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Occupational Therapy Fieldwork
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Fieldwork
Supervised fieldwork is an important component of the occupational therapy curriculum and two levels of experiences are required.
Level I
"The
goal of Level I Fieldwork is to introduce students to the fieldwork experience,
apply knowledge to practice, and develop a basic comfort level with and
understanding of the needs of clients. Level I Fieldwork shall be integral to the program's curriculum design
and include experiences designed to enrich didactic coursework through directed
observation and participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy
process. Qualified personnel for
supervised Level I Fieldwork include, but are not limited to, occupational
therapy practitioners initially certified nationally, psychologists, physician
assistants, teachers, social workers, nurses, and physical therapists." (STANDARDS, ACOTE 2006)
Level I Fieldwork experiences are devised to integrate a
student's basic academic knowledge with clinical practice through experiential
learning in a context critical to later therapeutic application of that
knowledge. Level I Fieldwork provides
opportunities for the development of appropriate clinical skills, effective
communication, and professional behaviors.
Level II
"The goal of Level II Fieldwork is to develop
competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapists. Level II Fieldwork must be integral to the
Program's curriculum design and must include an in-depth experience in
delivering occupational therapy services to clients, focusing on the
application of purposeful and meaningful occupation and/or research,
administration and management of occupational therapy services. It is recommended that the student be exposed
to a variety of clients across the life span and to a variety of settings. The fieldwork experience is designed to
promote clinical reasoning and reflective practice, to transmit the values and
beliefs that enable ethical practice; and to develop professionalism and
competence as career responsibilities. (STANDARDS,
ACOTE 2006)
Level II Fieldwork experiences develop core competencies
necessary for entry therapists. These
competencies (see pages 13-15 of the Student Handbook) are in a variety of
practice areas with clients of various ages and performance deficits. Students will experience supervised delivery
of occupational therapy services.
Students Perspective
Read what our students have to say about their fieldwork
experiences and how the OT Program prepared them for successful careers.
“I believe the courses on therapeutic relationships and
educational strategies were very strong in the program. It is important to be able to appropriately
interact with the patients/families and understand their level of learning
before you can educate them.”-Chassidy
Johnson, Weekend Class of 2012
My fieldwork educators “enthusiasm for the practice of
pediatric occupational therapy is contagious!
She leads by example while providing client-centered care. As a fieldwork educator she is open, patient,
and knowledgeable.”
-Karla Riste, Weekend Class of 2012
“Theoretical foundational courses allowed an organized approach
to patient care. The science behind the
diagnosis and disease process provided focus on outcomes. Research development provides the knowledge
to provide evidence-based/best practice interventions. The pediatric course provided a glimpse into
evaluations and assessments.”
-Karla
Riste, Weekend Class of 2012
“My fieldwork experience and my learning was enhanced
throughout my fieldwork placement. All
of my assignments, observation opportunities, and evaluation/treatment
experiences have been extremely beneficial.
There is no aspect of my learning experience that I feel should have
been done differently.”
-Lauren Minor, Weekend Class of 2012
“All of the relationships affected my learning experience in
a positive way. I feel that I learned a
lot from these relationships that also enhanced my own self confidence within
my role as an occupational therapist”
-Lauren Minor, Weekend Class of 2012
Prospective Students
These links offer information on career options and useful contacts for further information:
Answers to Your Fieldwork Questions
This website will help provides answers about fieldwork questions such as:
- supervision
- grading
- difficulties with supervisors
- failing
- unfair treatment
- accommodations for a disability
- international fieldwork
Student Fieldwork Experiences