OT 552 PATIENT CARE SKILLS Course Syllabus - Primary Instructor: Tiffany Lester, OTD, OTR/L Lab Instructors: Mallory Coleman, OTD, OTR/L

Term
Spring 2026
Section
M1
Course Delivery
ln person­[FTF]
Class Program

OT 552:

Credits 2
Description

This course engages the student in the development of professional behaviors, basic patient care skills, and initial competencies associated with OT practice. Students will have opportunities to learn skills for ethical and professional behavior; observation and assessment; development of rapport; client-centered care; and therapeutic use of self.

Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details

Meeting Days:
T
Meeting Times:
9:00 AM – 10:15AM 10:15 AM-12:00PM
Location:
CSS

Contact Information

Instructor:
Primary Instructor: Tiffany Lester, OTD, OTR/L Lab Instructors: Mallory Coleman, OTD, OTR/L
Instructor Email:
tiffany.lester@wilmington.edu
Office Location:
CSS
Phone Number
937-481-2226
Office Hours:
By Appointment
Course Learning Outcomes

Upon Successful completion of this course...

OT 552 Patient Care Skills

B.2.8 Demonstrate sound judgment regarding safety of self and others and adhere to safety regulations throughout the occupational therapy process as appropriate to the setting and scope of practice. This must include the ability to assess and monitor vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory status, and temperature) to ensure that the client is stable for intervention.

B.3.12 Provide recommendations and training in techniques to enhance functional mobility, including physical transfers, wheelchair management, and mobility devices.

Course Materials

O’Brien, J. & Kuhananeck, H. (2022). Pierson and Fairchild’s Principles & Techniques of Patient Care, 7th ed. Elsevier, ISBN # 978-0-3237-2088-5

Instructor's Course Objectives

Occupational Therapy Program Mission: The mission of the Occupational Therapy program at Wilmington College is to prepare exceptional occupational therapy professionals that recognize and respond to the unique needs of rural communities with a focus on evidence and occupational-based practices that are client centered.

Upon completion of the Occupational Therapy program, students will...

Use critical reasoning to recognize health care needs, especially those in rural contexts, and provide evidence-based occupational therapy services to a variety of populations employing a variety of service delivery models, in different health care settings, and within community-based systems.

Provide services within a client-centered, occupational-based theoretical foundation with consideration of the underlying factors including, but not limited to, the culture and contexts that influence the individual’s ability to engage in meaningful occupational tasks and roles.

Clearly articulate, document, and apply professional principles and ethics, in advocacy of the client’s and family’s needs, as well as the needs of the OT profession.

Provide direct and indirect services to promote and sustain health, facilitate typical growth and development, prevent deficits, and maintain, restore, or enhance function through compensation, adaptation, and participation in appropriate therapeutic methods, environmental modifications, use of adaptive equipment, and assistive technologies to enhance meaningful occupational engagement.

Demonstrate the ability to manage and evaluate the efficacy of occupational therapy services including client care outcomes, departmental operations, documentation and reimbursement, and the supervision of appropriate personnel, including fieldwork students, within the guidelines of professional practice.

Initiate and participate in collaborative and cooperative interactions with intra-disciplinary and interdisciplinary professionals, clients, families, significant others, and caregivers to achieve the desired occupational therapy outcomes.

Relationship to Curriculum Design and Themes  

The Wilmington College Occupational Therapy Program has a rural focus with three themes woven throughout the curriculum. The three themes reflect aspects of current occupational therapy practice and care and are as follows:

Evidence-Based Practice

Occupation-Based Practice

Client-Centered Care

Course Schedule

Tentative Schedule

Subject to change during the semester. Adequate notice of changes will be given.

