Occupational Therapy Assistant

GOAL 1 Students/Graduates of the program will demonstrate an understanding and application of knowledge from the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process, theory, models of practice and guidelines for practice utilized in the occupational therapy process.

1. The student will recognize the importance of occupational therapy history, theory, and philosophical base of the profession and its relevance to current practice.
2. The student will identify the components of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process.
3. The student will state the role of the occupational therapist and the occupational therapy assistant throughout the occupational therapy process.
4. The student will demonstrate skill in task analysis in areas of occupation, performance skills, performance patterns, activity demands, context and environments, and client factors to implement client-centered interventions.

GOAL 2 Students/Graduates of the program will exhibit proficiency in the delivery of interventions to facilitate participation and enhance occupational performance across the lifespan.

1. The student will choose evidence-based approaches in the selection of occupation-based strategies appropriate to individual and group intervention planning, implementation and review of outcomes addressing the physical and psychosocial needs of identified populations across the lifespan.
2. The student will demonstrate use of technology to support performance, participation, health, and well-being to include: keyboarding, use of the internet, electronic documentation systems, distance communication, virtual environments, assistive technology, and telehealth technology.
3. The student will examine bones, boney landmarks, joint structures, muscle groups, and their functions in occupation based assessment and intervention.
4. The student will examine of the use of assistive technology, compensatory strategies, and sensory integration principles to enhance occupational performance in home, educational, work and community settings.

GOAL 3 Students/Graduates of the program will perform entry-level skills to practice as a generalist in a variety of traditional and emerging occupational therapy practice settings.

1. The student will demonstrate appropriate judgment in regard to safety of self and others and by adhering to safety regulations throughout the occupational therapy process.
2. The student will demonstrate skill competency in assessing joint range of motion, gross and fine motor coordination, muscle strength, and functional mobility including physical transfers, wheelchair and mobility device management procedures.
3. The student will select occupational therapy assessments and design interventions to enhance safety and promote occupational performance in ADLs, IADLs, education, play, rest, leisure, and social participation with individuals and pediatric populations.
4. The student will examine the use of remediation strategies, assistive technology, compensatory strategies, and environmental adaptations to enhance occupational performance in home, work, school and community settings.
5. The student will employ knowledge and skill in selected fieldwork experience related to pediatric health conditions, physical and psychosocial function.

GOAL 4 Students/Graduates of the program will effectively interact through written, oral and non-verbal communication with the client, family, significant others and the public in a professionally acceptable manner.

1. The student will demonstrate effective written and oral communication in context of appropriate settings in which occupational therapy service delivery addresses intervention planning, implementation, review of outcomes and documentation.
2. The student will utilize sound professional judgement in regard to safety of self and others by demonstrating proper care and maintenance of lab equipment and supplies and by adhering to safety regulations throughout the occupational therapy process as appropriate to setting and scope of practice.
3. The student will employ skill in performing, teaching, and adapting selected occupations and activities as reflected in current occupational therapy practice.
4. The student will document occupational therapy services to ensure accountability of service provision to meet standards for reimbursement of services to effectively communicate the need and rationale for services.
5. The student will formulate effective written, oral, and nonverbal communication skills throughout the occupational therapy process in traditional and emerging practice areas as an interprofessional team member and advocate to ensure accountability of service provision.
6. The student will employ professional oral and written communication skills as they relate to specific traditional and emerging practice settings.

GOAL 5 Students/Graduates of the program will model positive behaviors to promote effective interprofessional team collaboration.

1. The student will identify the principles and historical perspective of development and the dynamics of normal and abnormal human behavior across the lifespan.
2. The student will formulate effective written, oral, and nonverbal communication skills throughout the occupational therapy process in traditional and emerging pediatric practice as an interprofessional team member and advocate to ensure accountability of service provision.