Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Saint Louis University's Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy offers three degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science (BSOS), a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree, and a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).
Leadership
Wendy Stav, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Department Chair
Julia Henderson-Kalb, OTD, OTR/L
Program Director
Overview
Occupational science is the study of the forms and meaning of human activity, and how everyday activities influence an individuals’ sense of identity and roles within families and communities. Occupational therapy is a health profession that employs daily activities in the service of helping people to live healthy and satisfying lives. Services are provided to individuals who are at risk, or who have disabling conditions or life circumstances that prevent full participation in the roles and activities that are valued.
Students in Saint Louis University’s department of occupational science and occupational therapy master’s program apply their occupational science knowledge to supporting the health and quality of life of individuals throughout the lifespan, including those with disabilities and chronic illness.
Students have guaranteed entry into the graduate-level master's program if all undergraduate program requirements are successfully completed. The combined BSOS and MOT program is five years of study.
Qualified post-baccalaureate students with degrees in other fields may apply to the MOT program for an additional two years of study (including one summer semester).
The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy is for bachelor's or master's educated occupational therapy practitioners and is designed to prepare them for roles as academicians, advanced practitioners, policy-makers, program evaluators and advocates of the profession.
S. Omar Ahmad, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L
Sarah Adam, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS
Karen F. Barney, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Emerita
Megan Doherty, OTD, OTR/L
Julia Henderson-Kalb, OTD, OTR/L
Lisa A. Jaegers, Ph.D., MS, OTR/L
Cynthia S. Matlock, Ph.D., MBA, OTR/L
Debra A. Rybski, Ph.D., MS, MSHCA, OTR/L
Selena Washington, Ph.D., OTR/L
Sarah Zimmerman, OTD, OTR/L
OCS 1000 - Seminar in OT Practice
Credit(s): 2 Credits
Humans as Occupational Beings is a course specifically designed for the freshman student with a declared major in Occupational Therapy, as well as, the student interested in learning more about the profession. Exploring the complex construct of occupation facilitates insight into the innate need for occupational engagement (meaningful activity), the effect of occupational deprivation, and the application of occupational balance and justice to individuals, communities, and populations.
Attributes: UUC:Ignite Seminar
OCS 1010 - Introduction to Occupational Science and Therapy
Credit(s): 2 Credits
The purpose of this course is to introduce freshman and sophomore students to the concept of occupation, the academic discipline of Occupational Science (OS), and the health care discipline of Occupational Therapy. Learners are encouraged to be reflective of the evolving process of their personal and professional development and their choice of occupational therapy as a career.
OCS 3120 - The Study of Occupation
Credit(s): 3 Credits
This course is an introduction to occupational science. It focuses on the individual meaning of occupation. Patterns of occupation are examined as well as subjective dimensions of occupational experience. Students will learn to describe occupation using more specific terminology, including habits, routines, rituals, identity, motivation and individual time use. Students will also study an occupational science leader and reflect on the evolution of their research and interests related to the study of occupation. OCS 3120, 3220, and 3320 are taken together. There is a 24 hour shared ACSE (Applied community service experience) across these courses.
OCS 3220 - Contexts of Occupation
Credit(s): 3 Credits
This course is an overview of the temporal, spatial, and socio-cultural contexts of occupation as a basis for design of the therapeutic contexts of intervention.
OCS 3320 - Development of Humans as Occupational Beings
Credit(s): 3 Credits
This course explores the development of human occupation across the lifespan from an occupational science perspective. The course begins by outlining the domains of occupational science and occupational therapy to provide a foundation for the semester’s work. We will analyze theoretical approaches to development, learning, and behavior across the lifespan. We will examine occupations across categories of play, leisure, and work, and we will understand the ways in which life transitions influence occupation. We will critically examine the link between occupation and wellbeing, including whether occupations are always “good”, and will end the course by synthesizing our occupational science knowledge.
