Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant

Course Code: ANAT 100

This course is required for students in the Funeral Services Education, Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant, Paramedic and Practical Nursing programs in the School of Health Sciences. It is designed for those with limited background in human biology. With a focus on anatomy, structure and function of the human body will be discussed to provide a background, which will enable the student to understand the basic concepts of health and of disease.

Course Code: GNED

The following courses represent the GNED General Education electives that you can choose from as part of your program's curriculum.

Introduction to Liberal Arts and Sciences
GNED 101 An Introduction to Arts and Sciences

Anthropology
ANTH 202 Physical Anthropology
ANTH 205 Cultural Anthropology

Arts
ARTS 138 Understanding Movies: An Introduction to Film Studies
ARTS 229 Musical Pioneers
ARTS 241 Exploring Music and Film
ARTS 246 Art and Artists - Money, Madness and Masterpieces

Cultural Studies
CULT 211 Conspiracy Theories and Critical Thinking
CULT 214 AlterNative Pathways: Aboriginal People in Canada
CULT 217 Encounter with Latin America
CULT 228 Pop Culture: Shaping How We Live
CULT 236 China: The Next Superpower
CULT 239 Digital Culture
CULT 242 Culture, Technology and Identity
CULT 243 Crossing Borders: Migration and Culture
CULT 244 Gender, Race and Ethnicity
CULT 245 The Body: Beauty, Sex and Consumerism
CULT 248 Women and Popular Culture

Economics
ECON 110 Real Life Economics
ECON 204 People, Money and Markets
ECON 206 The History of Money

English
ENGE 110 Literature: An Introduction
ENGL 239 Dark Days Ahead
ENGL 242 Pulp Fiction
ENGL 246 Contemporary Fiction
ENGL 247 Life Stories
ENGL 248 Voices from the Underground

Geography
GEOG 210 The Nature of Ontario
GEOG 212 Political Geography

History
HIST 110 Canada: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
HIST 203 Monsters of the 20th Century
HIST 217 History of War
HIST 218 The Making of the Modern World
HIST 222 The Age of Europe: From the Enlightenment to 1989

Humanities
HUMA 137 Art Matters: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Art
HUMA 226 The Arts and the 21st Century Imagination: Longing for Paradise
HUMA 235 World Religions
HUMA 241 Risky Business: Living in a Dangerous World
HUMA 242 Vampires: In Film and Literature
HUMA 244 Ordinary Heroes: Extraordinary Lives!
HUMA 250 God, Science and Religion

Languages
SPAN 110 Introductory Spanish 1

Philosophy
PHIL 100 Ideas: An Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 110 The Love of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 217 Ethical Issues
PHIL 225 Philosophy of Love and Sex
PHIL 227 Business Ethics
PHIL 228 Success: Philosophical Perspectives
PHIL 229 Violence, Order and Justice: An Introduction to Political Philosophy
PHIL 230 Environmental Ethics

Political Science
POLS 110 Introduction to Politics
POLS 204 Morality, Democracy and Politics
POLS 219 Globalization
POLS 223 War and Terrorism
POLS 224 Justice, Equality and Rights
POLS 225 Environmental Policy and Economics

Psychology
PSYC 110 Psychology - An Introduction
PSYC 205 Applied Psychology and Leadership
PSYC 207 Psychology of Sport
PSYC 210 Psychology - Developmental
PSYC 220 Psychology - Social
PSYC 230 Psychology - Abnormal

Science
SCIE 110 The Science of Everything
SCIE 208 Water: A Life or Death Issue
SCIE 213 Astronomy: The Evolving Universe
SCIE 216 Origins of Life
SCIE 219 Dangerous Earth
SCIE 221 The Environment
SCIE 223 Astrobiology: Life in the Universe
SCIE 224 Discovering Dinosaurs

Sociology
SOCE 100 Canadian Society and Culture
SOCI 110 Sociology: Introduction
SOCI 205 Social Entrepreneurship: Profit, People and the Planet
SOCI 219 Sport and Society
SOCI 232 Gender, Power and Society
SOCI 233 Sociology of Cultural Difference
SOCI 234 Society and Conflict
SOCI 236 Issues in Crime
SOCI 237 Sociology of Fashion
SOCI 238 Sociology of Food
SOCI 239 Citizenship, Immigration, and Democracy
SOCI 240 Sociology of the Family
SOCI 246 Sociology of Emotions
SOCI 247 Leadership
SOCI 249 Imagining the City
SOCI 257 Canada Today
SOCI 277 Sexual Diversity: Contemporary Social Issues

Course Code: GNED 101

The humanities course focuses on fundamental questions individuals ask of themselves as they proceed through life. Why are we the way we are? Do we have free will or are we prisoners of our past experience or our biological inheritance? What motivates societies to change? Why do societal changes so often divide people into opposing camps? Why do so many people find contemporary life at home, at work, and in the community unfulfilling? What constitutes good government? How should injustice be fought? Can nations successfully deal with global problems? What is science and how does it differ from other kinds of inquiry? Can scientists provide solutions to the problems we face? What is art and does it offer answers of its own? What is its relationship to beauty, to knowledge, and to ethics? Is objectivity about art (or anything) possible? These questions are organized into units that begin with issues concerning the nature of the individual and then extend outward to various social, cultural and physical contexts.

The issues explored in this course are too complex to have any one right answer. Rather, individuals must search for answers that make sense of their experiences via various theoretical perspectives. The humanities course supports this endeavour through study of different thinkers presented in the readings and exploration of different points of view explored in class discussions.

Course Code: THER 105

The purpose of this course is to discuss the field of rehabilitation and to understand the diversity of roles within this field. A comparison of the medical model and the rehabilitation model of care will be discussed. The principles that guide rehabilitation practice will be explained and exemplified. As well, this course will familiarize the student with the organization of the provincial and federal health-care responsibilities and the roles and interrelationships of health professionals. There will also be the opportunity to discuss issues and changes confronting the health-care system, health personnel and the public.

Course Code: THER 106

This course provides strategies to help students develop their verbal and non-verbal communication and active listening skills relative to rehabilitation and social situations. Health-care issues related to privacy, communication, and interprofessional collaboration are addressed in relation to team building, conflict resolution, professionalism, and teaching and learning. This course provides students foundational principles to relevant to practical skills labs, fieldwork placements, clinical experiences, and future employability as occupational therapist assistants/physiotherapist assistants (OTAs/PTAs).

Course Code: THER 107

This course introduces students to problem-based learning and applies it to rehabilitation concepts across the life span. Pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric rehabilitation principles are examined concluding with palliative care issues. Health status, wellness, and influencing factors are examined with a concurrent review of health care and the many services provided.

Course Code: WRIT 100

College Writing Skills emphasizes elements of the writing process. Although subject matter and format may change from one program to another, the skills necessary for effective writing remain the same, as do the professional standards that all Humber students are expected to attain. Students will practice the reading and writing skills that will be valuable in their college programs and build a strong base for professional business writing. Those students who plan to further their studies will develop the fundamental skills for writing acceptable academic English. To help students reach these goals, the course covers the following: analytical reading and critical thinking; essay organization and development; and the elements of clear writing, including grammar and punctuation skills. To complete WRIT 100 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the attached criterion sheet.

Course Code: PSYC 210

In this course, students will trace human development from conception to death, studying the many physical and psychological changes that occur over the span of a lifetime. Organized chronologically, the course will address a number of important questions including: How does heredity and environment combine to produce particular developmental outcomes? What behavioural, emotional, cognitive, and personality characteristics are associated with specific age groups? What strategies can be used to deal with atypical development? Students in the Early Childhood Education program cannot take this course.

Course Code: THER 150

This course is required for students in the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist Assistant program in the School of Health Sciences. Structure of the musculoskeletal system will be discussed with application to the human body in motion.

Course Code: THER 151

This course introduces students to common musculoskeletal conditions that are treated in both occupational therapy and physiotherapy. In a presentation-based format, researched findings are presented amongst peers using the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) (WHO ICF) model as the format for delivery.

Course Code: THER 159

The purpose of this practical experience is to introduce students to the rehabilitation environment and to provide students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills by working with clients who have musculoskeletal conditions. Students will have the opportunity to interact with both the professional staff and clients when possible. Students will understand the organization of the specific department and the programs that are offered. It is intended that the students not only observe individual and group programs, but also assist when feasible.

Course Code: THER 160

This course will introduce and familiarize students with the range and use of therapeutic activities to promote occupational performance following impairment in musculoskeletal function. Principles of activity selection, planning and application will be applied to related functional disabilities. The use of assistive devices to enable functional independence will also be addressed. Practical application of this knowledge will be evaluated during laboratory class sessions and fieldwork placements.

Course Code: THER 170

This course includes the theories and the applications of the therapeutic interventions for treating patients/clients who possess impairments resulting from musculoskeletal disorders. Students will develop a basic understanding of the rationale for therapeutic interventions and the ability to safely and effectively apply the skills and modalities. Classroom, practical skills labs, and clinic experiences allow for the transformation and integration of information into various clinical situations to promote functional independence and active living. This course prepares students for their first fieldwork placement.

Course Code: THER 200

This course will expand the students' knowledge of the structure and function of the neurovascular systems that contribute to movement. The focus will be on the structures of the central and the peripheral nervous systems and the other structures, which contribute to normal muscle tone, balance, proprioception and co-ordination.

Course Code: THER 201

This course introduces students to common neurological conditions that are treated in both occupational therapy and physiotherapy. In a presentation based format, researched findings are presented amongst peers using the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) (WHO ICF) model as the format for delivery.

