Occupational Therapy Fieldwork

Fieldwork Requirements

At Etown, we take a personalized approach to fieldwork placement. Students work closely with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator to select placements that align with their interests and career goals. All students receive a Fieldwork Handbook with additional details during their junior year, ensuring they are well-prepared for this critical phase of their education.

• Immersive Learning: Clinical exposure offers the best opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
• Comprehensive Insight: Students gain a deeper understanding of the many factors that influence the OT process, including professional behaviors and ethical considerations.
• Accredited Experience: The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) mandates Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences as part of all OT educational programs.

Fieldwork Level I

Elizabethtown College’s Occupational Therapy Program schedules level I fieldwork in full-day visits during each of the practice courses. Students typically will complete level I fieldwork in various settings for one day/week during respective practice courses. Other schedules may be available, e.g. during spring break. Students will experience a variety of settings including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient and private practice settings, schools, jails, clinics and home health opportunities.

Learning Objectives for Level I Fieldwork (PDF)

Fieldwork Level II

All OT students complete the equivalent of six months of full-time fieldwork as part of their training.

• B.S./M.S. Students: Level II fieldwork takes place after completing all academic coursework, typically in the spring of the 5th year and the summer following the 5th year.
• OTD Students: Level II fieldwork occurs during the summer and fall semesters prior to the Capstone Experience.

The OT Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) begins the process for level II placement during the students’ junior year. Students indicate their preferences in advance of the placement process. Students’ learning needs, previous clinical experiences and exposure, availability and schedules at clinical sites and all relevant information are considered as well as the needs of the overall class of students being placed at that same time.

Placements are confirmed approximately three months before the start of Level II fieldwork, allowing students ample time to arrange housing and other logistics.

Potential fieldwork sites include: