Clinical Education - Fieldwork Description and Manual Pages

UNC-Chapel Hill Occupational Science curriculum design includes developmentally sequenced clinical experiences throughout the course of study.

Clinical experiences are considered part of the curriculum, and are designed tosupport learning relative to the curriculum themes. Class discussions and assignments draw upon clinical experiences to build an understanding of the relationship between academic coursework and occupational therapy practice. These experiences are in a variety of settings, from community based to institutions, with individuals of varying ages, ability levels, and health conditions. Over the course of the academic program, students are exposed to all curriculum objectives in fieldwork experiences. Many courses have additional community based projects, service learning and assignments that are not formal fieldwork experiences. An example of this is student observations in day care centers during the second year of study.

Becoming an occupational therapist encompasses development of clinical as well as professional skills.  Communication, receptiveness to feedback, taking initiative, dependability and other interpersonal behaviors are essential learning outcomes of fieldwork and coursework.

Two levels of fieldwork experiences, Fieldwork I and II, are offered in accordance with the American Occupational Therapy Association "Standards of an Accredited Educational Program for the Occupational Therapist." These experiences are supervised by occupational therapists, as well as other professionals depending on the setting and the purpose of the fieldwork.

Fieldwork I experiences are incorporated in academic courses.

Fieldwork II is a separate course for which students will register as OCCT20A and OCCT 720B. 

The Fieldwork Manual updated every school year includes information on fieldwork preparation, registration, and grading.  Also included is information about selection and assignments of sites.