OT 695:
This Level II Fieldwork experience is provided to strengthen the didactic learning experiences of the curriculum. Students’ professional service delivery of client services under supervision is evaluated. Experiences are selected for the quality and compatibility with the institution’s curriculum design. Application of the didactic and Level I fieldwork knowledge, skills, and values are enhanced with client-centered services with professional mentorship and role modeling. Opportunities for discussion and problem-solving (as needed) of fieldwork experiences (including such topics as supervision, evidence use in practice, ethics, methods, and professional roles) will be provided. Discussions may occur on campus or on-line as appropriate. Focus is on developing the necessary entry-level skills for practice.
Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details
Contact Information
Upon Successful completion of this course...
OT 695 FW IIB
C.1.0 Fieldwork education is a crucial part of professional preparation and is best integrated as a component of the curriculum design. The fieldwork experience is designed to promote professional reasoning and reflective practice, transmit the values and beliefs that enable ethical practice, and develop professionalism and competence in career responsibilities. Fieldwork experiences should be implemented and evaluated for their effectiveness by the educational institution. The experience should provide the student with the opportunity to carry out professional responsibilities under the supervision of qualified personnel serving as a role model. The academic fieldwork coordinator is responsible for the program’s compliance with fieldwork education requirements.
N/A – Students may utilize all prior required textbooks from the program as a resource during the fieldwork experience.
Through clinical experience, the student will demonstrate the following (as defined by AOTA’s Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) for the Occupational Therapy Student (Revised in 2020):
FUNDAMENTALS OF PRACTICE
1.) Adheres to the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Code of Ethics and all
federal, state, and facility regulations
2.) Adheres to safety regulations and reports/documents incidents appropriately.
3.) Ensures the safety of self and others during all fieldwork related activities by
anticipating potentially unsafe situations and taking steps to prevent accidents.
BASIC TENETS
4.) Articulates the values, beliefs, and distinct perspective of the occupational therapy
profession to clients and other relevant parties clearly, confidently, and accurately.
5.) Articulates the value of occupation as a method and desired outcome of occupational
therapy to clients and other relevant parties clearly, confidently, and accurately.
6.) Articulates the role of occupational therapy practitioners to clients and other relevant
parties clearly, confidently, and accurately.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
7.) Articulates a clear and logical rationale for the evaluation process based on client
information, contexts, theories, frames of reference, and/or practice models.
8.) Obtains sufficient and necessary information from relevant sources throughout the
evaluation process.
9.) Selects relevant screening and assessment tools based on various factors.
10.) Determines the client’s occupational profile and occupational performance through
interview and other appropriate evaluation methods.
11.) Evaluates and analyzes client factors and contexts that support or hinder occupational
performance.
12.) Administers standardized and non-standardized assessments and surveys accurately
and efficiently to ensure findings are valid and reliable.
13.) Modifies evaluation procedures based on client factors and contexts.
14.) Interprets evaluation results to determine the client’s occupational performance
strengths and challenges.
15.) Synthesizes and documents the results of the evaluation process clearly, accurately,
and concisely, using systematic methods to record the client’s occupational
performance.
INTERVENTION
16.) Articulates a clear and logical rationale for the intervention process based on the
evaluation results, contexts, theories, frames of reference, practice models, and
evidence.
17.) Establishes an accurate and appropriate client-centered plan based on the evaluation
results, contexts, theories, frames of reference, and/or practice models.
18.) Uses evidence from research and relevant resources to make informed intervention
decisions.
19.) Selects client-centered and occupation-based interventions that motivate and challenge
the client to achieve established goals that support targeted outcomes. Includes the consideration of all client-centered components including psychosocial factors.
20.) Implements client-centered and occupation-based intervention plans.
21.) Chooses and, if needed, modifies intervention approach to achieve established goals
that support targeted outcomes.
22.) Modifies task and/or environment to maximize the client’s performance.
23.) Modifies the intervention plan and determines the need for continuation or
discontinuation of services based on the client's status.
24.) Documents the client's response to services in a manner that demonstrates the
effectiveness of interventions.
MANAGEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES
25.) Demonstrates through practice or discussion the ability to collaborate with and assign
appropriate tasks to the occupational therapy assistant, occupational therapy aide, or
others to whom responsibilities might be assigned, while remaining responsible for all
aspects of treatment.
26.) Demonstrates through practice or discussion an understanding of costs and funding
systems related to occupational therapy services, such as federal, state, third party, and
private payers.
27.) Demonstrates knowledge about the organization.
28.) Meets productivity standards or volume of work expected of occupational therapy
students.
COMMUNICATION AND PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS
29.) Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and nonverbally.
30.) Produces clear and accurate documentation.
31.) Collaborates with fieldwork educator(s) to maximize the learning experience.
32.) Takes responsibility for attaining professional competence by seeking out learning
opportunities and interactions with fieldwork educator(s) and others.
33.) Responds constructively to feedback in a timely manner.
34.) Demonstrates consistent and acceptable work behaviors.
35.) Demonstrates effective time management.
