Course Descriptions for MSOT 2 Year

Fall Semester

SAR-OT502 Integrative Seminar 3 and LIFW (4cr)

This is the third course in the four-course seminar sequence. Using problem based case scenarios and fieldwork experiences this integrative seminar focuses on reasoning about evaluation and intervention for persons of all ages with a variety of disabling conditions. This integrative seminar is linked to the Process of Assessment and Change courses (OT563 and OT564).

SAR-OT538 Assistive Technology (2cr)

This course provides a lecture and laboratory based introduction on the use of assistive technologies and related issues such as funding and legislation. The course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of various types of technologies, user populations and environments. It is also designed to provide informational resources for students to access later in clinical experiences.

SAR-OT563 Context and Occupational Performance (4cr)

This course is designed to be taken concurrently with two other complementary courses: OT564 and OT502 Integrative Seminar 3. This component of the PAC series focuses on knowledge and resources needed for effective clinical reasoning about occupation-based evaluation and intervention. Topics covered include diagnostic conditions and disorders, models and theories of practice, research evidence, practice contexts/environments, healthcare/ education regulations and policies, and interdisciplinary practitioner roles. Content is applied to individuals living with long-term conditions who are most likely to benefit from compensatory and adaptive interventions to enable performance of meaningful occupations, eg, ADL/IADLs, work, education, play, leisure, and social participation.

SAR-OT564 Skills for Occupation Based Practice 1 (4cr)

This course focuses on knowledge and skills needed to select and implement specific occupational therapy assessments and interventions. It provides opportunity for hands on practice to choose, administer and interpret assessments along with opportunity to choose, practice and determine need for change or termination of interventions. Documentation skills across practice settings will also be reinforced. This course focuses on individuals living with long -term conditions most likely to benefit from compensatory/adaptive interventions focused on contexts/environments, performance patterns, and activity demands.

SAR-OT621 Evidence-Based OT Practice 3 (EBP3) (2cr)

This is the third course in a sequence that develops skills and knowledge for evidence-based occupational therapy practice. Applying knowledge gained in prior EBP courses, the course focuses on designing and conducting program evaluations and systematic examination of outcomes from one’s individual practice. The course emphasizes practical approaches to defining and collecting relevant data on clients, occupation-based interventions and/or programs and occupation-based outcomes. Such data are necessary to document the benefits of our services in terms that are meaningful to clients, families and payers.

SAR-OT904 Thesis Proposal (optional) (2cr)

Thesis is optional for MSOT students. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, the student develops a written research proposal for a project related to the faculty advisor’s ongoing research program.

Spring Semester

SAR-HP650 Health Care Management (4cr)

This course introduces the fundamentals of management in the health and rehabilitation environment. The course develops and enhances the student’s understanding of the health care system, the social forces affecting health care and the ability to function effectively. Emphasis is on leadership, teamwork, accounting, process analysis, project management, marketing, feasibility plan development, and entrepreneurship.

SAR-OT530 Occupation-Based Practice with Groups (4cr)

This is the culminating course in a four-semester course sequence. It is designed to enhance clinical reasoning by integrating knowledge and skills from current and previous courses with a weekly fieldwork experience. Students use principles of program development, needs assessment, group intervention planning and implementation, along with theory and research evidence, to design and co-lead occupation-centered groups in a variety of practice settings and contexts with child, adult and elder populations.

SAR-OT565 Skills for Occupation Based Practice 2 (4cr)

This course develops knowledge and skills needed to select and implement specific occupational therapy assessments and interventions. The course focuses on individuals living with conditions most likely to benefit from remedial interventions focusing on performance skills and client factors. Students gain skills choosing, administering and interpreting assessments along with experience choosing, practicing and determining need for change or termination of interventions. Documentation skills across practice settings are reinforced and adapting contexts/environments and activity demands continue to be stressed during case study application, as appropriate.

SAR-OT566 Client Factors and Occupational Performance (2cr)

This companion course to OT565 PAC 4:Skills focuses on knowledge and resources needed for effective clinical reasoning about occupation-based evaluation and intervention. Topics include models and theories of practice and related research evidence. Selected conditions which help develop clinical reasoning and demonstrate application of theory are presented. In addition, healthcare/education policy, practice environments and interdisciplinary practice are explored in the context of their influence on treatment approaches. Application focuses on individuals across the life course living with conditions most likely to benefit from both remedial and compensatory interventions.

SAR-HP905 Thesis Directed Research optional (4cr)

Thesis is optional for MSOT students. Students complete a research project and prepare a written report journal article format.

SAR-OT590 Level II Field Experience Seminar (0cr)

This seminar covers supervision issues, fieldwork experience responsibilities, and information on certification, licensure, and the job search in preparation for Level II Fieldwork.

  • For questions about the MSOT program or to arrange a visit, please email or call the Boston University OT Office at OT@bu.edu or (617) 353-2729.