vcc.ca
OPTA 1352: Group Principles and Practice - OTA
Effective date
September 2025
Department
Occup/Physical Therapist Asst
School
Health Sciences
Description
Building on previously learned knowledge and skills, this course focuses on the practical skills required to successfully assist the Occupational Therapist and their clients. This course emphasizes leading occupational therapy interventions in a group setting to promote functional independence for a wide variety of clients.
Credits
1.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
OPTA 1243, OPTA 1246.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop and lead an occupational therapy treatment sessions, individually and with a co-leader, for a group of simulated client's with varying ages and conditions.
- Use effective communication and provide education to simulated client's during a therapeutic group session.
- Respond to simulated client's performance within the therapeutic group session.
- Employ strategies to enhance client motivation for participation in the therapeutic group session.
- Respond to common challenging behaviours in groups in a professional and therapeutic manner.
- Complete accurate health record documentation based on a occupational therapy group treatment session.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 5
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 20
Total Hours: 25
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 20
Total Hours: 25
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies may include: Lecture, 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 a 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 |
10-20 |
Lab work |
|
Clinical Examination |
65-80 |
Clinical examinations |
|
Participation |
5 |
As per rubric |
Course topics
- Group planning and implementation
- Considerations for leading groups for different populations
- Responding to challenging behaviours
- Communication in a group setting
- Documentation for therapeutic groups
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.