Week 1

Topics

Assignments

 

Jan 5-9

 

 

Lecture –

Preparation for Patient Care Activities

Approaches to Infection Control

Lab -

Hand Washing

PPE

 

Readings: Ch. 1-2

 

Assignments:

 

 

Week 2

Topics

Assignments

 

Jan 12-16

Lecture –

Basic Wound Care and Specialized Interventions

Special Equipment and Patient Care Environments

 

Lab: Competency Check in Class, Competency #1: Hand Washing

 

Readings: Ch. 10-11

 

Assignments: Competency Check in Class, Competency #1: Hand Washing

 

 

Week 3

Topics

Assignments

 

Jan 19-23

 

Lecture –

Incidents and Emergencies

Blood Borne Pathogens

 

Lab -

Incident reports

In Class Activities

Competency Check in Class, Competency #2: PPE

 

Readings: Ch. 1 (pg. 19-22), Ch. 12

Assignments: Competency Check in Class, Competency #2: PPE

 

BloodBorne Pathogens Assign Due Feb. 3

Week 4

Topics

Assignments

 

Jan 26- Jan 30

 

Lecture –

Positioning and Draping

Lab -

Positioning and Draping

Competency #3: Positioning/Draping

 

Readings: Ch. 5

 

Assignments: Competency #3: Positioning/Draping

 

Week 5

Topics

Assignments

 

Feb 2- Feb 6

 

 

Lecture –

Assessment of Vital Signs

Lab –

Vital Signs

Competency #4: Vital Signs

Readings: Ch. 3

 

Assignments: Competency #4: Vital Signs

Week 6

Topics

Assignments

 

Feb 9-13

 

Lecture –

Activities of Wheelchair

Lab -

Wheelchair Mobility

Competency Check in Class #5: Wheelchair Management

Readings: Ch. 7

Assignments: 

Competency Check in Class #5: Wheelchair Management

Week 7

Topics

Assignments

Feb 16- Feb 20

 

 

Lecture –

Assistive Devices, Patterns, and Activities

Lab -

Mobility Devices

Competency Check in Class #6: Mobility Devices

 

Readings: Ch. 9

 

Assignments:

Competency Check

Class #6: Mobility Devices

Week 8

Topics

Assignments

 

Feb 23- Feb 27

 

 

 

Midterm Week

 

 

 

Week 9

Topics

Assignments

 

March 2- March 6

 

 

CPR 

 

 

Topics

Assignments

 

March 9- March 13

 

 

SPRING BREAK

 

Week 10

Topics

Assignments

 

March 16 – March 20

 

 

Lecture – Bed mobility (rolling, supine to sit, sit to supine)

Lab -      

Transfer Activities -

Body Mechanics

Key Term in-class activity

 

Readings: Ch. 8

                  Ch. 4

 

Assignments:

Competency Check in Class #7: Transitional Movements

Week 11

Topics

Assignments

 

March 23- March 27

 

Lecture –

Transfer Activities (sit to stand transfers – stand/squat pivot transfers)

 

 

Readings: 8

 

Assignments: 

 

Week 12

Topics

Assignments

 

March 30-April 3

 

Lecture –

Transfer Activities   (slide board transfers)

 

 

Readings: 

 

Assignments: 

 

Week 13

 

 

 

April 6- April 10

 

 

Lecture –

Transfer Activities (mechanical lift transfers)

 

Readings: 

 

Assignments:

 

Quiz #2 

 

Week 14

Topics

Assignments

 

April 13- April 17

 

 

Lecture –

Transfer Activities (all transfers review)

 

 

Readings: N/A

 

Assignments:

Week 15

Topics

Assignments

 

April 20- April 24

 

 

Lecture –

Review for Final

Lab -

Competency Skills Lab Practice for Final                 

 

Readings: Review

 

Assignments: Competency Check in Class #8: Physical Transfers 

 

Week 16

 

 

 

April 27- May 1

 

 

 

Finals 

 

 

N/A

Course Assignments

Assignment Descriptions  

Assignment  B Standard Addressed  Description  
1.) Quizzes 1&2(ACOTE: B.2.8; B.3.12)                                                                               Students will complete two multiple choice quizzes to express their understanding of patient care skills
2.) Patient Care Competencies(ACOTE: B.3.12)

Students will demonstrate basic patient care skills and initial competencies in the

following areas:

Competency #1: Handwashing

Competency #2: PPE

Competency #3: Positioning and Draping

Competency #4: Vital Signs

Competency #5: Wheelchair Management

Competency #6: Functional Mobility/Devices

Competency #7: Transitional Movements

Competency #8: Functional Transfers (cumulative)

Final Competency: Cumulative

3.) MidtermMidterm (B.2.8, B.3.12)Students will complete multiple-choice exams related to content covered in class teaching and readings 

***Please note: A minimum of a “B” is required to pass a class in Occupational Therapy. If the student does not receive a minimum of a “B” in the course, he/she will have one opportunity to re-take the course and pass it when it is offered in the next year to continue to progress through the program. Two failures may result in dismissal.

