Fieldwork


Level I and Level II fieldwork are required of occupational therapy students enrolled at St. Ambrose University. 

The fieldwork curriculum is comprised of three Level I experiences embedded into the first and second year of the OTD program and two Level II experiences, equalling 24 weeks total, during the third year of the OTD program.

A doctoral capstone experience is an additional 14-week placement, during the third year of the OTD program, focused on the student's doctoral capstone project.

Level I

There are three Level I Fieldwork experiences that allow students to observe and interact with clients and clinicians as they identify and impact physical, psychosocial, and environmental factors that impact participation in occupation. These courses integrate information learned in OTD courses through both field experiences and classroom activities. Students are placed in a variety of settings to obtain hands-on experiences with individuals and groups.

The OTD program believes in learning by doing and as a result, encourages active participation with the level of involvement determined by the site, clients served, and student's skill level. During these experiences, students work to improve skills such as observation; written and oral communication; assessment; treatment planning; and intervention.

Students also grow to understand the OT process and how it impacts clients and the facility. In the classroom, students reflect on and synthesize their experiences. Through clinical and classroom experiences, students should display ethics and critical thinking while promoting occupational justice for others.

Level II

"The goal of Level II Fieldwork is to develop competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapists" (ACOTE).

Students are required to pass both Level II fieldwork classes: OTD 730 and OTD 735. These courses occur after successfully completing all didactic coursework. Students can complete their Level II experiences in traditional and/or emerging settings consistent with St. Ambrose's mission and curriculum design.

In all fieldwork rotations, students will address how psychosocial factors influencing engagement in occupation must be understood and integrated for the development of client-centered, meaningful, occupation-based outcomes through Blackboard discussion with peers and AFWC.

Level II Fieldwork classes are intended to emphasize the application of an academically acquired body of knowledge by providing the student with in-depth experiences in the delivery of occupational therapy service to patients/clients.

By the end of the Level II experiences, students are expected to be functioning at the level of an entry-level practitioner. This readies them to spring into the world of OT practice and be a lifelong learner with the goal of achieving the level of an expert practitioner.

The equivalent of 24 full-time weeks of Level II fieldwork must be completed. Students strive to select sites that provide experiences across the lifespan and with a variety of diagnoses.

Contact


Jill Schmidt, OTD, Program Chair and Director

Occupational Therapy
Center for Health Sciences Education
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52804
563-333-6278
OT@sau.edu

So, what's next?

Are you ready to take the next step? Click on the visit button below to learn more about our virtual and in-person visit options.