vcc.ca
OPTA 2463: Neuro/Mental Health Principles and Practice - OTA
Effective date
September 2025
Department
Occup/Physical Therapist Asst
School
Health Sciences
Description
Building on previous learned knowledge and skills, this course focuses on the practical skills required to successfully assist the Occupational Therapist and their clients with varied neurological conditions. The course emphasizes occupational therapy treatments and interventions for clients with neurological and/or mental health conditions and the promotion of independent activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
Credits
4.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
OPTA 1243, OPTA 1246, OPTA 1352.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Fabricate an adaptive device considering safety and design.
- Perform rehabilitation techniques for clients with neurological conditions.
- Use common communication strategies or basic devices for the neurological client.
- Use strategies to optimize independence with ADLs and IADLS in clients with neurological conditions.
- Explain the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation and their implications for occupational therapy intervention for clients with mental health conditions.
- Use strategies to optimize independence with ADLs and IADLs in clients with mental health conditions.
- Support simulated clients to use stress management and relaxation techniques.
- Implement common neurological and mental health outcome measures.
- Complete accurate health record documentation based on a simulated client’s occupational therapy treatment sessions.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 60
Total Hours: 90
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 60
Total Hours: 90
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies may include: Lecture, seminar, on-line learning, assignments, problem-based
learning, videos, small group discussions, and student-led review sessions. Lab activities optimize student learning of the practical skills required to work as an OTA.
learning, videos, small group discussions, and student-led review sessions. 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 |
5-15 |
Lab work |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
35-45 |
Quizzes/tests |
|
Clinical Examination |
35-45 |
Clinical examinations |
|
Participation |
5 |
As per rubric |
Course topics
- Modifying and fabricating adaptive devices
- Upper extremity rehabilitation
- Splints for the neurological client
- Seating and positioning for the neurological client
- Communication strategies/boards
- Cognitive and perceptual rehabilitation
- ADL and IADL strategies for neurological conditions
- Occupational therapy intervention for clients with progressive neurological disorders
- Occupational therapy intervention for clients with spinal cord injury
- Psychosocial rehabilitation
- ADL and IADL strategies for clients with mental health conditions
- Trauma and violence informed care
- Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
- Documentation - Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
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.