Therapeutic Use of Occupations II Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

OTHA-2402-001 Therapeutic Use of Occupations II

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: OTHA 1241

Course Description

Emphasis on advanced techniques and applications used in traditional and non-traditional practice settings.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Adult Physical Conditions: Intervention Strategies for Occupational Therapy Assistants, 2nd Edition, Mahle & Ward

The OTA's Guide to Documentation: Writing Soap Notes, 5th Edition, Morreale

Developing Clinical Competence for the OTA, 2nd Ed. (Morreale)

Occupational Therapy Practice: FRAMEWORK: Domain & Process, 4th edition, AOTA

Pediatric Skills for Occupational Therapy Assistants, 5th Ed., Solomon & O'Brien (for Sensory and Handwriting Modules)

Supplemental Reading:

Quick Reference Dictionary to Occupational Therapy, 4th edition, Reed

Various AOTA resources and AJOT articles

Supplies

Google access

Computer and print capability

Supplies for student preferred method for note taking

Supplies to prepare presentations, assignments, as determined by student

Student Performance

Learners will use instructional materials including textbooks, personal notes, handouts, the AOTA website & student membership, SimUCase, materials available in Blackboard as well as other resources for this course. Learners will be assessed/graded by the course instructor using quizzes, written exams, oral presentations, visual presentations and teaching opportunities with other learners.

COURSE OBJECTIVE: At the end of this course, learners will have an introductory knowledge of the following concepts.

Consistency with and connection to the OTA curriculum

The curriculum design of the OTA program incorporates both developmental and adult education models of learning. In planning and implementing the curriculum, courses progress from easier to harder, general to specific, limited time observing to full time practicing. The program focuses on adult education concepts of self-directed learning, an increasing responsibility for one’s own learning, as well as establishing one’s own learning goals and objectives. The curriculum design incorporates the philosophy of the profession in that human are active beings and so students enrolled in OTA courses are actively learning not passively listening to lecture or viewing power point presentations. OTA students create the power point presentations from which they learn.

Therapeutic Use of Occupation I is a first semester course. This course builds knowledge of the student in the form of language which will be used across all courses and increases in complexity between Therapeutic Use of Occupation I and the next semester course Therapeutic Use of Occupation II.  Students begin learning abbreviations in the first course and those abbreviations are utilized again in the next semester in written notes based on the first clinical course observations. Basic healthcare concepts are taught in course I such as hand washing, protective equipment use, and workplace safety. The second course in the second semester builds on knowledge from the first course by requiring treatment plans which include safety and precautions.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Building a Respectful and Honest Learning Community

We're all here to learn and grow together as future healthcare professionals. Creating a positive, trustworthy environment supports professionalism and learning for everyone in our program. Here's how we can make that happen:

What Does Civility Look Like in Our Classroom?

Show Respect in Everything You Do. Your words, tone, and body language all matter. Whether you're interacting with instructors or classmates, let respect guide how you communicate. We're all learning together!

Speak Up for Your Learning Have a question? Ask your instructor directly rather than whispering to classmates. It is likely that others have the same question and will benefit from hearing the answer. This helps everyone learn more effectively.

Make Your Class Time Count. You're investing in your future, so get the most out of every moment with the following guidelines:

• Arrive on time and ready to learn. Please stay engaged until class is officially dismissed.

• Complete your pre-learning assignments, as outlined in your Blackboard announcement. Please bring all of your materials and completed assignments to class.

• Participate thoughtfully in discussions. Your thoughts and opinions are important.

• Practice pausing before answering, if needed, to give quieter classmates a chance to contribute also.

• Listen actively to avoid repeating questions that have already been asked, but feel free to ask for clarification if the first answer did not have enough information to help you understand the concept thoroughly.

Stay engaged and alert. Life can be exhausting for all of us! If you're struggling to stay awake, try taking power nap during breaks or standing quietly at the back of the room during class. If you have found another way to improve your alertness and attention, and it doesn't interfere with your classmates learning environment, just discuss it with your instructor. Let me know if you are having a challenging day. I want to support you in increasing your engagement to facilitate your success with the learning material.

Address Concerns Directly and Courageously When issues arise, handle them professionally:

• Classmate conflict? Be respectful. Talk to them first, not others, and be open to their point of view by practicing thoughtful listening.

• Instructor concern? Speak with your instructor directly. I invite and welcome constructive feedback and collaborative problem solving.

• Still unresolved? Then bring your concern to the program director in a constructive manner.

If needed, concerns can move up through the Dean of Health Sciences, resolution committees, and college administration. This process ensures fair resolution for everyone.

We're Open to Your Input Have ideas for improving our classroom community? We're open to creating additional civility agreements together as a class.

Academic Integrity: Your Professional Foundation

As future healthcare professionals, integrity isn't just about grades - it's about the trust patients will place in you. Any form of academic dishonesty can result in serious consequences, from removal from class to dismissal from the program.

What Counts as Academic Dishonesty?

Cheating - This includes:

• Copying from another student's test or work

• Using unauthorized materials during exams or assignments

• Getting help when you're supposed to work independently

• Buying, selling, or sharing test content

• Having someone else take a test for you

• Letting others copy your work

Bribery - Offering or accepting money, goods, or services in exchange for grades or academic advantages

Misrepresentation - Lying to instructors about your work or when confronted about academic concerns

Conspiracy - Working with others to commit any form of academic dishonesty

Fabrication - Making up information, creating false data, or listing sources you didn't actually use

Collusion - Working together on assignments meant to be completed individually (Ask for clarification if you are not sure whether an assignment is paired, group, or individual.)

