Advanced Occupational Therapy

Welcome to “Advanced Occupational Therapy,” an intensive course designed for experienced occupational therapists, clinical specialists, doctoral students, and practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise beyond foundational practice. Building upon the comprehensive knowledge established in foundational courses—occupational therapy basics, pediatric practice, sensory integration, and motor development—this advanced course tackles the complex, nuanced, and challenging dimensions of occupational therapy that define expert clinical practice. Across ten detailed chapters, we will explore topics rarely covered in depth in introductory training: advanced clinical reasoning and professional reasoning, hand therapy and upper extremity rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation (stroke, TBI, spinal cord injury), driving and community mobility, low vision rehabilitation, occupational therapy in mental health across the lifespan, ergonomics and work rehabilitation, oncology and palliative care, assistive technology and environmental modification, and leadership, advocacy, and program development. We will examine the neurophysiological foundations of practice, evidence-based interventions at the cutting edge, the role of OT in interdisciplinary teams for complex clients, and the ethical and professional challenges of advanced practice. This course demands critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and a willingness to engage with complexity and uncertainty. The reward is the ability to provide truly advanced, compassionate, and effective care to clients with the most challenging occupational needs.