Please click on a question below to see the answer:
+ Can a COTA supervise an OT student?
A certified occupational therapy assistant can supervise an occupational therapy student during Level I Fieldwork. An occupational therapist (OTR) must supervise an occupational therapy student during Level II Fieldwork.
+ Do I need any special training to become a Fieldwork Educator?
In order to qualify as a clinical instructor, an OT must be certified, licensed and practicing for at least one year. Clinical fieldwork education is an important professional responsibility of every occupational therapist. The college and/or university’s academic fieldwork coordinator will be more than happy to assist you in developing a fieldwork education program at your facility. Contact one of your area’s occupational therapy programs for further information. Additional information is available at the AOTA website. AOTA also offers a Fieldwork Educators certificate workshop to assist with the development of Fieldwork Educator’s. There are many published books and seminars offered to help a new clinical instructor transition into their new role. Please check MOTEC-OT’s resource section for additional information on this topic.
+ Does an OTA student have to have an OTR as a supervisor? Can a COTA supervise an OTA student?
A certified occupational therapy assistant can supervise an occupational therapy assistant student under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist. The occupational therapy assistant student can also be supervised by a registered occupational therapist.
+ Who can supervise a Level I OT or OTA Student?
Qualified personnel can supervise Level I Fieldwork. Examples may include, but are not limited to, currently licensed or otherwise regulated occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, psychologists, physician assistants, teachers, social workers, nurses, and art, dance and physical therapists.
+ How many level II hours do OT students need?
ACOTE requires a minimum of the equivalent of 24 weeks full-time Level II Fieldwork. This may be completed on a full-time basis, but may not be less than half-time as defined by the fieldwork site. This is determined by each program specifically.
+ How many level II hours do OTA students need?
ACOTE requires a minimum of the equivalent of 16 weeks full-time Level II Fieldwork. This may be completed on a full-time basis, but may not be less than half-time as defined by the fieldwork site. This is determined by each program specifically.
+ How many PDU’s does a Fieldwork Educator receive for Level I & II Fieldwork?
PDU’s are earned by occupational therapy Fieldwork Educators based upon the number of weeks they provide supervision. For example, a Fieldwork Educator may earn ONE PDU for EACH week of supervision for an occupational therapy student, or 10-12 PDU’s for the entire FW II. A Fieldwork Educator usually earns 1 PDU for each FWI student they supervise.
+ How much experience do I need to be a supervisor?
The ACOTE standard C.1.14. states the following: Ensure that the student is supervised by a currently licensed or otherwise regulated occupational therapist who has a minimum of 1 year full-time (or its equivalent) of practice experience subsequent to initial certification and who is adequately prepared to serve as a Fieldwork Educator. The supervising therapist may be engaged by the fieldwork site or by the educational program.
+ Where can I find more information on fieldwork performance evaluations?
The AOTA website is very helpful in locating information about fieldwork. The university or program can also be helpful in providing you with information about the performance evaluation.
+ Who do I contact to set up fieldwork opportunities?
Feel free to contact MOTEC-OT or any member school to inquire about fieldwork opportunities. You can also contact the AFWC at a specific school. You can find a list on our member page.
+ What should I do if I have a student who is failing?
If you have a student at your facility that is not passing the specific tasks listed on the Fieldwork Performance Evaluation and is not fulfilling the requirements of the specific goals set up by your fieldwork site, contact the AFWC from the specific college or university in which the student is enrolled. The AFWC can help to establish a learning contract and other mechanisms in order to assist the student.
