Level I Fieldwork
Level I fieldwork introduces students to the fieldwork experience. Students develop a basic comfort level with client needs and communication. “Level I fieldwork is not intended to develop independent performance, but to include experiences designed to enrich didactic coursework through directed observation and participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process” (AOTA, 2021). Under the supervision of licensed practitioners, students complete two 48-hour, level one experiences in conjunction with didactic classes. Level I fieldwork experiences are completed on non-campus days and during normal working hours. COTA’s may waive the second level I fieldwork rotation following successful completion of the first level I fieldwork.
Skills of MSOT Level I Rotation 1 Students
The focus of OT628, which is the first of their 4 fieldwork experiences, is on strengthening foundational skills they have already learned such as:
- Demonstrating professional behaviors
- Performing observation skills
- Performing activity & environmental analysis
- Using the terms and concepts in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework and OT Process
- The following clinical skills:
- Building therapeutic rapport with clients
- Interviewing clients
- Measuring active and passive range of motion
- Conducting manual muscle testing of the upper extremity
- Taking dynametric measurements of grip and pinch strength
- Measuring vital signs (e.g. Blood pressure, HR, RR, and oxygen saturation measurements)
- Incorporating evidence in practice
Level I Rotation I is meant to provide the student with opportunities to practice the skills mentioned above to the extent that is reasonable for their assigned setting. During Level I Fieldwork experiences, students are not expected to perform independently.
Skills of MSOT Level I Rotation 2 Students
The focus of OT638, which is the second of their 4 fieldwork experiences, is on strengthening basic evaluation and intervention skills they have already learned such as:
- Using standardized and non-standardized evaluations
- Conducting intervention planning, and implementation
- Documentation
- Goal writing
- Client transfers and use of gait belts
- Positioning clients
- Using ADL equipment
- Using ambulation devices
- Promoting adaptive feeding
- Incorporating evidence into practice
Level I Rotation II is meant to provide students with opportunities to practice the skills mentioned above to the extent that is reasonable for their assigned setting. During Level I Fieldwork experiences, students are not expected to perform independently.
MSOT Level I Documents & Forms
The forms listed are for the Level I rotation. Some of the forms are for resources, while others are required by AOTA to complete.
Please complete the following forms with the student during the rotation:
Level II Fieldwork
The continuation of our curriculum leads students to Level II fieldwork. Students complete 24 weeks of full-time clinical practice, typically in two, 12 week rotations, under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Initially, clinical supervision is direct and then decreases to less direct supervision as appropriate for the client and setting. Level II fieldwork is designed to promote clinical reasoning and reflective practice to expand on principles learned in the didactic portion of our program developing students into generalized, entry-level therapists.
Upon successful completion of Level II Fieldwork, the students are eligible for graduation and the NBCOT exam. Fieldwork sites are arranged between the university and participating clinical facilities. Students pay regular tuition during this period. Level II fieldwork must be completed within 24 months of academic coursework completion. No part of Level I fieldwork may be substituted for Level II fieldwork.
Skills of MSOT Level II Students
The focus of OT640 and OT641 is to hone all skills needed for entry-level practice. Students have practiced evaluations, intervention planning, and intervention implementation. They have done all types of documentation and goal writing. This means they are prepared to begin to take on a case load of their own and should be able to carry a full case load appropriate to their assigned setting by the end of their 12 week experience. Additionally, they are skilled at providing in-services, sharing research evidence, and participating in advocacy activities.
MSOT Level II Documents & Forms
Listed are ACOTE required documents and resource tools for the Level II Fieldwork Experience.
Please complete the following ACOTE required documents with the student during the fieldwork rotation.