Fieldwork Descriptions

Fieldwork I

Fieldwork I experiences are incorporated in academic courses. Fieldwork I (FW I) is an integral component of learning the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the occupational therapist. From the beginning of the program, structured opportunities for conducting observation, interview, assessment, evaluation and treatment in clinical settings enable the student to apply course work and theoretical information to practice settings. Course instructors plan Fieldwork I assignments in a developmental progression for gradual building of clinical skills. In early courses, FW I expectations focus on developing observation and interviewing skills. Subsequent fieldwork experiences are designed to advance students’ evaluation and intervention skills. Most FW I experiences are local (within 50 miles of Chapel Hill). Students are frequently assigned to FW sites outside of the Triangle for the week-long experiences.

Fieldwork II

Fieldwork II is a separate course for which students will register as OCCT20A and OCCT 720B.   Except in rare circumstances FW II is a full time experience. Refer to the Fieldwork Manual for schedule of fieldwork experiences. There is no vacation or holiday time during FW II experiences. Students should not assume a Monday to Friday Schedule. The Student follows the schedule of the site during FW II. In many hospitals and rehabilitation centers, for example, occupational therapists may work weekends or four 10 hour days. All occupational therapy students must complete Level II Fieldwork within 24 months following completion of academic preparation.

Student Data Form for Fieldwork

Fieldwork Coordinator:

Kate Sorensen, OTD, OTR/L, ADAC
Clinical Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC)
Division of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, CB# 7122
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Email: kate_sorensen@med.unc.edu