OCS 3520 - Personal and Community Wellness
Credit(s): 3 Credits
This course presents a holistic overview of health and wellness through use of the wellness wheel, personal experiences, reflection, and observation. Students explore their own occupational patterns of motivation, change, goal setting, and asking for/receiving help and reflect on the broader impacts of what they have learned for use in future practice. A comprehensive community wellness project applies personal insights from this experience combined with concepts learned in all other OCS courses, showing an understanding of the application of learned terminology, research, and comprehensive view of the person and context in a local non-healthcare setting.
OCS 3620 - Lived Experiences: Disabilities and Chronic Conditions
Credit(s): 3 Credits
Students will develop an understanding of the experience of living with a disability and chronic illness through study of first person accounts and ethnographies that address how disability and chronic illness disrupts occupational patterns across the lifespan.
OCS 3720 - Critical Perspectives of Culture, Occupation, & Justice
Credit(s): 3 Credits
This course extends the knowledge of humans as occupational beings by introducing concepts of culture, globalization and marginalization. Themes of occupational justice and political occupational therapy run throughout the course as we critically analyze dominant American practices and perspectives, local and global conditions for occupation, and our moral responsibility to understand “others” in a service role.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity, Urban Poverty - Health Care, Urban Poverty - Immigration
OCS 4620 - Clinical Conditions and Phenomenology
Credit(s): 3 Credits
This course addresses various physical and clinical conditions and their impact on the lived experience.
OCS 4980 - Independent Study
Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Independent project within the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department. Course objectives will be identified through student and faculty consultation. (Offered Fall, Spring and Summer)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5020 - Professional Development I
Credit(s): 1 Credit
Professional Development Seminars (PDS) (MOT 5020, 5030, 5040) are a sequential progressive series of seminars throughout the professional level curriculum, the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) I and II years. These courses focus on socialization to the profession through fieldwork, interprofessional experiences, and professional development/service activities. This course will focus on the following topics: ethics, effective communication and conflict management, social justice and inclusion, health literacy, continuing competency expectations for occupational therapists, occupational therapy role development, and preparation for fieldwork education.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5030 - Professional Development II
Credit(s): 1 Credit
Professional Development Seminars (PDS) (MOT 5020, 5030, 5040) are a sequential progressive series of seminars throughout the professional level curriculum, the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) I and II years. These courses focus on socialization to the profession through fieldwork, interprofessional experiences, and professional development/service activities. This course will focus on the following topics: ethics, effective communication and conflict management, social justice and inclusion, health literacy, continuing competency expectations for occupational therapists, occupational therapy role development, and preparation for fieldwork education.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5040 - Professional Development III
Credit(s): 1 Credit
Professional Development Seminars (PDS) (MOT 5020, 5030, 5040) are a sequential progressive series of seminars throughout the professional level curriculum, the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) I and II years. These courses focus on socialization to the profession through fieldwork, interprofessional experiences, and professional development/service activities. This course will focus on the following topics: ethics, effective communication and conflict management, social justice and inclusion, health literacy, continuing competency expectations for occupational therapists, occupational therapy role development, and preparation for fieldwork education.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5150 - Kinesiology
Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits
This course will study human motion with the emphasis on understanding movement in the context of occupational performance. Students will analyze the movement needed to complete an activity, determine body structures and function responsible for completion of the task, and adapt or modify the activity or context to allow participation. This class forms a basis for evaluation of musculoskeletal movement and strength needed for future courses and clinical application. Lab included.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5170 - Neuroscience in Occupational Therapy
Credit(s): 4 Credits
This course will address the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of sensory perception, emotion, cognition and learning, and movement that are foundational to occupation performance. Disorders that affect the nervous system resulting in impaired functional ability will also be discussed, including management and evaluation techniques utilized by occupational therapy.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5200 - Clinical Conditions & Phenomenology
Credit(s): 3 Credits
This course will address how disability from traumatic or chronic illness disrupts occupational patterns and the role of occupational therapy in returning individuals to quality of life experiences.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5250 - Policy & Administration
Credit(s): 2 Credits