Class assignments are designed to ensure that students are building the skills needed to become competent, entry-level practitioners by graduation. Each class uses a variety of evaluation methods to meet diverse student learning styles.  Students are expected to fully prepare for each class and meet all assigned due dates. Late submissions are not permitted. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.  

Course Final Exam
Any midterm or final assessment CANNOT be rescheduled for an unexcused absence. Tim allotted for exams and quizzes will vary between courses. In general, students are allowed two hours for examinations and thirty minutes for quizzes.
Evaluation of Work

The grading scale will be as follows:

Evaluation Methods  

Assignment  

Course Grade  

Letter Grade Equivalents:   
Midterm (Written)20% 

A = 90-100  

B = 80-89  

F = 0-79  

  

Quizzes15% 
Competencies x865% 
Total   100%

***Please note: A minimum of a “B” is required to pass a class in Occupational Therapy. If the student does not receive a minimum of a “B” in the course, he/she will have one opportunity to re-take the course and pass it when it is offered in the next year to continue to progress through the program. Two failures may result in dismissal.  

Evaluation of Work

Methods of Evaluation: Check all that apply 

Case Study Presentation 
ExamsXDemonstrationX
Group Projects Individual Project 
Assignments/Papers Essay Test 
EBP Literature Analysis Objective Test/QuizX
Lab Performance/CompetencyXLab Practical 
Journaling Participation/In-Class ActivitiesX
Fieldwork Performance Evaluation Other 

Methods of Instruction: Check all that apply

Case Analysis Role Play 
Roundtable Discussion Clinical Simulations 
Discussion Questioning/Interviewing Community Integration Experience 
Experiential LearningXMultimedia Activities 
Fieldwork Experience Other 
Group Presentation   
LectureX  
Lab ActivitiesX  

Out-of-Class Work Expectation 

A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week.  

 

 

Instructor Course Policies

Instructor's Course Attendance Policy

The following professional behaviors will be expected and enforced in and out of class in the WC Occupational Therapy Program at the discretion of the instructor:

Participation

Daily participation is a key part of this course and students are expected to attend all programmed portions of the course.  Students are encouraged to communicate with the instructor before class time if any issue arises that may interfere with their ability to participate or require them to step out of the class during unscheduled breaks. Active participation in all daily discussion, community outings, and class/laboratory experiences in this course will be noted by instructors during each session.  Students deemed to be disinterested, unengaged, or otherwise occupied, will not receive participation points at the discretion of the instructor with no recourse on the part of the student.  Students should arrive prepared for class to discuss, answer questions, and participate in all class lectures, meeting times and activities.  Students should make every effort to use the bathroom during scheduled breaks offered approximately once per hour during instruction.  If a student leaves the class at other times, it is their responsibility to communicate to the instructor ahead of time of an issue that my prevent them from sitting in class for approximately 60 minutes.  Any student who is not engaged in the class, completing other activities not related to the course or the assigned activity, or completing assignments such as studying for another course will be asked to leave the class.  Absence, tardiness, and participation points can all be affected by each incident.

Absences

Instructors reserve the right to determine whether an absence is excused or unexcused. Absences result in 1% off the overall final grade each day the student is absent (e.g., If a student is absent 4 days over the semester, 4% of the overall final grade is deducted resulting in an overall course grade of 96% vs. 100%. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.  

Excused Absences  

An excused absence is defined as a student’s unexpected illness/health with a medical note, bereavement for immediate family (e.g., spouse, children, grandparents, grandchildren, parents, siblings), or an unexpected life event (e.g. Emergencies, hospitalizations, and legal obligations). An excused absence will result in the student’s ability to make-up assigned work/assignments and submit within two days for full credit. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.