36.) Manages relationships effectively through therapeutic use of self and adjusts approach
to meet the needs of clients and others.
37.) Demonstrates respect for diversity factors of others.
WILMINGTON COLLEGE
38.) Adhere to all policies and procedures as directed by the fieldwork site and Wilmington College.
39.) Additional site-specific objectives may be developed and are subject to agreement by all parties.
The student will follow the schedule determined by the fieldwork educator.
- Discussion Board Posts
- Completion of Midterm/Final FWPE
- Completion of SEFWEs (Both educator and experience)
- Completion of OTKE after the student is finished with fieldwork placement
- Completion of graduate survey
The grading scale will be as follows: Pass/Fail
- Completion of the weekly discussion board posts (both the initial post and response) is required to pass this course. The student must follow the posted directions to get a passing score.
- The AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation for the Occupational Therapy Student (FWPE) will be used to determine whether the student passed or failed the Level II fieldwork experience. All items included must be scored to receive a Pass on the FWPE for OTS. A sum score of 111 or higher will be required to receive a Pass on the FWPE for OTS. A score of 3 or higher on the items # 1 (Adheres to the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Code of Ethics and all federal, state, and facility regulations), # 2 (Adheres to safety regulations and reports/documents incidents appropriately), and # 3 (Ensures the safety of self and others during all fieldwork related activities by anticipating potentially unsafe situations and taking steps to prevent accidents) will all be required to receive a Pass on the FWPE for OTS. Scores of 1 on any of the items are not allowed to receive a Pass on the FWPE for OTS.
***Please note: Students must pass this course to graduate from the program. If a student does not pass the course, the student may be allowed one additional opportunity to re-take the course. Prior to being assigned an alternative site, the student will be required to pass a remediation process designed to meet their specific needs. Two failures will result in dismissal. Any behavior in the fieldwork setting that may be judged as detrimental to clients shall be considered reason for immediate withdrawal with a grade recorded as “F”. A student who has been dismissed from a Level II fieldwork for failure to adhere to the American Occupational Therapy Association Code of Ethics, or failure to use sound judgment regarding safety of self and others may also result in immediate dismissal from the program.
Instructor Course Policies
The student will be responsible for following the fieldwork site's policy regarding attendance. It is expected that the student follows what is considered the fieldwork educator's FTE schedule
Weather Attendance Policy
When Wilmington College does not cancel class, but travel conditions prevent the student from traveling to their assigned fieldwork site or being timely in arriving for assigned fieldwork. Students are expected to use professional judgment and make all necessary notifications, if they are unable to be in attendance or will be late (site supervisor and AFWC)
Note: It may be necessary to make up any time lost, which can delay starting a new fieldwork assignment or postpone graduation from the program.
In these situations, students must:
Call the fieldwork site and the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator if you expect to be late (due to weather, etc.). Failure to notify the fieldwork site and the Academic Fieldwork may negatively impact the Fieldwork evaluation and could lead to a formal remediation plan to be put in place.
Coordinator prior to the start of work may be considered a no call/no show, and grades may be adjusted.
Arrange to negotiate with the site and the AFWC to make up time missed.
Meet the minimal requirements for fieldwork time and fieldwork passing grades in order to successfully complete assigned fieldwork and graduate the program. (Minimum hours required for Level I Fieldwork is 30.)
Note: It may be necessary to make up any time lost, which can delay starting a new fieldwork assignment or postpone graduation from the program.
Academic misconduct may result in a failing grade, and a letter regarding the incident may be placed in the student’s permanent file in the Office of Academic Affairs. Academic misconduct includes all types of scholastic dishonesty and includes, but is not limited to, cheating on examinations or assignments, interfering with another student’s work, representing work done by another as your own, and plagiarizing.
Scholastic Dishonesty
Any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to discipline. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable to another person. Examples of scholastic dishonesty include:
Cheating
• Copying from the test paper of another student
• Communicating with another student during a test
• Giving or seeking aid from another student during a test
• Possession and/or use of unauthorized materials during tests (i.e., notes, books, apps, etc.)
• Substituting for another person to take a test
• Falsifying research data, reports, academic work offered for credit Plagiarism
• Using someone’s work in your assignments without the proper citations
• Submitting the same paper or assignment from a different course, without direct permission of instructors
Collusion
• Unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing academic assignments
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is not tolerated and can result in dismissal from the program. Resources are available to help students understand how to avoid plagiarism. Faculty may require students to submit their written assignments through plagiarism software prior to submission. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for help if needed. See the college catalogue and website for further information.
Artificial Intelligence
You are not permitted to use generative AI tools for any work in courses. This includes the use of popular tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, GitHub Co-Pilot, as well as all other tools built on generative AI technologies. Due to the nature of this program, work can only be fairly and accurately evaluated if student writing has NOT been assisted by generative AI. Use of generative AI for assignments in this course will be considered a violation of the College’s academic integrity policies. Assigned reading and corresponding written assignments in this program are designed to develop independent skills and thoughtful perspective through reflective technical writing. Use of AI undermines that work, its purpose, and ultimately any benefit that it could provide towards students’ learning experience. Therefore, the use of any generative AI to help with any assignments will be considered cheating/ plagiarism and will be graded and handled accordingly
Fieldwork Policies
Accident or Injury
It is also important for students to understand the policies and procedures if an accident or injury occurs while in the fieldwork setting. If a student is injured while in the clinical setting, the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) should be contacted immediately and informed of the situation.
