Entry-Level Dual-Degree BS in Health Science Studies / Doctor of Occupational Therapy (4+2) Simulation-Based Education in Occupational Therapy

Simulation provides realistic learning experiences in a safe and controlled environment where students can practice skills without any risk to patients or clients. Throughout these experiences, students can reflect on the process, receive feedback from instructors and peers and practice again, which contributes to their comfort level and the depth of their learning.

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From Theory to Practice

An occupational therapy student assists a handicapped person in a kitchen environment.

Learning by Doing

Students in the occupational therapy program engage in simulation-based learning within their adult and pediatric evaluation and intervention courses. They are introduced to various clinical environments in the simulation laboratory, including an intensive care hospital setting and a neonatal isolette with premature infants, as well as low-tech infant models and high-fidelity adult manikins. These simulations allow students to practice hands-on therapeutic techniques such as manipulation, positioning, handling, bed mobility and pressure relief strategies. Additionally, they develop communication skills for discharge planning and an understanding of family systems and grief support.

Another experiential learning opportunity includes practicing clinical skills with standardized patients. Through these interactions, students gain firsthand experience with an array of diagnoses while practicing assessment and intervention techniques in a variety of mock clinical scenarios. These simulation opportunities enhance teamwork, communication, clinical competence and confidence, helping students feel well-prepared before beginning their fieldwork placements with real patients.

Authentic Learning Experiences

Skills Laboratory Experiences

Adult simulation practical: pairs of students work through a case study in an ICU/acute care environment
Neonate/pediatric experience: students apply handling and positioning strategies, and document this as well as state control and sensory responses to handling and positioning of the preemie and across the lifespan

Simulation Laboratory Experiences

Case scenarios/practical: hands-on learning in a safe environment to practice clinical skills
Vital sign monitoring: various lines/tubes incorporated into scenarios to practice handling with compromised and complex patients
Standardized patient scenarios: multiple experiences with trained actors to practice communication, clinical reasoning and clinical skills
Use of task trainers: practice taking blood pressure and pulse with the use of a simulated manikin’s arms in labs

Learn more about the Simulation Laboratory

Standardized Patient Experiences

These are opportunities for students to work with trained actors to develop and practice clinical skills. The areas of screening, assessment and intervention are woven into the curriculum to provide hands-on learning experiences which incorporate soft skills such as critical thinking, time management, communication, active listening, empathy and professionalism.

Assessment: identification of individual strengths and problem areas of an array of client population and diagnoses; choose and implement appropriate assessments; receive feedback and practice documentation, including reflection of experiences.
Intervention: prioritize and implement treatment based on assessment findings; mobilize patients with lines and tubes; provide education around a multitude of topic areas; receive feedback to reflect for professional growth.

Learn more about the Standardized Patient and Assessment Center