This course explores policy and service delivery systems relevant to the practice of occupational therapy, the role of occupational therapy in these systems, and how these systems are influenced by legislation, regulation, and reimbursement practices. Principles of program planning and management, utilization of resources, and quality improvement within occupational therapy are discussed, as well as the influence of health care trends on the delivery of occupational therapy services with regard to an individual, group, organization, or environmental context.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5260 - Problem-Based Learning in Occupational Therapy
Credit(s): 2 Credits
Small groups work with a faculty facilitator in a problem-based learning approach to developing clinical reasoning, teamwork, and professional behavior skills. Case studies will allow participants to explore personal, environmental, occupational, and ethical issues across the lifespan, and to apply a variety of frames of reference to evaluation and intervention. Students will be encouraged to explore and evaluate their knowledge and attitudes relative to a variety of clinical, social, and policy issues. An emphasis on independent, lifelong learning and generating solution to complex problems will be evident throughout the course.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5300 - Fundamentals of OT Practice
Credit(s): 3 Credits
This course introduces the learner to fundamental, contemporary foundations of occupation therapy practice, with a continuous focus on meaningful occupation as both a means and an outcome of therapy. The history of the profession and its evolution through a succession of paradigm shifts is explored. Professionalism within occupation therapy is emphasized, the domain and process of occupational therapy and the therapeutic use of self. Professional language and documentation are introduced and practiced.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5350 - Theoretical Foundations of Occupational Therapy
Credit(s): 3 Credits
Students in this course will understand the nature and components of a scientific theory, and how theories relate to clinical application as frames of reference, and ways to evaluate the worth of any theory. A variety of theories that inform contemporary occupational therapy practice and paradigm will be reviewed and applied through beginning clinical reasoning. Students will understand the fundamental concepts and language of each theory reviewed, the population and practice settings typically addressed, examples of evaluation and intervention approaches supported by each theory, and examples of research that has tested aspects of each theory.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5400 - Occupational Therapy for Adults with Physical Dysfunction
Credit(s): 0 or 4 Credits
This course introduces students to assessment, treatment planning, and the use of clinical reasoning to develop skilled intervention strategies for adult clients with physical dysfunction issues. The course will mainly focus on occupational therapy evaluation and treatment in traditional practice settings, including but not limited to acute care, inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing facilities, and home health. Rehabilitative and compensatory strategies will be discussed and practiced throughout the course. Lab activities, case studies, live clients, and community experiences will support lecture materials. Lab included.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5410 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health
Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits
This course prepares students to engage in holistic occupational therapy practice in a wide array of intervention settings and with clients of many ages who have psychiatric and behavioral disorders. Students will practice and demonstrate proficiency in professional, therapeutic communication skills that are basic to competent practice with colleagues, clients, and the public. Students will develop an understanding of psychosocial concerns and needs that are common to clients in a wide array of practice settings, and ways to evaluate and meet their needs through occupational therapy methods. This course will focus on assessment, treatment planning, and use of clinical reasoning to develop intervention strategies for adult client conditions. Compensatory and adaptive approaches to psychosocial and psychiatric dysfunction will be explored through case studies and community experiences. Lab included.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5450 - Occupational Performance & Assessment of Children and Youth
Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits
This course introduces students to the occupational performance of infants, children, and adolescents. It focuses on occupational conceptual models and how occupational therapists use theory to guide practice. The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework is used to guide the study of the domain of OT as it relates to the transaction of person-environment-occupation. The physical, psychological/emotional, cognitive/neurological and sociocultural determinants of occupation will be explored. Assessments are introduced that analyze infant, child, and adolescent occupational performance and behavior. Lab required.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5460 - Occupational Therapy with Aging Adults
Credit(s): 3 Credits
This course builds upon the foundation of occupational science and occupational therapy services to prepare students to engage in holistic occupational therapy practice in a wide array of intervention settings across the lifespan. Students will develop an understanding of conceptual models for community-based practice in a variety of areas including: community mental health, primary care, transition pre-post incarceration and military, primary and secondary prevention of chronic conditions, public health, and community mobility. This course will build off of previous knowledge and apply it to community-based settings for holistic practice.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5480 - Occupational Therapy & Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
