Occupational Therapy Course Offered for Health-Care Professionals

Occupational therapy practitioners, physical therapists and credentialed health-care practitioners who serve the rehabilitative needs of those with neurological disorders will have an opportunity to learn more through a course being offered this fall by the Technology Transfer Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

"Functional Neuroscience and Applications in Occupational Therapy Practice" addresses theory-based neuro-rehabilitation and hands-on treatment of movement disorders in neurologically disabled individuals. The course enables health-science students and professionals desiring further biological study in neurology to enhance their theoretical knowledge of biological science and train with experienced practitioners.

The central focus of the 90-hour course is the examination of functional performance in all aspects of the human nervous system. Bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, the course introduces specific nervous-system conditions and their impact on occupational-performance areas and performance skills. It will also examine and discuss client factors and considerations. The lab experience will include study and practice of selected therapeutic approaches common to occupational therapy practice.

Participants may choose credit or noncredit options for the course, which will be offered Aug. 18 through Dec. 15. Lectures will be on Mondays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; practical lab experience will be on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tuition costs are $1,139 for the credit course and $700 for the noncredit option. Participants may choose the noncredit lab or the lecture separately at reduced tuition.

Those wishing to register for the noncredit lecture (45 hours), the noncredit lab (45 hours), or both the lab and lecture should call the Technology Transfer Center at Penn College at (570) 327-4775.

For additional registration information, call the Occupational Therapy Assistant Office at Penn College at (570) 321-5549. Those who have served Penn College as field-work supervisors or clinical educators may use the tuition benefits offered through the Clinical Educators Amenities Program for this course.

The course also is available for academic credit that can be applied to baccalaureate-level study. For more information, call Barbara Natell at (570) 321-5549 or send e-mail.