Duplicate Submission - Turning in the same work for multiple classes without instructor permission

Academic Misconduct - This includes:

• Obtaining tests before they're given

• Changing grades anywhere

• Continuing to work after time is called

• Using previous students' work, answers, or materials

• Getting unauthorized help on online assignments

Disruptive Behavior - Actions that interfere with learning, including:

• Disrespecting others

• Using devices inappropriately during class

• Refusing to follow instructor directions

• Any threatening or intimidating behavior

Plagiarism - Using someone else's words, ideas, or work without proper credit, including:

• Using a classmate's language in your own work

• Getting assignment help from former students

• Having someone else write any part of your work

Why This Matters: These standards prepare you for the ethical responsibilities you'll have as a healthcare professional. When patients trust you with their care, they're counting on your integrity and honesty.

Need Help Understanding What's Okay? When in doubt, ask! We're here to help you succeed with integrity. Check out this helpful resource on avoiding plagiarism: https://spcollege.libguides.com/c.php?g=254383&p=1695453

Grading Criteria

The course will consist of 3-4 content examinations, lab practicals, in-class assignments, out-of-class assignments, presentations and a comprehensive final examination.  One final examination will be given and will cover any/all material presented throughout the course.

The final course grade will be computed as follows:

Professional Development                                                                     10%

Portfolio                                                                                                   20%

Lab Assignments and Practicals                                                             20% 

Content Examinations                                                                             25%

Final Examination                                                                                    25%     

                                                                                                                100%

The following grade scale applies throughout this course:

                    A = 92.5 – 100

                    B = 83.5 - 92.4

                    C = 74.5 – 83.4

                    F = 74.4 and below

Note:  A grade of “D” is not possible in this course.  A student receiving a final grade of less than a “C” will be required to repeat this course and may not continue the next curriculum courses.  This course may only be repeated once and must be done in curriculum sequence.

 The following information details the policies of expectations and missed exams/ assignments:

A.   Content Exams –Each exam will cover the information presented since the previous exam (or the start of the semester for the first exam) and will be announced in advance.  If an exam is missed, for any reason, that exam will be made up during the week of final examinations.  Detailed information for the make-up time and place will be given out the week before finals.  The format for the make-up exam will be at the discretion of the instructor and may differ from original exam format.  It is the responsibility of the student to obtain test information –no review will be given.  The maximum achievable score will be 95.  Bonuses will be answered but will not be factored into the exam grade.  

B.   Quizzes- Quizzes will test knowledge of any/all previous lectures/readings.  They may or may not be announced and may be given at anytime during the course of the class.  A quiz cannot be made up for any reason. 

C.   Portfolio Assignments – All in-class, out-of-class, or presentations must be completed on time.  They will not be accepted late for any reason.  Any written portion of an assignment may be handwritten as long as it is legible.

D.   Lab Activities – All effort will be made to keep assignments to a level that can be completed during lab times.  Assignments given for each lab will be turned in at the end of lab, unless the instructor gives approval to complete it outside of lab.  In the event of lab homework, it will be due at the beginning of the next lab.  There will be no make-up of lab assignments.

E.  Final Examination – One final exam will be given and will cover any/all material presented throughout the course.  The date and time of the final will follow the schedule set forth by the occupational therapy assistant instructor.

Attendance

Attendance Policy:  Amarillo College endorses attendance as a key to success.  Attendance is required for successful completion of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. 

OTA Program Attendance Policy effective August 21, 2023

Professional Development = 10%

This portion of the grade is based on prompt and full attendance of class time. The learner begins the semester with 100 points in this category worth 10% of the course grade.

For each time the student is ABSENT, 4 points will be deducted from the current points available. Learners will be alerted through Watermark, AC's student portal, on their phone that attendance is open. This will be approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of each class meeting. Learners must be in proximity of the assigned classroom to achieve notification and to obtain the code for signing/logging in. It is the learner’s responsibility to know the time and location of each class.

The portal will CLOSE AT THE PUBLISHED START OF CLASS TIME. For most courses, this will be 9:00 am, 12:30 or 1:00 pm. You must be in class, seated AND BE FINISHED LOGGING YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE START OF CLASS.

Students are expected to be present across the full class time. Breaks will be announced with a return time or time limit (examples: be back at 10:10 or your break is for 12 minutes.) For each occurrence of the student leaving class, 2 points will be deducted. This will include leaving the classroom for any reason such as a personal break, bathroom break, going to the car to get things the learner forgot to bring to class, arriving late, leaving early, etc.

EXAMPLE: If a learner is late that is 2 points deducted plus leaves the room for a bathroom visit not during a break that is another 2 points deducted plus leaves to take a phone call that is another 2 points deducted for a total of SIX (6) points taken off the available points for that course for that day. The next time the class meets, that learner would start with 94 points.

Calendar

Additional Information

THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS THE COURSE INSTRUCTOR DEEMS NECESSARY TO FULFILL THE COURSE OBJECTIVES.