Credit(s): 2 Credits
This course focuses on the evaluation and treatment of upper extremity dysfunction from an occupational therapy perspective. This lecture/lab combination covers nerve and muscular/orthopedic issues throughout the upper extremity with an emphasis on the wrist and hand. Multiple orthotics are fabricated in the lab portion of this course. Lab included.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5490 - Applied Research I
Credit(s): 1 Credit
Building upon learning from research courses in the undergraduate curriculum, Applied Research I is an introductory course focusing on the application of scholarly inquiry and appreciation of evidence based practice in the Occupational Therapy profession.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5500 - Applied Research II
Credit(s): 1 Credit
This course provides opportunities for OT students to apply evidence-based research concepts in a practice setting. An integrative approach in class is utilized to 1) support students exploration of problems and needs presented in the practice setting, 2) facilitate the discovery of research questions and approaches that relate directly to the needs of the OT academic and practice setting, and 3) promote the successful development of projects that relate directly to the practice environment.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5550 - Occupational Therapy for Adults with Neurological Dysfunction
Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits
This course is designed to provide students with the therapeutic reasoning to evaluate and treat adults with occupational performance deficits resulting from neurological illnesses and impairments. Building on theories and concepts from prior coursework, students will learn to assess, remediate, habilitate, and rehabilitate, deficits impacting occupational performance and participation. The final product will be the students' understanding of the OT process and best practice in OT, evidenced by the completion of an OT evaluation & development of individualized OT intervention plans that identifies the process for returning a client to their most independent level of function within their environment. Lab included.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5560 - Occupational Therapy and Community Practice
Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits
This course builds upon the foundation of occupational science and occupational therapy services to prepare students to engage in holistic occupational therapy practice in a wide array of intervention settings across the lifespan. Students will develop an understanding of conceptual models for community-based practice in a variety of areas. This course will focus on assessment, treatment planning and use of clinical reasoning to develop intervention strategies for adult client conditions. Compensatory and adaptive approaches will be explored through case studies and community experiences. Lab included.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5600 - Occupational Therapy with Infants and Children
Credit(s): 0 or 4 Credits
Assessment, treatment planning and use of clinical reasoning to administer assessments and develop intervention strategies for infant, child and adolescent client conditions. Compensatory and adaptive approaches to psychosocial, and physical dysfunction will be explored through case studies and community experiences. Lab included.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5650 - Applied Research III
Credit(s): 1 Credit
Building upon the foundation established in Applied Research I and II, this course focuses on knowledge, skills, and attitudes in qualitative scholarly inquiry processes in the Occupational Therapy profession.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5660 - Applied Research IV
Credit(s): 1-6 Credits
Building upon the foundation established in the previous Applied Research courses, this seminar course lays additional groundwork for an entry-level occupational therapy practitioner’s appreciation of the role of scientific inquiry in the field. Students complete a significant portion of their master’s project, which is related to their faculty mentor’s scholarship.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5700 - Advanced Fieldwork I
Credit(s): 6 Credits
This practicum course engages students in a supervised, 12‐week Level II Fieldwork experience. Level II Fieldwork is an integral part of occupational therapy education that facilitates the transition from the didactic curriculum to the clinical setting. During this course, students will have the opportunity to apply OT knowledge in a clinical setting, develop clinical reasoning through reflective practice, refine professional behaviors, apply ethical standards to clinical cases, and ultimately, develop entry‐level OT skill.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5750 - Advanced Fieldwork II
Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
This practicum course engages students in a supervised, 12-week Level II Fieldwork experience. Level II Fieldwork is an integral part of occupational therapy education that facilitates the transition from the didactic curriculum to the clinical setting. During this course, students will have the opportunity to apply OT knowledge in a clinical setting, develop clinical reasoning through reflective practice, refine professional behaviors, apply ethical standards to clinical cases, and ultimately, develop entry-level OT skill.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
MOT 5980 - Independent Study
Credit(s): 1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Independent project within the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department. Course objectives will be identified through student and faculty consultation. Offered every semester.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.
