3D Printing and its Application to Occupational Therapy
Self-paced online course | 1 AOTA CEUs | 10 Contact hours | $250
Description
This course provides participants with the know-how on how to use 3D printing, and how to apply this knowledge in their occupational therapy (OT) practice. 3D printing technology can be applied across multiple areas of OT practice, most notably, studies have examined the use of 3D printing in rehabilitation, disability, and participation; and the technology can equally be applied to participation in education, productive aging, and health and wellness. 3D printing techniques can also be applied across multiple settings, inpatient, outpatient, education, home, and community settings. The versatility of this technology adds to its potential to be a promising tool to advance the practice of occupational therapy by enhancing the customizability of OT interventions. The current gap in knowledge of how to use 3D printing amongst OT practitioners limits the full potential for 3D printing use in OT practice. 3D printing contributes to OT’s strive for client-centered practice, as practitioners can customize needed equipment for their clients. As part of this course, participants will engage in the experience of creating a 3D design that can be used to increase participation and engagement in occupation for a client of their choosing.
This course is designed for occupational therapists who are interested in learning more about incorporating 3D printing into their practice. This course will also be appropriate for other rehabilitation professionals and community partners interested in learning more about 3D printing.
Participants will receive access to a fully-online, self-paced training course that includes 9 multimedia-enhanced modules, module summary sheets and pre and post course tests.
- Describe 3D printing
- List the different styles of 3D printing and the mechanics of how they work
- List materials that can be used to 3D print utilizing Fused Deposition Modeling
- Evaluate and bring a client through the process of creating a 3D printed device including where to access printers
- Identify the basics of 3D design using 3D scanners, computer-aided design programs, and other online resources
- Prepare a 3D file to be sent to a printer through a slicing program
- Know how to troubleshoot a failed 3D print
Participants will be working through nine modules covering the following topics:
- What is 3D printing?
- Types of 3D printers
- Materials
- Printing in occupational therapy
- 3D design
- TinkerCAD
- How to 3D print
- Unloading and loading filaments
- Common mistakes and correction techniques
PD Provider: VCU Department of Occupational Therapy
Contact email: otdesign@vcu.edu
Author: Dr. Virginia Chu
Financial disclosures: The author of this course has no financial or non-financial relationships or incentives to disclose.
Education level: Introductory
Prerequisites: None
To meet the completion requirements of this course and earn the 1 AOTA CEU participants must:
- Complete the course pre-test.
- Complete each module in full including: reviewing all written materials and videos
- Complete the design project and submit a 3D design based on the case study
- Complete the course post-test with a score of 80%
You may cancel your registration within seven days of registering for this course, and receive a full refund minus a $10 credit card processing fee. You must not have accessed or started the course in order to receive a refund. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu.
In the unlikely event that this program is canceled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
The Occupational Therapy department is committed to ensuring that you have a positive continuing education experience. Review the lists below to determine which support service best matches your needs. Emails will be responded to within two business days with the exception of times when the university is closed.
Contact the Occupational Therapy department at otdesign@vcu.edu for support with:
- Program content
- CEUs
- Course completion status
- Instructor questions
Contact VCU Continuing Professional Education at ocpe@vcu.edu for support with:
- Registration
- Payments
- Cancellations & Refunds
- Transcripts
- Program access
