OTA Level I and Level II Fieldwork Description
Level I Fieldwork
The AOTA Standards describe Level I Fieldwork as “experiences designed to enrich didactic coursework for the purpose of directed observation and participation in selected fieldwork settings.”
New England Institute of Technology’s OTA program has designed the Level I Fieldwork experience to provide students with the opportunity to explore various clinical/community settings. All students will participate in two (2) Level I Fieldwork experiences (1) one in Quarter 3 and one (1) in Quarter 4. Students will spend thirty (30) hours within a ten (10) week period at one site. Previous work/volunteer experience may not substitute for Level I fieldwork. An additional one-hour per week will be spent in a seminar class in which students will discuss and integrate this experience with faculty and fellow students.
Students will begin to integrate academic course work and progress through:
· Observation of professionals and recipients of service in various clinical/community programs.
· Interactions with patients/clients.
· Development of appreciation for Occupational Therapy service as it relates to various clinical/community programs.
· Development of professional and interpersonal skills.
The AOTA Standards also state “Level I Fieldwork shall be supervised by qualified personnel including but not limited to teachers, social workers, nurses, physical therapists, etc.” The OTA program will often utilize non-traditional personnel for supervision of level I students. This directly relates to the OTA program Mission and Philosophy.
Level II Fieldwork
The AOTA Standards describe the level II Fieldwork as “required and designed to provide in-depth experiences in developing occupational therapy services, and to develop and expand a repertoire of occupational therapy practice.”
Successful completion of two (2) Level II Fieldwork experiences is required for all students, prior to completing the academic program. Students will complete two 8-week Level II fieldwork experiences, working full time for a total of 16 weeks of fieldwork training.
The student will participate in all aspects of the occupational therapy practice setting. Application of skills will be reinforced in the fieldwork setting under the supervision of a COTA or OTR. Students will participate in the evaluation process, plan and implement treatment programs engage in written and verbal professional communication, and develop professional relationships. Over the course of the fieldwork experience the students will transition from active participant to an entry-level clinician.
· Students should expect to travel a maximum of one (1) hour to Level II fieldwork sites.
The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator will schedule meetings to assist students with reviewing all fieldwork files and assist in the selection process.
Please Note: Fieldwork sites are not guaranteed. Every effort will be made to secure sites for all students. However, occasionally sites are unable to maintain their commitments. Students may have to postpone the start of a fieldwork experience if a site is unavailable until another placement can be arranged. Students are encouraged not to contact sites on their own. Please meet with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) to discuss your options and the AFWC will contact the fieldwork sites and will consider suggested sites whenever appropriate.
All students are encouraged to participate in the planning of their fieldwork. This gives the student an opportunity to explore possible training experiences that appear challenging, exciting, and educational. Students who have relatives or friends available to house them during Level II Fieldwork may wish to travel beyond the New England area to complete Fieldwork. The OTA faculty is committed to exploring contracts with any appropriate fieldwork site.
Dress Code
Policy:
A major focus of the mission of New England Institute of Technology and the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is to provide educational opportunities focusing on developing professional skills. A major aspect of professionalism is personal presentation. The staff and students not only represent the College, but also represent the field of Occupational Therapy, through their appearance and demeanor in the community. This policy is recognition that there is a direct correlation between the appearance of the students and the patient’s perception of the quality of service they can expect. To deliver effective, quality care to patients, it is important that each of us avoid calling undue attention to ourselves in our appearance and dress.
General Standards:
1. All students must present themselves in a professional manner consistent with the image of New England Institute of Technology and the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program as a center of excellence in education and professional development.
2. Students must be neat, clean and well groomed at all times.
3. Attire and personal grooming must satisfy all safety and health regulations.
4. A student identification badge must be visible at all times, face front, chest level, with the student’s name and department clearly visible.
5. Clothing: Students must wear clothing appropriate to the professional standards of their position. Acceptable attire will be clean, pressed and in good repair. Fit of clothing will allow for required movement for job performance without the exposure of abdomen or lower back. Unacceptable workplace attire in all areas of the fieldwork includes:
· Crop tops, tank tops, halter tops and spaghetti-strap tops
· Muscle shirts
· Short skirts (around the knee is okay)
· Sheer, see-through blouses, shirts or other clothing
· Low cut tops that may be revealing during the normal course of work activities
· Sweat suits and athletic wear
· Low cut or tight pants or slacks
· Casual or walking shorts or skorts
· Blue jeans or blue denim clothing
· Casual tee-shirts, tee-shirts with logos and sweatshirts
6. Footwear: Shoes must have a professional appearance and be consistent with the safety requirements of the position. Beach type sandals are not acceptable. Dress sandals and open toed shoes are permitted only if approved by the facilities’ policies and if the job function can be performed safely while wearing them. (Check with your immediate supervisor regarding policies). Check with your clinical instructor to be sure.
7. Jewelry and Body Piercing: Jewelry is to be simple and appropriate to business attire and consistent with the safety requirements of the position. Visible piercing should be limited to the ear and must be professional in appearance.
8. Fingernails: Nails must be neat and clean, well manicured and kept at an appropriate length for cleanliness and work activities. JCAHO standards do not allow acrylic nails in healthcare facilities.
9. Fragrances: Colognes and perfumes may be worn in moderation only.
10. Tattoos: Tattoos should not be visible during the normal course of work activities.
RLS 7/10