Our students engage in learning activities designed to meet varying learning styles. We combine classroom lecture with hands-on laboratory experiences, clinical observations, and field training to optimize student learning. Our position in the School of Public Health and Health Professions offers a unique perspective on the role of occupation in promoting health for individuals and communities. Our position in the Academic Health Center allows interprofessional learning experiences with students from other programs, promoting interaction with all members of the healthcare team. The diverse Buffalo, NY region allows opportunities to develop OT interventions for individuals from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Our students benefit from an environment with an emphasis on research and evidence-based intervention, access to a world-class library system, and experienced faculty with a broad array of specialty areas with the field of occupational therapy.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Rehabilitation Sciences
501 Kimball TowerSouth Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3079
Chair
Program Director
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Associate Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Rehabilitation Sciences
501 Kimball TowerSouth Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3079
Chair
Program Director
Director of Clinical Education
Associate Director of Clinical Education
Program Coordinator
Rehabilitation Sciences
501 Kimball TowerSouth Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3079
Chair
The Learning Environment
About Our Facilities
Occupational therapy space includes large and small lecture rooms, a small lab space, and a large, multi-purpose lab space. Our large multifunctional lab allows students to experience OT evaluation and intervention techniques including plinths and mat tables for whole –body interventions, swings, scooter boards and other equipment for sensory interventions, moveable tables for table top interventions, and multiple stations for orthotic fabrication. Plans are currently underway for updated space and we anticipate our lab to change over the next few years.
About Our Faculty
We currently have 9.5 full-time core faculty dedicated to occupational therapy and approximately 9 adjunct faculty. Our dedicated core faculty have, on average, 18 years experience in teaching at the college level and bring a broad range of specializations to our program including assistive technology, adult physical disabilities, geriatric intervention, mental health intervention, and pediatric intervention. Research interests for our faculty include studying usability of a variety of assistive devices; effectiveness of falls prevention programs; telerehab constraint-induced movement therapy; modifying dental office environments for individuals with developmental disabilities; the role of occupational therapy in the development of literacy; assisting refugees to develop activities, occupations, and daily routines; effectiveness of classroom-based sensory and cognitive interventions for children with behavior problems; and development of a functional evaluation of upper extremity skills in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Faculty List Directory
Each faculty member is committed to teaching, research, and community service as part of his/her responsibilities to fulfill the mission of the department, school, and university.
Please visit the Rehabilitation Science department website for additional information about our faculty.
OT Courses
- OT 198SEM UB Seminar Seminar
The one credit UB Seminar is focused on a big idea or challenging issue to engage students with questions of significance in a field of study and, ultimately, to connect their studies with issues of consequence in the wider world. Essential to the UB Curriculum, the Seminar helps transition to UB through an early connection to UB faculty and the undergraduate experience at a comprehensive, research university. This course is equivalent to any 198 offered in any subject. This course is a controlled enrollment (impacted) course. Students who have previously attempted the course and received a grade of F or R may not be able to repeat the course during the fall or spring semester.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Other Requisites: Students who have already successfully completed the UB seminar course may not repeat this course. If you have any questions regarding enrollment for this course, please contact your academic advisor.
- OT 199SEM UB Seminar Seminar
The three credit UB Seminar is focused on a big idea or challenging issue to engage students with questions of significance in a field of study and, ultimately, to connect their studies with issues of consequence in the wider world. Essential to the UB Curriculum, the Seminar helps students with common learning outcomes focused on fundamental expectations for critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and oral communication, and learning at a university, all within topic focused subject matter. The Seminars provide students with an early connection to UB faculty and the undergraduate experience at a comprehensive, research university. This course is equivalent to any 199 offered in any subject. This course is a controlled enrollment (impacted) course. Students who have previously attempted the course and received a grade of F or R may not be able to repeat the course during the fall or spring semester.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Other Requisites: Students who have already successfully completed the first year seminar course may not repeat this course. If you have any questions regarding enrollment for this course, please contact your academic advisor.
- OT 201LEC Introduction to OT Lecture
Provides an overview of philosophy, theory, and occupational therapy practice.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
- OT 217TUT Medical Terminology Tutorial
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- OT 333LAB Occup Across Lifespan
- OT 333LEC Occup Across Lifespan
- OT 341DIS Analyzing and Writing Scientific Literature Discussion
This course introduces OT students to the principles of research and critical analysis of scientific literature and the process of writing a literature review. Completion of this class will enable students to access, interpret, analyze and apply research articles and information pertinent to clinical practice and rehabilitation. Students will learn to use a written format to communicate their analyses of research articles and to begin to develop research questions.
- OT 342LEC Neuroscience I Lecture
Covers fundamental neurophysiology and clinical neuroanatomy of sensory systems. This course is the same as ES 342 and PT 342, and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: ES 207 or ANA 113 or equivalent.
- OT 344LEC Neuroanatomy I
- OT 352LEC Assistive Technology
- OT 355LEC Medical Conditions I Lecture
The course covers topics in the medical sciences relevant to rehabilitation professionals. The intent of this course is to provide students with knowledge of medical disorders commonly encountered by occupational therapists and to provide an understanding of the management of these disorders. Emphasis is placed on the pathology, etiology, symptomatology, prognosis, and contraindications of cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, endocrine, immunologic and other selected medical conditions across the lifespan. The ways in which these diseases and disabilities can affect the development, functioning, and occupation of individuals within their various contexts will be reviewed and examined. Implications for occupational therapy interventions and precautions for practice will be addressed.
Credits: 2
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: OT 201 and ANA 407 and OT 217.
- OT 356LEC Medical Conditions II Lecture
The course covers topics in the medical sciences relevant to rehabilitation professionals. The intent of this course is to provide students with knowledge of medical disorders commonly encountered by occupational therapists and to provide an understanding of the management of these disorders. Emphasis is placed on the pathology, etiology, symptomatology, prognosis, and contraindications of musculoskeletal, sensory (vision and hearing), developmental, sensory processing, and other selected medical conditions across the lifespan. The ways in which these diseases and disabilities can affect the development, functioning, and occupation of individuals within their various contexts will be reviewed and examined. Implications for occupational therapy interventions and precautions for practice will be addressed.
- OT 361LBR Functional Anatomy Lab
- OT 361LEC Functional Anatomy
- OT 366LAB Occupational Therapy Process Laboratory
This course introduces students to the process of occupational therapy intervention from initial interview through screening, evaluation, goal writing, intervention planning, and discharge -planning as students are exposed to the clinical reasoning used by therapists when making decisions about intervention. Students will also gain skills in administering, scoring, and interpreting standardized assessments, writing goals and objectives, and documenting intervention. The role of the OT and OTA in assessment and intervention will also be discussed.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: OT 201 and ANA 407.
Corequisites: OT 333LEC and OT 366LEC.
- OT 366LEC Occupational Therapy Process Lecture
This course introduces students to the process of occupational therapy intervention from initial interview through screening, evaluation, goal writing, intervention planning, and discharge -planning as students are exposed to the clinical reasoning used by therapists when making decisions about intervention. Students will also gain skills in administering, scoring, and interpreting standardized assessments, writing goals and objectives, and documenting intervention. The role of the OT and OTA in assessment and intervention will also be discussed.
Credits: 2
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
Prerequisites: OT 201 and ANA 407.
Corequisites: OT 333LEC and OT 366LAB.
- OT 382LEC Issues in Occupational Therapy Service Delivery Lecture
Gives an overview of current issues impacting the roles, functions, and provision of OT service in diverse areas of occupational therapy practice, from clinical and management perspectives.
- OT 402LAB Group Process Skills and Interpersonal Skills Lab
- OT 402LEC Group Process Skills and Interpersonal Skills
- OT 417LAB Neurorehabilitation Across the Lifespan Laboratory
This course expands on previously-taught neuroscience information and introduces students to clinical theories and techniques that utilize neurophysiological concepts in the treatment of occupational dysfunction. Application to occupational therapy utilizing selected activities of work, play, and self-care are included. A life-span approach that emphasizes treatment for neurological conditions affecting pediatric, adult, and aging populations is incorporated into teaching and practice modules.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: OT 342 and OT 366
Corequisites: OT 417LEC
- OT 417LEC Neurorehabilitation Across the Lifespan Lecture
This course expands on previously-taught neuroscience information and introduces students to clinical theories and techniques that utilize neurophysiological concepts in the treatment of occupational dysfunction. Application to occupational therapy utilizing selected activities of work, play, and self-care are included. A life-span approach that emphasizes treatment for neurological conditions affecting pediatric, adult, and aging populations is incorporated into teaching and practice modules.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: OT 342 and OT 366
Corequisites: OT 417LAB
- OT 420SEM Fieldwork Seminar I Seminar
This course is designed to prepare students for successful completion of Level I and Level II Fieldwork. This seminar will familiarize students with fieldwork requirements, expectations, and policies and procedures. Students will complete the fieldwork selection process including individual meetings with instructor and fieldwork lottery.
- OT 450LAB Prosthetics and Orthotics Laboratory
Examines the knowledge and skills required for manufacturing splints and orthotic devices, and for fitting and operating orthoses and prostheses.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: OT 361 and OT 366.Student must take OT 450LAB and OT 450LEC in the same term.
- OT 450LEC Prosthetics and Orthotics Lecture
Examines the knowledge and skills required for manufacturing splints and orthotic devices, and for fitting and operating orthoses and prostheses.
Credits: 2
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: OT 361 and OT 366.Student must take OT 450LAB and OT 450LEC in the same term.
- OT 472LAB Level 1 Fieldwork A Laboratory
Level I Fieldwork A provides students with the opportunity to observe occupational therapy in a clinical setting. Students will spend approximately 40 hours at an assigned clinical site observing occupational therapy evaluation and interventions, and will reflect on these observations within the context of the OT process.
Credits: 1
Grading: Pass/Not Pass (PNP)
Typically Offered: Summer
Prerequisites: OT 356 and OT 366 and OT 420.
Corequisites: OT 402.
- OT 499TUT Undergrad Indep Study Tutorial
Credits: 1 - 4
Grading: Pass/Not Pass (PNP)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring