Fieldwork

Level I Fieldwork (FWI) experiences are integrated within academic courses throughout the program. They are designed to introduce students to the values and traditions of the profession, and to provide opportunities to build skills in observation, interview, activity analysis, and critical thinking. The academic fieldwork coordinator places each student in a variety of settings for five days during each of the first fall, spring and summer semesters. Students work alongside professional personnel who provide services to children with special needs, adults with psychosocial or cognitive limitations, and/or aged persons. .

Level II Fieldwork (FWII) experiences are a fundamental component of students’ overall education. Placements are arranged by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. The goal of Level II Fieldwork is to develop competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapists. Level II Fieldwork promotes clinical reasoning and reflective practice, transmits the values and beliefs that enable ethical practice, and develops professionalism and competence as career responsibilities. These experiences are a commitment commensurate to a full-time job. Entry-level students are required to complete two separate full-time equivalent 12 weeks placements in a general rehabilitation setting and in a practice area of interest. All Level II Fieldwork must be successfully completed within 24 months after academic coursework is completed.

Requirements for Participating in Fieldwork

Barry University contracts with fieldwork centers which require that students be in good health before beginning a placement. Students are required to submit a Health Information Form signed by their physician and proof of vaccination to the Occupational Therapy Program (via certifiedbackground.com) by registration time for the first Fall semester.

A drug screening and level II criminal background check must also be completed at orientation before students may participate in any fieldwork experiences.

Fieldwork sites may deny a student’s participation in any of the fieldwork experiences because of any felony or misdemeanor conviction, failure of a required drug test, or inability to produce an appropriate health clearance, which would result in delayed graduation and/or in the inability to graduate from the program. An individual who has been convicted of a felony may be denied certification or licensure as a health professional. Information regarding individual eligibility may be obtained from the appropriate credentialing bodies.

Fieldwork centers also require evidence of training in health and safety topics including HIV/infection control, CPR and HIPAA regulations. Occupational therapy students in the program are provided training in these areas during the first year of the curriculum. Students must remain in good academic standing and have passed the Comprehensive examination successfully in order to participate in FWII.