BA/BS in Occupational Therapy

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: To prepare highly qualified occupational therapists, ready for professional practical activities and for research at community, regional, national and international levels levels; applying knowledge, values and skills in practice working individually and in groups with patients of different ages and with various illnesses, to act professionally in a changing environment, apply science-based problem-solving methods. Learning outcomes: 1. Will be able to, based on interdisciplinary knowledge, interpret and justify professional activities of occupational therapy models to combine rehabilitation theoretical methodological provisions and link them to health care policy decisions; to solve relevant professional issues nationally and at the international level. 2. Will be able to plan, execute research in the field of rehabilitation, based on interdisciplinary sciences knowledge and research methodology; systematically analyze scientific information, evaluate data reliability, interpret, argumentative presentation of research the results. 3. Will be able to perform professional activities research, model innovative occupational therapy support based on the latest scientific research evidence, critical reflection and needs of patients and their relatives. 4. Will be able to systematically evaluate and analyze patient disorders cause, nature, person needs, determine the disorder and environmental impact of the individual for functioning, select and apply evidence-based occupational therapy assessment methods and instruments. 5. Will be able to provide occupational therapy, in selecting and applying evidence-based strategies, to evaluate their effectiveness for a person's functioning in various ways environments, to advise individuals, who require occupational therapy help, their relatives, others interested persons, taking into account to the diversity of their needs. 6. Will be able to follow equal opportunities, social justice, human rights and sociocultural diversity recognition and data protection principles, professional ethics; cooperate with various interested groups at the national and international level; to strengthen occupational therapy profession image, spread information about the importance of occupational therapy. 7. Will be able to cooperate interdisciplinary specialists in the team, identify and solve occupational therapists and social challenges. 8. Will be able to reflect and critically evaluate his own and other team members' professional practice, develop professional competences, guided by the principles of lifelong learning; to make decisions independently, to take moral responsibility for one's activities and the quality of occupational therapist's professional activity and its improvement. Activities of teaching and learning: Activities based on the principles of interdisciplinarity, human rights, inclusion and social justice, personalized learning, applying elements of universal learning design and reflective practice help to achieve the expected study results. Study activities are focused on acquiring high interdisciplinary competences for the learner and his/her role changes when moving from a "user" to a cooperating partner in creating a unique learning path. The subjects of the study program are arranged sequentially in semesters, following a logical sequence. Studies begin with general study subjects. In the following semesters, studies are continued, studying subjects in the field of rehabilitation. Such a study plan allows for the consistent development of the occupational therapist's general and special professional competencies, which are necessary when working in the healthcare system in interdisciplinary teams of rehabilitation specialists) and in order to achieve the study results provided for in the study program. The following study methods are used: individual and group projects, solving problem situations, practical tasks, changing roles, case analysis, critical literature analysis, document analysis, video material analysis, analysis of real educational situations, discussions, cooperative activities in small groups and pairs, critical reflection, reflection diaries, inquiry-based learning and elements of action research, preparation of a learning portfolio/portfolio. Studies are organized through interactive lectures, seminars, practical activities, independent individual and group and team work, educational visits, learning in non-traditional environments (educational institutions, services providing educational support, institutions providing interdisciplinary support and healthcare services, etc.). The variety of study environments and methods encourages students to learn actively, to connect the acquired new knowledge with practice and to test it in practice, to reflect on their learning and practical activities. Studies based on the elements of the personalized learning paradigm emphasize the development of the learner's experiences. Therefore, much attention is paid to students' practical activities and their reflection. Time is set aside for student consultations, the purpose of which is to clarify the issues that have arisen individually or in groups, to consult on the performance of independent tasks. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The evaluation of study results is based on curriculum-based assessment, focused on the continuous recording and evaluation of the student's progress. Assessment methods and methods are combined with the expected study results and competencies and the study methods applied to develop them. When implementing the provisions of personalized learning, the aim is to share the responsibility of the student and the teacher for learning and the results achieved. The following assessment methods are used: teacher assessment, self-assessment of the student's completed task, assessment of each other's tasks in pairs or groups; evaluation/self-evaluation of the learning portfolio and learning reflection. The study of the subjects of the program ends with the assessment of the student's knowledge and skills using a ten-point evaluation system. When evaluating the achievements of individual subjects, the evaluation criteria are formulated in accordance with the harmonized applied cumulative score study achievement evaluation system (including formative evaluation) in the KU Study Regulations. Students' achievements are assessed by means of interim reports and an exam (or defense of the student's self-made work). Students' theoretical preparation and ability to practically solve the practical and problematic tasks of providing and improving are assessed. The final assessment of the study subject consists of evaluations of intermediate reports (individual projects/assignments, problem solving tasks, work portfolio, case analysis, written works) and grades of the exam (or the student's self-completed work/project defense). Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: The content of the Ergotherapy program is spread over 4 study years (8 semesters). The scope of the program's subjects (including theoretical subjects, practice and final bachelor's thesis) is 240 credits. The scope of subjects studied in the program is 60 credits per year (30 credits per semester). The study is based on specialty subjects (156 credits), Anatomy and Physiology; Basics of rehabilitation; Physical activity and nutrition; Health Law, Management and Information Management; Psychology; Ergonomics in rehabilitation; Pathology; Movement anatomy and clinical kinesiology I; Basics of occupational therapy; First aid, nursing and pharmacology; Clinical Medicine: Mental and Behavioral Disorders; Occupational therapy: mental and behavioral disorders; Complementary and alternative health care; Functional diagnostics in occupational therapy. Human activity and environment; Therapeutic massage; Clinical Medicine: Internal Medicine and Gerontology; Occupational therapy: internal diseases and gerontology; Occupational therapy methods; Art therapy; Clinical medicine: nervous system diseases; Occupational therapy: diseases of the nervous system; Physiotherapy; Production and application of technical means; Occupational therapy: orthopedics and traumatology; Examination, assessment, diagnostics in occupational therapy; Coursework 1; Clinical medicine: diseases of children; Occupational therapy: children's diseases; Neurosensorimotor integration; Biomedical research methodology; Coursework 2; Bachelor thesis. Most subjects are studied by combining theoretical studies with the solution of complex practical problems in specific occupational therapy institutions, as well as seven practices (48 credits): Cognitive rehabilitation practice; Occupational therapy practice: mental and behavioral disorders; Occupational therapy practice: internal diseases and gerontology; Occupational therapy practice: diseases of the nervous system; Occupational therapy practice: orthopedics and traumatology; Occupational therapy practice: children's diseases; Final occupational therapy practice. According to the procedure established by the Senate of Klaipėda University, 21 credits are allocated to elective subjects of general education. Specialisations: Optional courses: Distinctive features of a study programme: Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: After completing their studies, graduates will be able to work in public and private medical institutions, wellness and spa centers, or start a personal business or open a private occupational therapy office. Access to further study: Graduates will be able to continue their studies in a master's degree or Complementary and Alternative Health Care training program, which provides the opportunity to obtain a Complementary and Alternative Health Care (chosen field) specialist license.