Unexcused Absences  

An unexcused absence is defined as 1.) birthdays, 2.) holidays that are not approved on the Wilmington College graduate calendar, 3.) weddings, 4.) vacations/trips, 5.) absence due to illness without a medical note, or 6.) work. Unexcused absences will result in a student’s inability to submit assigned in-class work on the day of absence. Regular assignments (those that are not completed in-class), and that are due for submission on the same day that a student is absent, MUST be turned in by the due date regardless of whether the student is present for class to avoid a zero grade.   

In the case of ALL absences, whether excused or unexcused, you are expected to contact your instructor to get information and materials missed.  

If a student has unexcused absences of 3 or more days of any single course, they can be considered for failure of the course and possible dismissal from the program.  

Tardiness  

Students are expected to arrive to class or learning session on time including arriving on time after a break in class or learning session. After one late arrival, the instructor contacts the student if the student did not communicate ahead of time regarding the late arrival. Upon the second late arrival, whether excused or unexcused, the instructor notifies the student’s faculty advisor to request the development of an action plan to prevent further occurrences. The student is responsible for any missed material and assignments resulting from tardiness. Failing to notify the instructor of tardiness or absence before class starts, or consistent tardiness may impact your overall grade.  

Tardiness over five minutes will result in 1% off the overall final grade each day the student is tardy. (e.g. If a student is tardy 4 days over the semester, 4% of the overall final grade is deducted resulting in an overall course grade of 96% vs. 100%. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion. 

Instructor's Academic Integrity Policy

Academic Misconduct & Scholastic Dishonesty  

Academic misconduct may result in a failing grade, and a letter regarding the incident may be placed in the student’s permanent file in the Office of Academic Affairs. Academic misconduct includes all types of scholastic dishonesty and includes, but is not limited to, cheating on examinations or assignments, interfering with another student’s work, representing work done by another as your own, and plagiarizing.   

Scholastic Dishonesty

Any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable to another person. Examples of scholastic dishonesty include:  

Cheating

  • Copying from the test paper of another student  
  • Communicating with another student during a test  
  • Giving or seeking aid from another student during a test  
  • Possession and/or use of unauthorized materials during tests (i.e., notes, books, apps, etc.)  
  • Substituting for another person to take a test  
  • Falsifying research data, reports, academic work offered for credit  

Plagiarism

  • Using someone’s work in your assignments without the proper citations  
  • Submitting the same paper or assignment from a different course, without direct permission of instructors  

Collusion

  • Unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing academic assignments  

 

Americans with Disabilities Act

If you have a documented disability that requires accommodations, contact Spencer Izor, the Associate VP for Compliance: spencer.izor@wilmington.edu, 937-481-2365, or visit her office in College Hall, Room 306.” If it is a class in the Prison Education Program, refer them to the Site Coordinator rather than to Spencer.

Artificial Intelligence

You are not permitted to use generative AI tools for any work in courses. This includes the use of popular tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, GitHub Co-Pilot, as well as all other tools built on generative AI technologies. Due to the nature of this program, work can only be fairly and accurately evaluated if student writing has NOT been assisted by generative AI. Use of generative AI for assignments in this course will be considered a violation of the College’s academic integrity policies. Assigned reading and corresponding written assignments in this program are designed to develop independent skills and thoughtful perspective through reflective technical writing. Use of AI undermines that work, its purpose, and ultimately any benefit that it could provide towards students’ learning experience. Therefore, the use of any generative AI to help with any assignments will be considered cheating/plagiarism and will be graded and handled accordingly.   

Assignments

Class assignments are designed to ensure that students are building the skills needed to become competent, entry-level practitioners by graduation. Each class uses a variety of evaluation methods to meet diverse student learning styles.  Students are expected to fully prepare for each class and meet all assigned due dates. Late submissions are not permitted. Reasonable exceptions may be made at the instructor’s discretion.  

Cell Phones 

All phones will be turned off/silenced and put away during class and only accessed during break times. If an emergency occurs and the professor is informed appropriately, an exception may be made. Faculty approval is required for any exceptions to cell phone and electronic device use and is at the discretion of the individual instructor.  

Dress Code

Students are expected to be always clean and neat. Students are expected to wear polo shirts/collared shirts and khaki, black or casual pants in dark colors during class. No jeans, leggings, or sweatpants are allowed. All clothing must be loose enough to allow free movement through all ranges, especially during lab activities. When participating in anatomy and kinesiology labs students may be asked to change into appropriate lab clothing as designated by instructors. Rubber-soled, close-toed shoes are required. No clogs, flipflops, or sandals are allowed.  

