LEVEL I FIELDWORK
Level I fieldwork is a vital part of the OTD program curriculum focused on helping to introduce students to the fieldwork experience, to apply knowledge to practice and to develop understanding of the needs of the clients. Level I fieldwork is not meant to create independent clinicians but to participate in directed observation and participation.
There are four Level I experiences: A, B, C, and D. These courses are completed throughout the curriculum and are paired with corresponding curriculum classes (physical disabilities, older adults, pediatrics, and community-based practice). The OTD faculty all contribute to the design of semester fieldwork objectives and assignments, and each course integrates field experiences with course content.
Each of these Level I experience may include experiences directly related to occupational therapy or settings that provide education on the developmental stages, tasks, and roles of individuals throughout the life span. Level I fieldwork can occur in a variety of sites, including but not limited to day care centers, schools, neighborhood centers, hospice, homeless shelters, community mental health centers, and therapeutic activity or work centers. As per AOTA guidelines, Level I Fieldwork supervision may be provided by any of the following: academic or fieldwork educators, occupational therapy practitioners initially certified nationally, psychologists, physician assistants, teachers, social workers, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, etc. Level I fieldwork can also be completed with direct contact with patients or through simulated casework paired with a hands-on evaluation of skills.
Rutgers’ OTD program utilizes a didactic approach to Level I fieldwork offering direct patient care opportunities, simulated case studies, hands-on skill evaluations, and live simulated case projects. Our faculty believes having an approach that utilizes both the virtual and real world will decrease the burden on occupational therapy clinical educators while also ensuring students can a variety of learning experiences to improve clinical skills.
There are four Level I experiences: A, B, C, and D. These courses are completed throughout the curriculum and are paired with corresponding curriculum classes (physical disabilities, older adults, pediatrics, and community-based practice). The OTD faculty all contribute to the design of semester fieldwork objectives and assignments, and each course integrates field experiences with course content.
Each of these Level I experience may include experiences directly related to occupational therapy or settings that provide education on the developmental stages, tasks, and roles of individuals throughout the life span. Level I fieldwork can occur in a variety of sites, including but not limited to day care centers, schools, neighborhood centers, hospice, homeless shelters, community mental health centers, and therapeutic activity or work centers. As per AOTA guidelines, Level I Fieldwork supervision may be provided by any of the following: academic or fieldwork educators, occupational therapy practitioners initially certified nationally, psychologists, physician assistants, teachers, social workers, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, etc. Level I fieldwork can also be completed with direct contact with patients or through simulated casework paired with a hands-on evaluation of skills.
Rutgers’ OTD program utilizes a didactic approach to Level I fieldwork offering direct patient care opportunities, simulated case studies, hands-on skill evaluations, and live simulated case projects. Our faculty believes having an approach that utilizes both the virtual and real world will decrease the burden on occupational therapy clinical educators while also ensuring students can a variety of learning experiences to improve clinical skills.