OTA 1403 Fundamentals of Healthcare
Fundamentals of Healthcare provides a foundational understanding of human structure, function, and common medical conditions relevant to healthcare practice, particularly for Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs). The first half of the course delves into human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, beginning with medical terminology and an overview of body systems. Students will explore the skeletal system, with a focus on the anatomy and biomechanics of the trunk and upper/lower extremities. This knowledge is then applied to kinesiology principles, emphasizing safe and effective body mechanics crucial for both personal well-being and patient care. The second half transitions to general medical conditions encountered in occupational therapy settings. Students will be introduced to the role of OT in addressing various diagnoses, explore pain assessment and management strategies, and learn the fundamentals of activity analysis. Students will also cover writing basic SOAP notes to improve clinical documentation. This course not only investigates the complexities of the human body through delivery of anatomy and physiology content, but also provides OTA students with a critical foundation for understanding client needs and designing effective interventions based on this foundational natural science information. Students are given the opportunity to participate in lecture, laboratory, and practical exercises.