideation process culminates in an initial plan and proposal framework for the doctoral capstone. 

Spring 2

OTD 746 Gerontology and Older Adult Practice (2 credits) 
Examines the principles of productive aging as well as the effects of the aging process on occupations relevant to the operationalization of the occupational therapy process with older adults. Part of the practice-based course series, clinical reasoning skills guide effective occupational therapy evaluation, intervention, and outcome assessment where age-related injury, disease, and other distinctive challenges have impacted older-adult client engagement in occupation and ability to age in place.     OTD 748 Innovative and Specialized Practices (4 credits)
Explores advanced, specialized, emerging, and innovative practice areas in occupational therapy including direct service, consultative, and entrepreneurial models. Advanced training and formal education for practice competency is integrated into each practice area studied.     OTD 735 The Occupational Therapy Educator (3 credits)
Advanced study of the essential function of the occupational therapist as an educator through an in-depth examination of the teaching-learning processes during client education and training as well as an exploration of academic practice in occupational therapy education. Emphasizes underlying principles, theories, approaches, and preparation strategies applicable to these distinct educational contexts such as health and cultural literacy, pedagogy, andragogy, and instructional design.

OTD 755 Leadership and Administration (3 credits)
Analysis of the programmatic core value of leadership and how occupational therapists manifest this capacity within intraprofessional, interprofessional, healthcare, business, fiscal, community, and professional reasoning contexts. Explores contemporary leadership theories and styles as well as opportunities and responsibilities for the occupational therapist in administrative, management, and supervisory roles.

OTD 871 Doctoral Capstone: Development and Proposal (3 credits)
Builds upon OTD 870 Doctoral Capstone: Exploration and Generation and concentrates on the development of the formal doctoral capstone project proposal for approval. In addition, students in collaboration with their faculty and content mentors finalize the placement and a valid agreed upon plan for the doctoral capstone experience. Prerequisite: OTD 870 Doctoral Capstone: Exploration and Generation 

Summer 3

OTD 760 Level IIA Fieldwork (9 credits)
Develops entry-level generalist competency through the application of knowledge and skills reflective of the program’s curriculum design during an in-depth full-time clinical experience. Students operationalize the occupational therapy process in delivering direct occupation-based and evidence-informed client services under the supervision of a qualified fieldwork educator.  

Fall 3

OTD 765 Level IIB Fieldwork (9 credits)
Entry-level generalist competency takes definite form through the continued application of acquired knowledge and skills in carrying out the occupational therapy process during a second in-depth full-time clinical experience that varies as much as possible (practice setting and clients served) from the first Level II fieldwork. The cumulative 24-week Level II fieldwork experience across OTD 760 and OTD 765 also serves to frame student readiness as “exceptional, reflective practitioners who will optimize the health and occupational wellness of those they serve.” Prerequisite: OTD 764 Level IIA Fieldwork 

Fall – Spring 3

OTD 850 Readiness Seminar (2 credits)
Forward-looking approach focused on student preparedness in two main areas. The capstone readiness component includes group and individual sessions with the faculty capstone mentor to help assure optimal student preparation and that all is on course for the beginning of the doctoral capstone. The professional practice readiness component emphasizes the development of essential practice entry and career-shaping skills and also includes formal preparation for the NBCOT certification exam. Offered via blended format. Prerequisite: OTD 765 Level IIB Fieldwork 

Spring 3

OTD 875 Doctoral Capstone Experience (8 credits)
In-depth 14-week experiential exposure in one or more of the following focused areas: clinical skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, and education related to and supporting implementation of the capstone project. Prerequisite: OTD 765 Level IIB Fieldwork  OTD 876 Doctoral Capstone Project (2 credits)
Implementation of the final capstone project plan associated with the capstone experience culminating in an evidence-informed final capstone report, oral presentation, and professional dissemination demonstrating synthesis and translation of the in-depth knowledge gained in the focused area of study. Prerequisite: OTD 765 Level IIB Fieldwork 

 
Prerequisites
  • All prerequisite coursework must be completed (with recorded grades) prior to program start.
  • Minimum grade of B- in each prerequisite course.
  • Course credit for all prerequisites must be granted by a regionally accredited US college or university. CEU/PDU completion certificates or non-standardized, atypical, or random credit hour calculation awards for courses will not be considered.
  • The one exception to this requirement is the Medical Terminology course requirement, which may be completed online through one of the following organizations (direct Medical Terminology course link provided):