Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (OCCTHRY MSOT)
78 Credits
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY • 78 CREDITS • OCCTHRY MSOT
The Entry-Level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) is a post-baccalaureate entry-level practice degree intended for students who want to study to become occupational therapists.
The curriculum sequence is intentional and complies with standards established by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Classroom education is provided by experienced educator-clinicians and is supported by on-campus practical activities and off-campus experiences in practice settings. The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Davenport University provides education that is knowledge-driven and prepares students for contemporary and emerging areas of practice.
The 78-credit Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is a full-time on-campus program offered at the W.A. Lettinga Campus. Students enter in the Fall Semester and progress through the curriculum as a cohort. The program is 28 months in length and is conducted over 7 consecutive semesters (including summers).
Academic Preparatory Requirements
All students admitted into the Davenport University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy are expected to have a baccalaureate degree and specific undergraduate preparation. Refer to the Preparation for Health Pre-Professional Program for academic prerequisites for the MSOT program. Prerequisite course requirements can also be met through transfer courses that have similar content and academic rigor.
Which class should I take? When should I take it?
See our Recommended Program Sequences:
Foundations |
14 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL621 | This course provides an in-depth study of regional human gross anatomy, and the function and integration of the neuro-musculoskeletal systems. This course is designed for students enrolled in health profession graduate programs. Emphasis is placed on structures of the upper limb, trunk, pelvis and lower limb. Course content will be delivered by lecture and virtual study of the human body. A grade of C or better is required to successfully complete this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 1st semester MSOT courses | |
| BIOL622 | This course is a continuation of an in-depth study of regional human gross anatomy, and the function and integration of the neuro-musculoskeletal systems. Emphasis is placed on structures and functions of the head and neck and the central and peripheral nervous systems. At the end of this course, students will integrate content from both semesters to analyze common musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Course content will be delivered by lecture and virtual study of the human body. Note: A grade of C or better is required to successfully complete this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 2nd semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): BIOL621 with a grade of C or better | |
| HCMG630 | This course provides a systematic overview of the U.S. Healthcare Delivery System. Students will examine key components involved in the delivery and provision of healthcare services, including cultural diversity. This course also provides students an opportunity to examine the origin, development, structure, organization, and operational issues as they relate to hospitals and healthcare delivery systems. Note: A grade of C or better is required on the final assessment in order to earn a passing grade in this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| OCTH601 | This seminar is required in the first semester of acceptance to the MS Occupational Therapy program. This course supports the students transition from undergraduate academics to the expectations of graduate professional program and graduate level skills. Professional standards of performance will be presented. Students will develop professional level critical thinking skills, and professional level writing skills. Program expectations and the Student Handbook will be reviewed and membership in the American Occupational Therapy Association established. Students in this course must register and complete the required Criminal Background Check (CBC) and Drug Screen (DS). A minimum grade of B- is required to pass the course. If the CBC/DS portion of the class is not completed in the specified time frame, a failing grade will be given for the course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 1st se | |
| OCTH621 | This course includes the study of body systems and pathology including etiology, signs, symptoms, and clinical course. This course will explore the effects of illness and disease on a person’s ability to engage in daily occupations and the impact on quality of life. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 1st semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to the Occupational Therapy degree program |
Core Courses |
37 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| OCTH610 | In this course, students will study the origins of human occupation and the evolution of this philosophy into the field of occupational therapy. Students will examine the nature of meaningful occupation in the everyday life and explore changes in occupation across the life span. This course will introduce the potential consequences of occupational deprivation on the independence, life-purpose, and well-being of individuals, groups, and societies. Students will study the history of the field from pioneers of the profession to current contemporary practice and the recognition of occupational science as an academic discipline. Social, political, and economic factors influencing the development of the field will be explored. Students will be introduced to frameworks, models, and theories of practice which will be covered in depth in subsequent program courses. National and international organizations will be reviewed as well as occupational therapy from a global perspective. Applicable Co | |
| OCTH616 | This course introduces the occupational therapy process with specific emphasis on human interaction and communication. Students will examine the influence of performance patterns (habits roles, routines, and rituals); contexts (cultural, personal, temporal and virtual); and environments (physical and social) on human interaction. Concepts such as authenticity, empathy, and cultural competency will be examined in the context of work with clients, colleagues, and populations. An experiential learning experience with diverse populations is included as a component of this course. This course prepares students for future occupational therapy practice by providing the foundational communication/interaction skills needed for effective practice. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. The experiential learning component requires a minimum of 20 hours of direct experience. Applicable Course Fee | |
