vcc.ca
OPTA 1243: MSK Principles and Practice - OTA
Effective date
September 2025
Department
Occup/Physical Therapist Asst
School
Health Sciences
Description
The course focuses on the practical skills required to successfully assist the Occupational Therapist and their clients with musculoskeletal conditions. The course emphasizes occupational therapy treatments and interventions for clients with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions and the promotion of independent activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
Credits
3.5
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
OPTA 1133.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the general concepts and principles of occupational therapy in Canada.
- Compare and contrast the remedial and compensatory approaches to occupational therapy treatment.
- Finish and apply splints for simulated clients with musculoskeletal conditions.
- Explain the principles of activity analysis and grading as applied in occupational therapy intervention.
- Perform common occupational therapy treatment interventions for clients with fine motor impairment.
- Modify wheelchairs to facilitate effective seating for clients with musculoskeletal conditions.
- Use strategies and devices to optimize independence with ADLs and IADls in clients with musculoskeletal conditions.
- Implement common musculoskeletal outcome measures.
- Respond to changes in client status during simulated musculoskeletal treatment sessions.
- Complete accurate health record documentation based on simulated clients' occupational therapy sessions.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 45
Total Hours: 75
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 45
Total Hours: 75
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies may include: Lecture, lab, seminar, on-line learning, assignments, problem-based learning, videos, small group discussions, student-led review sessions, field trips and guest speakers. Lab activities optimize student learning of the practical skills required to work as an OTA.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
B- (68%) in both written and practical components of course
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
5-15 |
Assignments |
|
Lab Work |
5-10 |
Lab work |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
35-45 |
Quizzes/Tests |
|
Clinical Examination |
35-45 |
Clinical examinations |
|
Participation |
5 |
As per rubric |
Course topics
- OT Principles and Concepts in Canada
- Intervention approaches to OTA
- Finish and apply splints for musculoskeletal conditions
- Activity analysis and grading
- Joint protection and energy conservation
- Assistive devices
- Fine motor treatment
- Wheelchair positioning and adaptation
- ADL strategies for musculoskeletal conditions
- IADL strategies for musculoskeletal conditions
- Documentation - Transfer of function
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.