Revised 8/2023

OCT 295 - Trends in Professional Issues in Occupational Therapy Practice (1 CR.)

Course Description

Provides an opportunity to explore topical areas needed by students. Topics of discussion will be professional issues and trends, including: NBCOT board examinations, obtaining licensure, maintaining professional organization membership, becoming a fieldwork educator and other topics related to lifelong learning opportunities. Course is 1 credit.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to prepare students toward transitioning into new roles as occupational therapy assistant professionals and life-long leaners. This course will prepare students on topics such as: national credentialing and varying state professional requirements, participating in advocacy efforts and professional organizations, participating in fieldwork education, understanding the impact of various contextual trends on the profession, and self-identifying competencies as preparatory for transition into a career as an occupational therapy assistant.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: Completion of OTA program semesters 1-4 coursework.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify and explain contextual factors, current policies, and the socioeconomic, political, geographic, and/or demographic factors that influence current practice trends for persons, groups, populations and social systems as related to the promotion of policy development and occupational therapy practice. (aligns with 2018 ACOTE standard B.5.1)
  • Demonstrate knowledge of applicable national requirements for credentialing and requirements for licensure, certification, or registration under federal and state laws. (aligns with 2018 ACOTE standard B.5.5)
  • Articulate the importance of and the benefits of life-long learning and develop practical strategies to ensure participation in professional development activities within occupational therapy that is consistent with current and accepted standards. (aligns with 2018 ACOTE standard B.7.4)
  • Describe the criteria needed to be a fieldwork educator and describe the importance of the ongoing professional responsibility to provide fieldwork education.
  • Articulate the importance of advocacy and active participation in international associations, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and state OT associations. Articulate the importance of supporting AOTPAC as well as American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF). (aligns with 2018 ACOTE standard B.5.2 and B.7.2)
  • Identify personal and professional abilities and competencies through self-reflection and critical analysis as related to job responsibilities as an OTA.
  • Explain and provide examples of how the role of an OTA is enhanced by knowledge of and involvement in AOTA, OT state associations, international associations, and local OT associations. (aligns with 2018 ACOTE standard B.7.2)

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Preparation for national requirements for credentialing and state requirements for licensure, certification or registration under state laws.
  • Reflection on self-abilities and competencies as related to one’s career as an OTA.