OCTH 5010 - Foundations of Occupational Therapy: Theories, Domains and Processes
Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
This course will provide students with an overview and synthesis of historical and contemporary perspectives that guide current occupational therapy practice. Students in this course will understand and apply fundamental concepts and language used in current occupational therapy theories and practice models. (Offered every Summer)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
OCTH 5011 - Fundamentals of Occupational Science
Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
This course introduces future occupational therapy students to basic concepts and themes in occupational science. The course will begin with an exploration of the relationship between occupational science and occupational therapy before moving to the review and application of concepts. Students will learn about the occupational perspective as it applies to topics including development across the lifespan, context, and occupational justice.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
OCTH 5930 - Special Topics
Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
OCTH 5980 - Independent Study
Credit(s): 1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
OCTH 6100 - Occupational Science in Practice and Society
Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
This course will examine current trends in occupational science knowledge and their interactions with contemporary healthcare practice and societal developments. By the end of the course, students will be able to articulate and defend the relevance of occupational science knowledge for modern issues of real-world concern. (Offered every Fall)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
OCTH 6200 - Professional Leadership and Public Policy
Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
This course provides foundational knowledge regarding professional leadership and public policy with specific focus on how each impacts clients and the profession of occupational therapy. At the completion of the course, students will have an increased understanding of the nature of health policy-making, health politics, and current healthcare issues as they advocate for clients and the profession. (Offered every Spring)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
OCTH 6300 - Conceptualizations and Applications of Occupational In/Justice
Credit(s): 3 Credits
This course will explore the relationship of occupational justice, human health and wellbeing, and the Jesuit principle of men and women for and with others. Students will begin by learning about the conceptual development of occupational justice and its relation to the idea of social justice and Jesuit philosophy. Students will then select one real-world example of an occupational injustice and examine its impact on health and wellbeing in local and global contexts. Students will draft a proposal that enfolds all course concepts into an intervention that addresses the occupational injustice they have examined.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
OCTH 6400 - OTD Practicum 1
Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
This practicum course engages students in a supervised, 12-16 week practicum experience at a practice-related site chosen in collaboration with the student's faculty mentor. The practicum is an integral part of doctoral education that facilitates translation of knowledge from the didactic curriculum to practice settings. During this course, students will have the opportunity to apply, analyze, and critique learned ideas in a practice setting, make improvements to existing service delivery processes, and/or contribute to information dissemination. As a practicum experience, this course provides an opportunity for development of post-professional occupational therapy skills through involvement in a practice or advocacy setting.
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Occupational Therapy.
Enrollment limited to students in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
OCTH 6500 - OTD Practicum 2
Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
This practicum course engages students in a supervised, 12-16 week practicum experience at a practice-related site chosen in collaboration with the student's faculty mentor. The practicum is an integral part of doctoral education that facilitates translation of knowledge from the didactic curriculum to practice settings. During this course, students will have the opportunity to apply, analyze, and critique learned ideas in a practice setting, make improvements to existing service delivery processes, and/or contribute to information dissemination. As a practicum experience, this course provides an opportunity for development of post-professional occupational therapy skills through involvement in a practice or advocacy setting.
Prerequisite(s): OCTH 6400
Restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Occupational Therapy.
Enrollment limited to students in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
OCTH 6930 - Special Topics
Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
OCTH 6980 - Independent Study in Occupational Therapy
Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
Independent project within the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department. Course objectives will be identified through student and faculty consultation. (Offered Fall, Spring and Summer)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students in a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.