Course Code: THER 203

This course will introduce students to the area of psychiatric disability both as a primary diagnosis, and as a secondary diagnosis in the case of those with a physical disability. Students will become familiar with the characteristics of the psychiatric disability and the general management of the more common disorders. The role of the assistant will be examined, with particular emphasis on the client-centred rehabilitation approach. Students will also have exposure to methods of service provision in mental health practice. The mental health system will be described and related issues will be explored, giving a broad perspective on mental health/illness.

Course Code: THER 205

The purpose of this course is to review the communication problems associated with neurological and sensory impairments that inhibit a person's ability to effectively communicate with others. The focus of the course is to teach the students practical skills that will enhance their communication skills with people who have speech and language problems. Specific strategies for effective communication will be presented for each topic. Students will learn how to use these strategies to assist and facilitate communication despite impairments. Students will learn the importance of effective communication in their roles as occupational therapist assistants/physiotherapist assistants (OTA/PTAs). Time will be also be spent on learning how to identify possible swallowing issues and strategies to assist those with swallowing and/or feeding disorders.

Course Code: THER 209

During this five-week intermediate fieldwork placement, students will have the opportunity to apply learned theory and knowledge while further developing their skills related to neurological rehabilitation and/or mental health. Students will become familiarized with the clinical facility and are expected to comply with site and Humber College policies and procedures. They will have the opportunity to apply and expand upon a variety of intervention strategies in different settings in order to optimize the level of a function of a client with a neurological and/or mental health condition.

Course Code: THER 230

In this course, students will be introduced to the various therapeutic strategies employed in the rehabilitative treatment of neurological impairments and mental health conditions. Students will understand and apply a variety of therapeutic intervention models and activities to promote occupational performance. Through laboratory experience and fieldwork placements, students will be evaluated on their appropriate selection, planning and application of activities that enable occupation.

Course Code: THER 240

This course includes the theories and the applications of therapeutic interventions employed in the rehabilitation of adult patients/clients who have motor and/or sensory impairments resulting from a neurological disorder. Students will understand and learn a variety of intervention strategies to promote functional independence and active living. Classroom and lab/practical learning experiences complement each other to ensure transformation and integration of information into various clinical situations. This course is designed to prepare the students for their neurology field placement and clinical experiences.

Course Code: THER 250

This course is required for students in the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program in the School of Health Sciences. The structure and functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems will be discussed along with a brief overview of the endocrine and lymphatic systems. This material will provide a background that will enable the student to understand the basic concepts of normal physiological function and of disorders related to these systems.

Course Code: THER 251

Students will investigate a selection of health conditions based on broad diagnostic categories, encompassing cardiac, respiratory, endocrine, and lymphatic conditions specific to pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Emphasis will be placed on the impact that these conditions present to the individual within the framework of the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) model.

Course Code: THER 253

In this three-module course, students will be introduced to:

Module 1 - a number of ethical issues in occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Students will be exposed to classic and contemporary ethics literature in rehabilitation medicine. They will be challenged to reflect on their own values and beliefs, and through discussion to explore those held by others.

Module 2 - the recording of relevant client information accurately and effectively. This skill will be taught through instruction and practice and include correct terminology, use of abbreviations, and writing clearly, coherently, and concisely. Although the subjective, objective, assessment and plan (SOAP) note will be taught, the principals involved will be directly applicable to most rehabilitation documentation formats.

Module 3 - a formal objective-structured clinical examination (OSCE) will assess the comprehensive acquisition of knowledge and skills gained through the four semesters of study. Areas of assessment include musculoskeletal, neurological, mental health, cardio-respiratory and complex conditions rehabilitation in a variety of therapeutic environments.

Course Code: THER 259

During this final fieldwork placement, students continue to acquire and refine their abilities and professional behaviours as an Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) and/or Physiotherapist Assistant (PTA). The collaborative and active learning experiences will increase the student?s understanding of and promotion their role(s) as a (n) OTA and/or PTA while enhancing their recognition of and respect for the roles and functions of other team members. They will apply their accumulated knowledge and skills in a comprehensive manner in a variety of complex rehabilitation environments.

Course Code: THER 260

This course will introduce students to the theoretical and practical application of knowledge and skills to enable clients with circulatory, respiratory and endocrine disorders. Students will develop an understanding of physiological aspects of the disease processes and its impact on functional performance. During laboratory and practical fieldwork experiences, students will apply therapeutic activities to improve occupational performance and prevent further disability.

Course Code: THER 270

The purpose of this course is to teach the theory and practical skills to treat clients with cardiorespiratory and complex systemic conditions. Students will develop a basic understanding of the rationale for each intervention and the ability to apply therapeutic skills safely and effectively during lab, clinical, and fieldwork experiences. The various intervention strategies will help patients/clients achieve optimal functional independence and maintain and promote wellness-related and active lifestyle.

Course Code: WRIT 210

This course is designed to reinforce and expand on the skills students learned in WRIT 100. In WRIT 210, students will learn to design and write a variety of documents relevant to their field of study, including research reports, business correspondence, and job-search documents. Students will also work to develop advanced editing and stylistic skills.