Students who are injured or exposed to blood-borne pathogens in a fieldwork setting are required to follow the policies of the fieldwork site. If a student is injured or exposed to blood-borne pathogens during the fieldwork experience, he/she must report the injury or exposure immediately to the fieldwork educator supervising the fieldwork experience and the AFWC. Students who incur injuries or exposures in a fieldwork setting must comply with that facility’s policy and procedure pertinent to the injury/exposure. This compliance includes completing all required documentation and reporting.
Communication Policy
Email and phone are the main ways to communicate with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC). It will be the student’s responsibility to check Blackboard regularly for updates and keep a current email address. Students are required to check email daily (Monday through Friday) and respond in a timely fashion when requested. Email is the best option for communication in non-emergency situations. In emergency situations, the student is required to call and speak directly with the AFWC.
Dress Code
The student will adhere to the Occupational Therapy Program’s dress code policy or the fieldwork site’s dress code policy at all times during fieldwork. If the dress code policy at the fieldwork site is different, the policy at the fieldwork site takes precedence. A name tag is considered essential and is to be worn by the student during all fieldwork experiences (unless deemed inappropriate by the site). Students who do not adhere to the established dress code will be suspended from the facility until compliance with the code is established.
Professional Behaviors
Students are expected to exhibit professional behaviors necessary for occupational therapy practice. These behaviors include, but are not limited to:
Arriving at fieldwork experience on time and staying through the assigned time
Notifying and clearing all absences with the fieldwork supervisor and the AFWC prior to the absence
Arriving to class and the fieldwork site prepared; demonstrating active listening, contributing appropriately to class and fieldwork discussions, asking for clarification when needed, and showing respect for the environment and all parties involved.
Keeping cell phones turned off (or set on vibrate) during fieldwork hours and refraining from answering any calls during work time. (Students may be allowed to return cell phone calls and messages during breaks).
Dressing professionally and maintaining a neat and clean appearance at all times.
Following all rules and expectations of the school and assigned facility.
Adhering to any “no smoking policies in any setting (classroom, fieldwork, etc.)
Safety
Students will need to review the policies and procedures of the fieldwork site regarding safety, such as protocols for fire, weather, and external/internal disasters. It is the responsibility of the student to know and follow the policies of the fieldwork site. A student may be required to assist in a code during the fieldwork experience. Understanding your role during a code from the beginning is critical.
Students must also follow all safety precautions related to patient care (ex. transfers, standard precautions, and OSHA regulations). Students who do not follow safety precautions when working with clients may be at risk of failing the fieldwork experience. If unsure of precautions, ask for clarification.
Student Performance Expectations
Students:
Are required to successfully complete all coursework (B or above) prior to participating in Level II Fieldwork.
Are directly responsible to the fieldwork educator and AFWC during FW experiences. All communication should be directed to these individuals unless informed differently.
Must follow the facility rules, regulations, and procedures at all times.
Are responsible for assuring that completion of their fieldwork experience is thoroughly documented and that all required materials have been received by the AFWC at the end of their experience before grades can be posted.
Additional Expectations
Timely and regular attendance. (If an absence occurs, it is up to the student to negotiate when the time can be made up without interfering with any class time or other fieldwork schedules.)
Maintaining copies of necessary health, insurance, or training requirements and providing the facility with all site-required information.
Calling the facility only when instructed to gather necessary preparatory information.
Appropriately identify themselves as OT students from Wilmington College to any clients, families, and facility personnel.
Demonstrating consistent respect (ex. knocking before entering all client rooms or treatment rooms, addressing individuals as requested, etc.).
Refraining from socializing with peers while working.
Keeping personal phone calls to emergencies only.
Adhering to the policies and procedures of the facility.
Completing assignments associated with fieldwork and adhering to all due dates.
Sharing evaluations of the center with fieldwork educator and academic fieldwork coordinator on or near the last day of fieldwork at that site.
Adhering to the professional code of ethics and confidentiality requirements. Any information concerning a client is confidential and is not to be discussed (even with fellow students, instructors, or supervisors) in any area in which confidentiality cannot be ensured (lunchroom, elevators, lobbies, etc.). Client information should only be shared on a “need-to-know basis” per HIPAA guidelines.
Research information if there are questions. It is the responsibility of the OT student to ask appropriate questions regarding information not covered in coursework
***See Wilmington College MSOT Fieldwork Manual 2024 for policies, procedures, and expectations specific to the Level II FW experience. The FW Manual Student Acknowledgement is signed in lieu of the OT 695 FW II B Student Acknowledgement. ***
Institutional and Program-Level Policies
All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.
Undergraduate: SP25 Final Exam Schedule Graduate: