In addition to academic coursework, OT students are required to successfully complete fieldwork experiences to effectively apply knowledge within the environmental contexts of therapeutic and efficacious practice.
Level I Fieldwork
Students participate in over 120 hours of course-related Level I fieldwork experiences beginning in the first semester of the program. The fieldwork experiences differ by site type and population served, and progress to optimize student learning outcomes.
Level I fieldwork experiences are designed to enrich didactic and lab coursework through directed observation and participation in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process. In addition, they provide opportunities for students to demonstrate professional behavior and to develop interpersonal skills including understanding and respect for diversity and effective communication.
The program is responsible for contracting with local hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, schools, supported employment and community-based programs for Level I fieldwork experiences, and for ensuring that student experiences meet ACOTE accreditation standards and program goals.
Level II Fieldwork
Students are required to successfully complete 24 weeks of full-time, supervised, Level II fieldwork during year two of the program to fulfill the academic requirements (12 credit hours) for graduation.
These assignments provide students with the opportunity to apply an academically acquired body of knowledge to an in-depth clinical experience in the delivery of occupational therapy services to clients and their families or caregivers. It is an opportunity for students to develop skill and task mastery, and to demonstrate their ability as entry-level practitioners.
Level II fieldwork experiences may take place within the United States or in international facilities where the supervising therapist has graduated from a program approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
Students participate in Level II fieldwork during the spring and summer semesters of the final graduate year. Fieldwork begins in January and is completed in early July. Level II fieldwork experiences must be completed within 24 months of concluding classroom coursework, unless otherwise approved by the program director.
Alumni Spotlight
A challenging & rewarding fieldwork experience
My time as a student at SBU was nothing short of extraordinary. I was immersed in a supportive community of like-minded individuals, driven by a shared passion for helping others. The faculty’s dedication to our success was evident in their personalized guidance and support. But most importantly, I formed lifelong friendships and connections that will inspire and support me through my professional career.
One of my two fieldwork rotations was completed at MidAmerica Orthopaedics, an outpatient hand clinic. It was a challenging and immensely rewarding experience. Working closely with experienced practitioners, I dove into the complexities of hand therapy, developing my skills and expanding my knowledge base. Through hard work, I not only excelled during my rotation, but also earned a job offer as an OT at the same clinic.
I am thrilled to continue my journey as a licensed OT and continue helping patients recover from upper extremity injuries and maximize their full potential.
Malik Abuhamdeh, '23
For fieldwork educators
Benefits
St. Bonaventure University (SBU) values its relationship with affiliated clinical sites and offers resources, benefits, and continuing education to our OT fieldwork educators. Besides enhancing your own skills by supervising a student for a Level I and/or Level II fieldwork experience, some of the additional benefits to fieldwork educators include:
- Opportunities to collaborate with faculty to provide guest lectures.
- Support and collaboration on special projects that will enhance your service provision/site/consumer outcomes.
- Eligibility to serve on the SBU-OT Advisory Board.
- Free admission to our annual Living Lives of Purpose event. This is one example of the offerings in which fieldwork educators and local clinicians can receive continuing education credits for attending. For a summary of last year’s event, click here.
- St. Bonaventure University’s Department of Occupational Therapy is a member of the Western New York OT Fieldwork Consortium, which offers free fieldwork resources to affiliated clinical sites.
AOTA fieldwork resources
Links to AOTA resources offering extensive information related to fieldwork management: