OTA Courses

The OTA program curriculum, designed by our expert faculty, allows for excellent classroom education and unmatched clinical learning experiences to prepare you for a rewarding career after graduation.

There are 24 prerequisite credits, followed by 65 credits in the program, for a total of 89 required credits. The university has credit requirements for a bachelor's degree. WMU Essential Studies is the required curriculum for all undergraduate students. This requirement will add to the total credits required through the OTA program and more information can be found on the WMU essential studies webpage.

  • Prerequisite courses
    • HSV 2250 - Growth Development and Aging (Lifespan Development) (3 credits) 
      A study of physical, mental, emotional, and social patterns of growth, development, and aging. Aspects to be given special emphasis for the health student will be motor and cognitive development, physiology of aging, growth patterns, and functional development in any of the above aspects.
    • OT 2020 - Intro to OT (unique to the OTA program) (3 credits)
      This course is an orientation to the profession of occupational therapy. The course will include the history of the profession, current professional roles, issues and trends in the field.
    • PSY 1000 - General Psychology (3 credits)
      An eclectic approach to a social and behavioral survey of major topics in psychology, including learning, motivation, intelligence, personality, mental illness, and social relations.
    • MDSC 2010 - Med Terminology (1 credit)
      The language of medicine-through an understanding of the Greek and Latin derivations and construction of medical terms, the student learns the vocabulary of the health-related professions.
    • BIOS 2110 - Human Anatomy (4 credits)
      A lecture and laboratory course in which all major structures of the human body are examined. A systemic approach emphasizing both gross-level and microscopic anatomy is used to show how all the body's systems interact to form the functioning whole. As students learn about the organs and organ systems of the body, they will see how their unique forms allow them to carry out their functions.
    • BIOS 2400 - Human Physiology (4 credits)
      This course is designed to provide an understanding of the basic functioning of the organ systems of the human body, as well as their regulation and control. The molecular and cellular mechanisms involved are emphasized. Applications to exercise physiology are made. Clinical applications are introduced where they provide additional insight into basic function and regulatory mechanisms.
    • PSY 2500 - Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
      An introduction to the description, classification and interpretation of human behavior labeled by society as "abnormal" with an emphasis on the social variables and environmental conditions related to the acquisition and persistence of such behavior.
    • HSV 2650 - Information Literacy in Health Sciences (3 credits)
      Students will learn about a wide variety of information resources. They will learn how to determine what types of information resources are needed, how to locate information resources efficiently, and how to evaluate the appropriateness of different resources for specific health scenarios. They will learn the ethical and legal considerations surrounding use of information in the health services. They will also learn disciplinary conventions for appropriately formatting and communicating the results of their work.

       

  • First Year

    Spring (15 credits)

    • OT 3001 - Foundations of Practice for the OTA (4 credits)
      This course will cover the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF), frames of reference, theory, and evidence-based practice and its application within sociocultural and socioeconomic factors and social determinants of health, related to decision-making in practice from an intra-professional OT/OTA collaboration.
    • OT 3002 - Study of Human Movement and Occupation (4 credits)
      This course presents the basic principles of biomechanics and kinesiology of human movement as it relates to assessment and the role of occupation in the promotion of health, and the prevention of disease, illness, and for persons, groups, and populations. Topics include the interrelationship between the central and peripheral nervous system, musculoskeletal system, joints, posture, and balance, and analysis and application of functional movement in the areas of activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, rest and sleep, education, work, play leisure, and social participation.
    • OT 3003 - Conditions and Occupations for the OTA (3 credits)
      Students will demonstrate knowledge of the effects of the disease processes including heritable diseases, genetic conditions, mental illness, disability, trauma, and injury on occupational performance. This will include definition, etiology, signs and symptoms, prognosis, precautions, medical treatment, and impact on occupational performance.
    • OT 3100 - Mental Health Practice for the OTA (4 credits)
      Students will demonstrate and apply knowledge in assessment, program planning, intervention, and discharge planning for clients with mental health diagnoses and psychosocial factors, guided by evidence-based practice and application of theories, models of practice, and frames of reference. Activity analysis, therapeutic use of self and clinical reasoning will facilitate intra-professional team dynamics necessary in providing occupation-based services. Students will demonstrate therapeutic use of self in both individual and group interaction.