| OCTH636 | This course introduces environment, task, and activity analysis as important components of occupational therapy practice. A person’s ability to function in daily life is dependent upon the person’s abilities (performance skills), the demands of the task/activity, and the environment where the action occurs. If a person’s abilities do not allow successful participation in activities or engagement in occupations then changes to the task or environment will be needed. In this course, students will learn basic principles of environmental, task, and activity analysis from the perspective of client/patient need. At the conclusion of this course, students will articulate differences between activity and occupation; understand the therapeutic value of engagement in occupation; and have foundational skills necessary to make adaptations to assist clients participate. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co | |
| OCTH636L | (2 contact hours) The laboratory course reinforces knowledge of foundational principles of environment, task, and activity analysis through practical application of concepts. Students will analyze environments and tasks and will make adaptations intended to enhance function, independence, and well-being. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): OCTH636 and OCTH636L Co-requisite(s): 2nd semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): 1st semester MSOT courses | |
| OCTH652 | This course examines typical and atypical physical, cognitive, and social development of infants and young children. Students will analyze the effects of developmental dysfunction on the lives of children based on results from observational and standardized assessments. In this course, the evaluation component of occupational therapy process is reinforced with emphasis on communication, interaction, assessment, and documentation. Students are introduced to theories of development and early-intervention models of service delivery. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): OCTH652 and OCTH652L Co-requisite(s): 2nd semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): 1st semester MSOT courses | |
| OCTH652L | (2 contact hours) The laboratory course reinforces knowledge of foundational principles of assessment through practical application of concepts. Students will perform observational and standardized assessments; interpret assessment results; and practice professional documentation applying principles of best practice. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): OCTH652 and OCTH652L Co-requisite(s): 2nd semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): 1st semester MSOT courses | |
| OCTH721 | This course examines typical and disrupted development of the sensory-motor system in children and adolescents. Neurodevelopment (introduced in previous courses) will be reviewed and reinforced in the context of perception/integration of stimuli and adaptive behavioral and motor responses. In this course, sensory processing theories and models of practice will be introduced as a guide for analysis, documentation, and intervention. Students will review observational, criterion-referenced, questionnaire-based, and standardized assessments to evaluate performance. Critical thinking will be facilitated through creation of care plans in the context of school-based practice. Review of the literature focusing on best-practice interventions will be an integral part of this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 4th semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): OCTH715 | |
| OCTH738 | This course prepares students to evaluate and treat persons with behavioral and mental health disorders. Course content reinforces previous learning in human development, basic psychology, and abnormal psychology. In this course, psycho-social theories and models of practice are introduced as a guide for analysis, documentation, and intervention. Students will review psychosocial-focused observational, criterion-referenced, and standardized assessments used to evaluate client/patient performance. Communication skills will be reinforced with emphasis on interview and information gathering skills in the context of community-based services. Critical thinking will be facilitated through creation of care plans integrating client/patient needs, living situation, availability of external support, and occupational profile. Care plans developed by students will embody the principles of human occupation by emphasizing participation in daily life activities and engagement in meaningful occupation | |
| OCTH751 | This course prepares students to evaluate and treat traumatic and repetitive injuries to the upper limb. Upper limb congenital anomalies, amputations, and secondary complications (such as lymphedema) will also be covered. The structure and function of the upper limb (introduced in previous courses) will be reviewed and reinforced in the context of evaluation and treatment. Biomechanical frameworks will be introduced as a guide for analysis, documentation, and intervention. Students will use clinical reasoning to create intervention plans integrating co-existing complications such as pain and depression. Intervention plans developed by students will embody the principles of human occupation by emphasizing participation and engagement as both strategies for treatment and primary goals of the intervention. Review of the literature focusing on best-practice interventions will be an integral part of this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/ | |
| OCTH751L | (2 contact hours) The laboratory course reinforces knowledge of foundational principles of upper limb structure and function. In the laboratory course, students will analyze the effects of upper limb deficits on movement and function using observational and standardized assessments (sensation, range and strength of movement). Students will apply orthotic, prosthetic, physical agent modality, and physical rehabilitation techniques in the context of outpatient services. Additional course fee(s) apply. Component Co-requisite(s): OCTH751 and OCTH751L Co-requisite(s): 4th semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): OCTH715 | |
| OCTH756 | This course examines issues associated with management of health profession clinics and care services. Topics include: human resources, human management, supervision, physical resources, compliance, external influences, and fiscal management. Students will examine their own leadership style in the context of supervision and team building. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 4th semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): OCTH715 | |
| OCTH760 | This is the first of two courses focusing on community, state, and national level support for persons receiving occupational therapy services. Students will engage in an in-depth examination of community support programs; private insurance; and state/national programs for children (SCHIP, NCLB, IDEA) and adults. Service provision guidelines, restrictions, and appeals are covered in the context of community-based service, outpatient care, and school-based practice. This course reinforces content from previous courses in health care organizations and ethics and supplements content of concurrent courses. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 4th semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): OCTH715 | |
| OCTH766 | This is the second of two courses focusing on community, state, and national level support for persons receiving occupational therapy services. Students will engage in an in-depth examination of community support programs and state/national programs with emphasis on COBRA, Medicaid, and Medicare. Service provision guidelines, restrictions, and appeals are covered in the context of acute care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, long term care, and home care. This course reinforces content from previous courses in health care organizations, ethics, and access to care in other service settings. The course supports content of concurrent courses. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 5th semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): 4th semester MSOT courses | |
| OCTH772 | This course covers equipment and technological devices designed to maximize function and enhance quality of life. In this course, students will utilize assessment and analysis skills from previous and concurrent courses to guide equipment and device selection including seating and mobility devices. Students will investigate appropriate funding sources and justify need based on assessment results. This course prepares students to educate clients/patients, family members, and care providers in the proper use of equipment/devices utilizing communication strategies that are aligned with needs and abilities of all involved. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 5th semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): 4th semester MSOT courses | |
| OCTH778 | This course prepares students to evaluate and treat persons with neurologic disorders. The structure and function of the central nervous system and the pathophysiology of neurological conditions (introduced in previous courses) will be reviewed and reinforced in the context of evaluation and treatment. Neuromotor-based frameworks will be introduced as a guide for analysis, documentation, and intervention. Students will use clinical reasoning to create intervention plans integrating co-existing complications in mental functions such as loss of memory, confusion, and aggression. Intervention plans developed by students will embody the principles of human occupation by emphasizing participation in daily life activities and engagement in meaningful occupations. Students will use critical reasoning to develop transfer/discharge plans which comply with service and reimbursement guidelines and mandates. Review of the literature focusing on best-practice interventions will be an integral part | |
| OCTH778L | (2 contact hours) The laboratory course reinforces knowledge of pathophysiology of neurological conditions. In the laboratory course, students will analyze the effects of central nervous system deficits on posture, movement, and function using observational and standardized assessments. Students will compare, contrast, and/or apply treatment approaches including pharmaceutical, surgical, neuromotor, orthotic, and occupational-based interventions. In addition, students will learn and apply safe and effective transfer techniques utilizing biomechanical and neurodevelopmental frameworks. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Component Co-requisite(s): OCTH778 and OCTH778L Co-requisite(s): 5th semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): 4th semester MSOT courses | |
| OCTH787 | This course focuses on functional changes associated with the typical aging process and changes resulting from disease or injury commonly associated with advancing age. Students will examine the effects of physical, physiological, and cognitive deficits on function and ability to manage daily life activities. Activity and occupation based frameworks and models of practice will be used as a guide for analysis, documentation, and intervention. Students will use clinical reasoning to create holistic intervention plans based on the needs of patients and the availability of support systems (family and caregivers). Students will use critical reasoning to develop transfer/discharge plans which comply with service and reimbursement guidelines and directives. Review of the literature focusing on best-practice interventions will be an integral part of this course. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s |
Research |
6 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| OCTH628 | This course introduces research principles of quantitative and qualitative research. Topics include research designs, sampling, protocols, procedures, boundaries/limitations, analytical procedures and human subject assurances. In this course, students will locate and critically review research literature. Students will also demonstrate the skills necessary for design of scholarly proposals. This course provides the foundation for integration of evidence into practice and prepares students for participation in guided research/scholarship. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 1st semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to the Occupational Therapy degree program | |
| OCTH660 | In this course, students participate in departmental projects that investigate various aspects of practice, service, education and/or issues of the profession. Boyer’s Model is used as a platform to present research/scholarship contributions to the body of knowledge and the profession. Concepts from previous research courses are reinforced and foundational skills are established that can be translated to future research in practice settings. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 2nd semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): 1st semester MSOT courses |
Clinical Fieldwork Experiences |
17 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| OCTH715 | This course provides experiential learning with clients/patients in clinical settings in combination with online content. The evaluation and treatment planning components of the occupational therapy process are the focus of the Level-I fieldwork experience reinforcing concepts presented in previous courses. Students will have opportunities to engage in communication and interaction with clients/patients, family members, and members of the health care team. Guided observation and selected supervised participation in patient assessment is emphasized. Throughout the experience, students will have opportunities to strengthen clinical observation, communication, documentation skills, and treatment planning skills. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. Level I Fieldwork A requires a minimum of 4 weeks of full-time clinical experience under the supervision of a currently licensed (or otherwi | |
| OCTH745 | This course provides a combination of instructor-directed content and experiential learning with clients/patients who have difficulties with behavioral or mental health. This experience supports, reinforces, and enriches previous and concurrent didactic and experiential coursework through focused observation and direct interaction. Students will strengthen their interaction skills by gathering information (creating an occupational profile) through interviews with clients/patients who have difficulty with communication. The course prepares the student for occupational therapy practice through applying principles of therapeutic use of self in challenging situations. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. Level I Fieldwork B Experiential learning in behavioral and mental health requires a minimum of 40 hours of direct experience. This course will be graded Pass/Fail. Applicable Course Fe | |
| OCTH785 | This course provides a combination of instructor-directed content and experiential learning with clients/patients with neurologic conditions. Students will have opportunities to observe alterations in posture, movement, and muscle tone resulting from central nervous system dysfunction. This fieldwork experience supports, reinforces, and enriches concurrent didactic coursework through focused observation and supervised participation. The course prepares the occupational therapy student for clinical practice through participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. Level I Fieldwork C: Neurological Conditions requires a minimum of 40 hours of direct experience. This course will be graded Pass/Fail. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s | |
| OCTH795A | Level IIA is the first of two Level-II practice experiences. During Level IIA Fieldwork students apply previously acquired knowledge and skills to the more challenging Level II practice settings. Level IIA Fieldwork is designed to foster professional identify, promote clinical reasoning, and further develop communication, evaluation, and interventions skills. Level IIA is a collaborative process with reciprocal exchange between fieldwork educator and fieldwork student. Fieldwork students are expected to take initiative, be prepared on a daily basis, and be open to feedback and guidance. This fieldwork course prepares students for future clinical practice through concentrated training with emphasis on analysis of occupational performance, occupation-based intervention, and assessment of patient outcome. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. Level IIA Fieldwork requires a minimum of 12 | |
| OCTH795B | Level IIB is the second of two Level II practice experiences. Level IIB Fieldwork is designed to prepare students to assume greater responsibility; perform well in novel situations; and demonstrate advanced problem solving and clinical reasoning. The goal of Level IIB Fieldwork is to develop competent, entry-level practitioners who will function as generalist occupational therapists. Note: Any unexcused non-attendance or dismissal from an internship, practicum, clinical or fieldwork experience will result in a grade of F. Level IIB Fieldwork requires a minimum of 12 weeks of full-time clinical experience under the supervision of a currently licensed (or otherwise regulated) occupational therapist. This course will be graded Pass/Fail. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): OCTH799 Prerequisite(s): OCTH795A |
Capstone |
4 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| OCTH789 | This course prepares students to investigate, plan, develop, and market new services in emerging areas of practice. Students will use critical thinking to determine the service delivery model, requirements for physical/human resources, and the mechanism for ongoing evaluation of the program. As part of this process, students will investigate sources of funding and write a grant proposal to support the development of the new program. Note: A grade of B or better must be earned to pass this course successfully. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): 5th semester MSOT courses Prerequisite(s): 4th semester MSOT courses | |
| OCTH799 | The transition from student to entry-level practitioner is the focus of this course. During this course student will review their past experiences and reflect upon their professional identity as an occupational therapist. Students will examine the collaborative professional relationships with emphasis on the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant, including supervisory roles and responsibilities. Requirements for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy examination will be reviewed as well as requirements for state licensure. As part of this course, students will create a professional development planning considering potential future roles as practitioner, fieldwork educator, consultant, OT educator, researcher, and entrepreneur. A grade of B or better must be earned to pass this course successfully. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): OCTH795B Prer |