Whether you're pursuing an entry-level master's of occupational therapy (MOT) or an occupational therapy doctorate (OTD), clinical fieldwork is a requirement of all accredited occupational therapy programs.
At each level of fieldwork, also called clinical rotations, you'll have an opportunity to apply the concepts you're learning through coursework and learn valuable professional skills to set you up for success as an occupational therapy practitioner from day one.
What to Expect in Level I Occupational Therapy Fieldwork
Level I fieldwork is completed while you are progressing through occupational therapy school. Each program sets its own time requirements for Level I fieldwork, and you can expect each program to offer slightly different setting options.
The purpose of Level I fieldwork is to provide OT students with the initial experience necessary to develop competence as occupational therapy practitioners.
During this part of your fieldwork, you'll get direct experience under the supervision and guidance of an occupational therapist. The Level I fieldwork experience is your first opportunity to put your occupational therapy program coursework into clinical practice.
- Fundamentals of occupational therapy practice: understanding and adhering to AOTA's Code of Ethics and following the fieldwork setting's policies
- Foundations of occupational therapy: connecting class concepts to fieldwork
- Screening and evaluation: identifying potential goals from the evaluation process and contributing to documentation consistent with the practice setting
- Intervention: identifying interventions consistent with client values, data from screening and assessment, and evidence-based practice
- Professional behaviors: practicing time management and organization skills, written communication skills, and actively engaging in the fieldwork experience
Clinical rotations during the level I fieldwork experience are all about connecting the dots between your academic coursework and real clinical experiences.
You'll have an active role, under the close supervision of an OT fieldwork supervisor, interacting with clients and carrying out interventions.
How Level II Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Builds Clinical Readiness
Level II fieldwork is completed after completing academic coursework. A minimum of 24 weeks of full-time clinical fieldwork is required, typically in a variety of settings representing clients across the lifespan. However, each occupational therapy program may have different requirements or options for specific clinical settings.
Although OT students gain competence and clinical and professional skills at each level of fieldwork, level II offers a deeper immersion into the profession. You'll continue to be under the supervision of a fieldwork supervisor at each clinical setting.
Still, you'll carry out more of the process from assessment and evaluation to treatment planning and discharge from services.
- Assess clients' occupational performance needs.
- Identify support and barriers.
- Develop advocacy and leadership skills.
- Learn to incorporate principles of evidence-based practice and client-centered care into actual practice.
The level II fieldwork experience is also an opportunity to begin developing your identity as an occupational therapist. The topics and settings you aspire to practice in may change as you progress through the experience.
Perhaps you thought you wanted to work in neurorehabilitation, but found that your strengths were better suited for a pediatric setting. The pace or interprofessional dynamics differ from what you expected in a particular setting, and a different setting may better align with your interests and values as a practitioner.
Professional Skills You’ll Develop During Occupational Therapy Fieldwork
Occupational therapy fieldwork is about taking all of the concepts you're learning about in occupational therapy school and applying that knowledge in a real-world clinical setting.
However, there's more to being an effective occupational therapist than applying excellent clinical skills. Professional skills are essential for building effective relationships with clients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals.
Communication
Occupational therapists need excellent verbal communication skills to communicate complex concepts in a way that is understandable to clients, families, and caregivers. Collaborating with educators, physicians, and other health care professionals is essential for effective communication. Written communication skills include documentation, evaluation reports, and adherence to compliance and ethics.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Occupational therapists use critical thinking skills to analyze comprehensive evaluations and data, applying that information to goal setting and a care plan individualized to the client. Problem-solving skills are necessary to create unique solutions that serve the client while also overcoming potential barriers, such as reimbursement limitations.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence includes showing empathy, demonstrating cultural sensitivity, and respecting boundaries. During the fieldwork experience, OT students develop the self-awareness required to understand their own strengths and weaknesses. Interactions with clients and other professionals strengthen the skills needed to regulate emotional responses and support clients in doing the same.
Incorporating Evidence-Based Concepts Into Practice
Occupational therapists incorporate evidence-based concepts and interventions with client-centered care. Knowing how to find relevant resources and becoming proficient in integrating the ideas into actual practice is a valuable skill that will serve you as a student and beyond graduation from your OT program.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Experience
Fieldwork is a unique aspect of an occupational therapy program, where you are both a student and a practitioner. A few simple tips can help you get the most out of the fieldwork experience.
- Treat the experience like employment. Be punctual, follow through with your responsibilities, and be respectful towards clients and colleagues.
- Ask questions at the right time. Schedule time with your fieldwork supervisor to ask questions. All of your questions are important, but you want to avoid interrupting client care.
- Take the opportunity to observe and participate whenever there is a chance to experience something new. For example, if your fieldwork setting is in skilled nursing and you have an opportunity to observe acute care in another part of the facility one day, you can gain valuable insights. Take these opportunities and observe as much of the field as you can.
Occupational Therapy Fieldwork
Occupational therapy clinical rotations, or fieldwork, are when you apply all of the learning from your academic coursework and labs to real-world clinical practice. Both Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences serve the purpose of progressively preparing you to go from occupational therapy student to occupational therapy practitioner.
Your occupational therapy fieldwork experiences serve as an invaluable bridge between being a student and starting your first day as a new OT, providing you with clinical skills, professional skills, and confidence in your new role.
