Level 1 Fieldwork: The purpose of Level I fieldwork is to provide experiential opportunities for students to gain the performance competency and confidence for progressing successfully in the academic program. 

Level 2 Fieldwork: The goal of level II fieldwork is to develop competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapy practitioners, it must include an in-depth experience in delivering evidence based occupational therapy services to clients. 

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For Level I fieldwork, a student can be supervised by qualified personnel including, but not limited to, occupational therapy practitioners with initial national certification, psychologists, physician assistants, teachers, social workers, nurses, and physical therapists. 

For Level II fieldwork, an occupational therapist can supervise an occupational therapy student as long as the therapist meets state regulations and has a minimum of 1 year of practice experience subsequent to the requisite initial certification. An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who meets state regulations and has 1 year of practice experience subsequent to the requisite initial certification can supervise an occupational therapy assistant student. 

Yes!

Virginia Continuing Education Units

• Up to two continuing education hours may be satisfied through supervision that promotes education of students. One hour of continuing education may be credited for eight hours of providing such supervision.

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Professional Development Units  

• The NBCOT identifies fieldwork supervision as a professional development activity that may be used towards recertification. One Professional Development Unit per FW I student and 1 unit per 1 week of Fieldwork II supervision is awarded. Clinicians are able to collect a maximum of 18 units over a 3 year period for Fieldwork Supervision.

• Benefits to the Therapist:

  • Advance knowledge and skills, career advancement, continuing education, and contribute to the profession 

• Benefits to the Facility:

  • Staff recruitment, practice advancement, and access to faculty

• Benefits to the Profession:

  • Practice advancement and development of practitioners

• Analyze Your Facility

  • Build support within organization

  • Establish mission and philosophy 

• Collaborate with Academic Programs 

  • Contact academic programs

  • Discuss program curricula and objectives

• Establish a Contract of Agreement

  • Identify rights, responsibilities and the expectations

  • Complete a written agreement

• Develop Student Resources

  • Complete Fieldwork Data Form

  • Establish fieldwork manual and objectives

Concerned about providing a sufficient fieldwork experience? Read these common myths and learn more!