Part-Time Level II Fieldwork Fact Sheet

Part-time fieldwork is one option for completing community practice requirements necessary to become an occupational therapist. Part-time fieldwork may be completed during the Fall and Spring semesters of the second year of the academic program. Students wishing to be considered for this option will have completed the foundation coursework to become entry-level practitioners, and successfully completed one Level II fieldwork.

Students must complete the equivalent of a 12 full-time week Level II Fieldwork experience.According to ACOTE Standards (12/08), part-time Level II fieldwork “may be completed … as long as it is at least 50% of a full-time equivalent at that site”. For example, if a full-time week is 40 hours, then a part-time fieldwork week is 20 hours per week. Students and supervising practitioners will need tonegotiate the weekly fieldwork schedule to allow attendance in required coursework.

Students will complete the equivalent of 30 full-time days during each of the fall and spring semesters, for a total of the equivalent of 60 full-time days, and enroll for 1 unit of OT 486 credit per semester. It is University policy that students complete equivalent amounts of coursework (in this case, Level II fieldwork), for equal amounts of credit. Therefore,students MAY NOT complete their Level II fieldwork earlier than dates outlined.

Part-time Level II fieldwork starts the week of September 12, 2011and continues for 12 weeks (through approximately December 2nd). Students re-start at the beginning of the spring semester (January9th) and continue for 12 weeks (through approximately March 30th). The facility and student may agree to have the student continue through the Winter Break for patient continuity; however, this time is not required, and cannot be counted toward Level II fieldwork credit.

Part-time fieldwork experiences present unique opportunities and challenges. Students can integrate advanced theoretical concepts as they are learned during the second year of academic coursework. The fieldwork requirement is completed during the spring semester affording earlier eligibility for the NBCOT exam. Challenges includea more demanding schedule during the second year of the academic program, generally higher stress due to increased time and energy demands,and a somewhat limited availability of fieldwork sites and settings for this format. Working a part-time job in addition to taking a full-time graduate course load and part-time fieldwork is not recommended.

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The Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy has established criteria for assignment of part-time fieldwork as a means to provide success in this unique experience.

Criteria for inclusion in the selection process is based on the following factors:

1)Summer classroom assistants - priority

2)Successful completion of first year coursework

3)Successful completion of first Level II fieldwork

4)Grade Point Average

5)Evidence of positive time management skills

6)Recommendations from faculty

In summary:

  • Part-time fieldwork is at least 50% of a full-time equivalent at the site (usually means 20 hours/week) which would the equivalent of 60 full-time days over 24 weeks.
  • Students and supervising practitioners will need to negotiate the weekly FW schedule to allow attendance in required coursework.
  • Equal amounts of work shall be completed in both Fall and Spring semesters. (Thus, students may not complete their Level II fieldwork earlier than 12 weeks into the spring semester, or roughlyMarch 30th if completing 20 hours/week).
  • Students may wish or be asked to come in during the winter break for patient continuity; however, this time cannot be “counted” toward Level II fieldwork credit (refer to previous statement above).

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