Course Descriptions
The OTepp Certificate program is taught using adult learning methods that rely upon the student being involved in the learning as a partner with the teacher. The two key methods are self-directed learning and problem-based learning. You will not be learning a lot of facts and then answering exam questions to show that you remember those facts. Instead, you will be reading articles and resource materials that are identified for you by the course teacher and posted as a resource list. You will be expected to be prepared when you come to class so that you can be a part of the discussions that will take place in the class.
Course 1 (OTEPP 1A02): Managing Practice, Responsibility and Professional Development
Course
1 provides students with a picture of occupational therapy practice in
Canada including the settings and practice areas in which therapists
currently work. Further, it allows students to explore professional and
regulatory issues related to the structure and function of health care
systems and organizations as well as evolving practice settings and
roles of occupational therapists. Students will gain knowledge about
inter-professional practice, issues of cultural sensitivity and ethical
decision-making as an understanding of these concepts are important for
practice in Canada.
Evaluation: Students will be asked to generate a personalized learning plan. Approximately 10-12 weeks later, students will follow up with a review of their learning plans, including modifications, evidence of objective achievement and a reflection of future learning issues.
Course 2 (OTEPP 1B02): Communication, Collaboration and Practice Knowledge
This
course provides students with the opportunity to study and discuss
theories, models and concepts central to occupational therapy practice
in Canada. Specifically, participants will explore communication with
clients in terms of client-centred practice as well as communication
with self through reflective practice. There will be particular emphasis
on certain models of practice including the COPM, OPPM, CPPF, and PEO
which illustrate the values and philosophy of the profession. Students
will come to understand how these concepts and models are integrated
into clinical reasoning and documentation.
Evaluation: Students will submit a personal reflection/introspection on their previous OT experience and how they expect to integrate their new learning into their practice in the Canadian context.
Course 3 (OTEPP 1C02): Understanding Evidence and Using It in Practice
This
course allows students to build knowledge and skills in evidence-based
occupational therapy practice. The course will begin by examining what
is meant by “evidence” and its relevance to practice in terms of
assessment and treatment. Students will discuss how to find evidence and
how to evaluate the evidence. The process of clinical decision-making
regarding when and how evidence influences practice will be explored.
Students will discuss and apply their learning through a variety of
exercises.
Evaluation:
At the conclusion of the course, students will present a clinical
dilemma to the class, 20 minutes in length, sharing research findings
and rationale using the principles and skills learned in the course.
Course 4 (OTEPP 1D02): Clinical Reasoning and Critical Thinking in a Practice Process
Course
4 provides students with opportunities to integrate new and existing
knowledge of person, environment and occupation through the exploration
of four broad problem scenarios in a small group setting. The problem scenarios have been developed from clinical
situations and experiences. The clients in these scenarios represent
various life stages, cultural backgrounds and lifestyles and are
experiencing a variety of impairments and disabilities. Areas of foci in
the course include the theoretical underpinnings of practice,
spirituality and development, determinants of occupation, occupational
therapy practice settings and evidence-based practice.
Evaluation: Clinical Reasoning Exam (1.5 hours)
Course 5 (OTEPP 1E02): Supervised Practicum - 8 weeks / 300 hours
The supervised practicum provides students with an opportunity to integrate the foundational concepts and competencies discussed in their coursework in an eight-week full time hands-on clinical practicum (300 hours). Students have an opportunity to reflect on and build further knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours as they prepare to enter practice. A central focus will be development of practice skills in the Canadian context and integration of knowledge of human occupation and health.
Evaluation: Students will be evaluated by their preceptors at the four week and eight week mark. Evaluations are based on the Essential Competencies.
Optional, self-directed:
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or other means, intended or not, and can result in serious consequences. This learning package is intended to assist you in taking personal responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty and plagiarism. It will also touch on copyright policy and how to properly cite articles and other reference material.