2009 OT Refresher Course

Sunday, July 12th – Tuesday, July 21st

The University of Minnesota’s Program in Occupational Therapy offers a Refresher Course in a welcoming, supportive environment designed to meet the needs of therapists who prefer a hands-on, face-to-face learning environment. 

Classes are held in the Children’s Rehabilitation Center on the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Campus.

This course began in 1986 and continued for 13 years. Because of the growing shortage of occupational therapists and the need for those who want to return to the workforce to update their knowledge the course was re-instituted in 2006.

This course is designed for therapists who want to: 

• return to practice
• change their area of practice
• further develop their practice skills
• reinstate MN license when lapsed for 4 years or greater

Course Format

Participants will choose one of the geriatric or pediatric specialty topics as part of the basic course package and may choose an additional specialty topic for an additional cost. Those attending the geriatric portion will arrive one day early; those attending the pediatric day will stay one additional day, while those deciding to enroll in both will attend from 7/12 to 7/21.

• Geriatric (7/12-7/13)
• Pediatric  (7/21)
• Other topics - Please see brochure

Learning experiences include lectures, labs, on-line modules, and small and large group discussion. These experiences are facilitated by the Faculty of University of Minnesota’s Program in Occupational therapy as well as local community practitioners. All offer their extensive backgrounds in adult and child physical disabilities practice, school system OT, mental health practice, dementia care, cognitive rehabilitation, ethics and practice regulations, OT theory, issues surrounding workforce needs and reentry as well as many other areas. Aside from a large collective knowledge base, these instructors are passionate about teaching, especially to an audience of experienced practitioners with the desire to learn (YOU!).

Outside of our committed instructors, the refresher course offers unique access to:

• Cadaver lab for human musculoskeletal anatomy review
• Human brain lab for neuroanatomy review
• Community vendors to provide current information on occupational therapy equipment
• A lending library consisting of current and recommended books relevant to occupational therapy practice
• On-line line learning materials and chat rooms to assist participants in preparing for our course and to serve as a reference tool as they return to practice or change practice areas
• Many additional program resources

There are no exams during the course. All participants will, however, be asked to complete some online readings and learning modules in preparation for our sessions. (Internet access will be available to all).

Classes will be held within Children’s Rehabilitation Center, the building which houses our program in occupational therapy so as to provide our participants direct access to our therapy equipment, and audio-visual capacities, and supplies.

Attendees will receive extensive class notes. In addition, attendees will have access to online readings and learning modules to serve as preparation for our course as well as re-entry or practice area changes after course completion.

Upon completion of the course, participants receive a certificate documenting their hours of attendance.

The course spans several days and so, in an effort to rejuvenate our participants, refreshments as well as frequent rest breaks will be made available. Participants will also have the opportunity to rest and enjoy all that Minneapolis-St. Paul has to offer,  including local attractions, on Sunday, July 19th as no instruction will take place on this date.

Course Rates

• Course + one specialty topic: $985.00
• Course + two specialty topics: $1,135.00 (additional specialty day = $150)
• Installments: due to our current national financial environment, we are accepting payment in installments. Please contact Corey McGee for details by e-mail at mcge0062@umn.edu, or by phone at (952) 607-6387.

Housing

2009 OT Refresher Course Housing and Discount Parking Request Form

In an effort to keep you costs low, the Program in Occupational Therapy has reserved a large block of rooms in the University of Minnesota’s dorms. These rooms are in close walking distance (i.e., one to two blocks) from Children’s Rehabilitation Center and are an inexpensive alternative to a hotel stay.

**Please note that all University of Minnesota buildings are smoke free.**

Hall amenities include:

• air-conditioning
• secured access at main entry
• ice machine
• laundry facilities
• computer lab
• TV lounge/club room
• wireless internet access
• computer lab access
• elevator service to all floors

The rooms are single rooms with dormitory-style bathrooms and a shared lounge.  Room furnishings include a single bed, linens and pillow, closet and dresser, desk and chair, carpeting, and a smoke detector.

Meals are included in the price of the dorm room.  The first meal served in the dorm will be supper on Saturday, July 11th, 2009, and the last dorm meal will be lunch on Tuesday, July 21st, 2009.

Check in is any time after 1:00 PM on Sunday, July 12th.  

At an additional cost, arrangements can be made to arrive the evening of July 11th and/or depart on the morning of July 2nd. Once you have chosen the number of days for your stay, NO CHANGES can be made.

REFUNDS ARE NOT AVAILABLE under any circumstances, including early departure and missed meals.  All dorm reservations include meals.

Housing Rates:

• 7/11: $55.50 (only dinner included)
• 7/12-7/19: $544.00 [$68.00/night, includes 3 meals/day. Only block rate available (cannot  register for individual dates)]
• 7/20-$68.00 (Includes 3 meals)
• 7/21- $55.50 (Includes breakfast on 7/22)

Hotels

Many local hotel accommodations are available in close proximity to the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus. Most provide shuttle services and from the campus.

Parking

Parking is available in the  East River Road Parking Garage at $8.00/day with in and out privileges.  The East River Road Garage is located next door to Comstock Hall and to the Children’s Rehabilitation Center.

Registration Deadline

Deadline for registration is 6/30/09 and we are currently limited to 32 seats.