    Fall (14 credits)

    • OT 3110 - Documentation for the OTA (2 credits)
      Students will demonstrate knowledge of various reimbursement systems and funding mechanisms, and treatment/diagnosis codes necessary for effective documentation requirements. Focus will be on the use of written documentation, professional terminology, and use of electronic medical records to effectively communicate the need and rationale for OT services.
    • OT 3201 - Pediatric Practice for the OTA (4 credits)
      Students will demonstrate and apply knowledge in assessment, program planning, intervention, and discharge planning of pediatric clients. This will be guided by evidence-based practice and application of theories, models of practice, and frames of reference. Activity analysis, therapeutic use of self, and clinical reasoning will facilitate intra-professional team dynamics necessary to provide occupation-based services.
    • OT 3202 - Adult Practice for the OTA (4 credits)
      Students will demonstrate and apply knowledge in assessment, program planning, intervention, and discharge planning for adult clients, guided by evidence-based practice and application of theories, models of practice, and frames of reference. Activity analysis, therapeutic use of self and clinical reasoning will facilitate intra-professional team dynamics necessary in providing occupation-based services.
    • OT 3203 - Older Adult Practice for the OTA (4 credits)
      Students will demonstrate and apply knowledge in assessment, program planning, intervention, and discharge planning for older adult clients, guided by evidence-based practice and application of theories, models of practice, and frames of reference. Activity analysis, therapeutic use of self and clinical reasoning will facilitate intra-professional team dynamics necessary in providing occupation-based services.
  • Second Year

    Spring (11 Credits)

    • OT 3405 - BP Design and Implementation (3 credits)
      Students will coordinate with faculty to create and implement an in-depth experience to demonstrate application of knowledge gained through reflection of the sequence and scope of WMU BSOT curriculum while focusing on one of the following areas: clinical practice skills, administration, leadership, advocacy, or education. The baccalaureate project design is completed prior to implementation of the baccalaureate project.
    • OT 3501 - OTA FW l A (4 credits)
      Students will participate in occupational therapy services, under the supervision of a faculty member and an OTD student to develop observational strategies, professional behaviors, treatment intervention, and documentation skills as they participate in the occupational therapy process with clients in the community. A group supervision model is used to facilitate peer learning.
    • OT 4120 - Technology for Function for the OTA (4 credits)
      Students will learn how utilization of technology can enhance occupational performance across the lifespan. They will demonstrate competence by explaining the need for and demonstrating strategies in: assistive technology and devices; orthoses and prosthetic devices; thermal, and electrotherapeutic agents, and mechanical devices; and community mobility.

    Fall (13 Credits)

    • OT 3502 - OTA FW I B (4 credits)
      Students will participate in a minimum of 30 course hours of occupational therapy services, under the supervision of a faculty member and an OTD student to develop observational strategies, professional behaviors, treatment intervention, and documentation skills as they participate in the occupational therapy process with clients in the community. A group supervision model is used to facilitate peer learning.
    • OT 3601 - Leadership in OTA (3 credits)
      Students will identify and develop leadership abilities for the OTA through exploration of development, marketing, and management skills related to the business aspect of practice, along with advocacy opportunities needed to promote and support occupational therapy services. This will include the discussion and application of American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and AOTA Standards of Practice.
    • OT 4640 - Professional Reasoning for the OTA (3 credits)
      Students will demonstrate professional reasoning skills by applying the theory, models of practice and frames of reference to complex practice cases. Cases will incorporate the application of scientific evidence to support occupation-based interventions, client factors, performance patterns, performance skills, and interdisciplinary care
    • OT 4801 - BP Presentation (3 credits)
      Students will complete and present a report of their baccalaureate project through a formal evaluation mechanism for objective assessment during and at the completion of the baccalaureate project.
  • Third Year

    Spring (12 Credits)

    • OT 4901 - OTA FW II A/8 weeks (6 credits)
      An 8-week, full-time affiliation at a community fieldwork site providing the student experience in designated areas of the occupational therapy practice.
    • OT 4902 - OTA FW II B/8 weeks (6 credits)
      A 8-week, full-time affiliation at a community fieldwork site providing the student experience in designated areas of the occupational therapy practice.

OTA program accreditation status:

The baccalaureate-degree-level occupational therapy assistant program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.