Jewelry, perfumes, and after shave scents must be kept to a minimum. When guest speakers or other visitors are present, students must wear their Wilmington College OT Student name tags. Pajamas or tank tops will not be permitted during class, including courses delivered in an online format.    

Electronic Devices  

The use of electronic devices (including headphones) during class or any instructional activity or session for personal communication, private exploration, or any other purpose outside of the activities prescribed by the Professor for that session is not permitted.  

Exams and Quizzes

Any midterm or final assessment CANNOT be rescheduled for an unexcused absence.  

Time allotted for exams and quizzes will vary between courses. In general, students are allowed two hours for examinations and thirty minutes for quizzes. Official time allotted for exams and quizzes is at the discretion of the individual instructor. In general, students are allowed one hour for multiple choice exams, 30 minutes for quizzes, and two hours for exams containing case studies, short answer items, or essay questions. Time frames for practical exams given individually or in pairs are determined by the amount of content involved and the expectation of the demonstration, at the discretion of the instructor. All students must submit an Early/Late Exam Request Form in order to change the time of their exam for any excused absence.  

*Free medical and mental health services are available from the Wilmington College Health and Wellness Center. The Health and Wellness Center can be utilized to obtain a medical note (937)-481-2217. 

Food & Drink

Any food must only be consumed in breaks, outside or in the student lounge. Students are allowed lidded drinking cups in the classroom. All students are responsible for their own clean up. All kitchen items must be washed and replaced immediately after use. Refrigerators must be emptied of all student items each Thursday before students can leave the building. The program is not responsible for items left in the department over weekends, holidays, or breaks.  

Inclusive Learning

Wilmington College is committed to actively pursuing justice and equity for all and in providing an inclusive learning environment that is healthy, safe, and designed to support the success of all participants in their educational pursuits.  

Minimal Technical Standards

A student is expected to meet these standards as outlined on the MSOT program’s Minimum Technical Standards document (Appendix B in Student Handbook).  

Online Netiquette

Online communication can be challenging. It’s possible to miscommunicate what we mean or to misunderstand what our classmates mean given the lack of body language and immediate feedback. Therefore, please keep these netiquette (network etiquette) guidelines in mind. Failure to observe them may result in disciplinary action.  

·             Always consider audience. All communication should reflect polite consideration of other’s ideas.  

·            Respect and courtesy must be always provided to classmates and instructors. No harassment or inappropriate postings will be tolerated.  

·            When reacting to someone else’s message, address the ideas, not the person. Post only what anyone would comfortably state in a face-to-face situation.   

Plagiarism 

Plagiarism is not tolerated and can result in dismissal from the program. Resources are available to help students understand how to avoid plagiarism. Faculty may require students to submit their written assignments through plagiarism software prior to submission. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for help if needed. See the college catalogue and website for further information.  

Professional Behaviors

Students are also expected to be professional in all interactions associated with the school and program. Professional behavior is expected to be maintained in all classrooms and campus buildings, and when in the community for assigned class activities. Unprofessional behavior will be addressed immediately, and the student will be held accountable for immediate resolution of the issue.    

A process for development and monitoring of professional behaviors has been incorporated into the program. Students will meet (at minimum) each semester with their faculty advisor to review progress towards goals. Students will develop skills in self-reflection and self-evaluation that will support life-long professional development. 

Behaviors which detract from students learning will not be tolerated. These behaviors include but are not limited to talking during class when an instructor or other student has the floor, attire that distracts from students learning, entering, and exiting during instruction, and incoming messages on electronic devices.  

Student Syllabus Attestation

WILMINGTON COLLEGE MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM

Student Syllabus Attestation

 

Course Name and Number: ____________________________________________________

Semester and Year: _________________________________

 

My signature verifies that I have received, read, and understand the policies as stated in the course syllabus. I agree to abide by the policies and expectations outlined for this course.

 

Student Name: _______________________________________________________

Student Signature: ______________________________  Date: _______________ 

 

Institutional and Program-Level Policies

Final Exam Schedule

All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.

Undergraduate:  SP25 Final Exam Schedule    Graduate: