Boston UniversityMary Evenson, OTD, MPH, OTR/L
Level II Fieldwork (LIIFW) and Courses

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Level II Fieldwork (LIIFW in entry-level BS/MSOT and MSOT programs at Boston University):

The goal of Level II fieldwork is to offer the practical experiences and professional interactions that will enable students to become competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapists.  Achieving this goal means that students who have completed the Level II Fieldwork aspect of the academic program will be prepared to enter employment, having established basic competencies in occupational therapy evaluation and intervention services.  The purpose is to provide students with an in‑depth, supervised experience in which their knowledge and skills are applied and consolidated, while having the opportunity to assume responsibility for the delivery of occupational therapy services to patients/clients, under the supervision of a qualified occupational therapy practitioner.

 

Please visit the BU Sargent website on LIIFW.

 

SAR-OT589 Orientation to Practice:

This graduate course in occupational therapy is designed to orient and introduce students to current and emerging areas of practice.  The influence of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Centennial Vision on curriculum themes and contemporary practice will be featured.  Goals, guidelines, policies and procedures for participating in the academic program’s Level I (LIFW) and Level II (LIIFW) fieldwork programs will be reviewed.  Guest faculty and practitioners will share their experience and expertise for various areas of practice to aid students in understanding the typical contexts of fieldwork experiences that will be an integral part of the curriculum degree program. This course is intended to introduce students to common types of client populations across the lifespan and typical interventions and goals for mental health, pediatrics, and physical disabilities practice. Training in confidentiality/privacy laws will be provided to support students in abiding by professional ethics and behaviors.  Additionally, opportunities for professional development within and outside of the University will be highlighted. The format of the class will be lecture and discussion.

 

SAR-OT590 Fieldwork Seminar: 

This course is presented to students during their last semester on campus to prepare them for Level II fieldwork. At the end of the fieldwork seminar series, students will:

1.      have an understanding of the objectives for a level II experience.

2.      understand how the level II fieldwork experience fits into the curriculum.

3.      understand the concept of leadership in whatever setting in which they are.

4.      have an overview of the level II experience.

5.      understand their role in providing medical insurance information, immunization records, CPR, first aid, results of CORI checks and Child Abuse Clearances, and whatever else might be requested.

6.      understand how to apply for financial aid for the fieldwork experience

7.      identify the important dates on which items are due, based on their own schedule.

8.      understand the importance of the personal data form and how to fill it out.

9.      know the skeleton outline for an introductory letter to a fieldwork site.

10.  know BU’s policies regarding absences during fieldwork or termination of fieldwork.

11.  understand BU’s grading policy for fieldwork.

12.  understand how the ADA and the Buckley Amendment apply to fieldwork.

13.  have a beginning understanding of how to enter a new system.

14.  have an understanding of the role of the student on fieldwork.

15.  have a beginning understanding of supervision and the role of the supervisor.

16.  have an understanding of the role of the academic fieldwork coordinator.

17.  be familiar with the AOTA fieldwork evaluation form.

18.  know the sequence of events leading up to graduation and during graduation.

19.  know the timeline and procedure for applying for the certification exam.

20.  know how to contact different licensure boards for applications for licensure.

21.  understand the concepts of temporary vs. permanent license.

22.  list a variety of options of how to find a job.

23.  know want is on the Level II course site and how to access it.

 

SAR-OT593/OT594 Level II Fieldwork (LIIFW):

Students begin the Level II Fieldwork (SAR-OT593 and OT594) component of the program after completing the four semesters of academic course work. A minimum of 24 weeks of clinical internship, which are completed in two 12-week full-time placements, is required for certification to practice. The BU program currently has contracts with over 800 sites across the United States. The Fieldwork Coordinator works with each student to identify placements that provide an appropriate range of experiences with different age groups and disability conditions and fit with the students' interests, geographic preferences, and finances. The Fieldwork Coordinator remains in contact with students and available for support or problem-solving throughout their Level II Fieldwork period.

            Level II Fieldwork provides students with an in-depth, supervised experience through which knowledge and skills are consolidated in a context that provides opportunity to assume responsibility for the delivery of occupational therapy services to patients/clients. Thus, LIIFW is designed to achieve an effective transition from the role of student to the role of entry-level occupational therapist. Some important objectives of the Level II fieldwork experience include:

          To develop increasing competence selecting and administering assessment instruments and evaluating, interpreting, and documenting the occupational needs of individuals and groups.

          To plan, implement, and justify intervention and discharge plans consistent with evaluation results, the individual or group's essential roles, the theoretical model(s) applicable to the fieldwork setting, and evidence-based practice.

          To work collaboratively with clients, families, and colleagues in a professional context, respecting diverse social/cultural values and practices.

          To demonstrate personal responsibility for continued learning by initiating independent study and accessing appropriate resources as needed to guide practice decisions.

          To demonstrate awareness of and concern for social and health care issues as these influence individual clients and their families as well as the community at large.

 

Courses (BS/MSOT and MSOT):

SAR-OT500 Integrative Seminar I

This is the first in a four-seminar sequence. It is designed to develop and enhance clinical observation and reasoning by integrating knowledge and skills from previous educational and work experiences and from concurrent OT courses with weekly fieldwork experiences. This seminar focuses on reasoning related to topics including professional socialization, ethical practice, group dynamics, analysis and adaptation of activities, occupational performance across the life course, client-centered and evidence-based practice, as they relate to working with persons and populations of all ages in a variety of OT practice contexts. The professional portfolio is introduced. Self-directed and collaborative learning, class participation, and reflective journaling are essential aspects of this seminar.

 

SAR-OT501 Integrative Seminar II and LIFW

This is the second in a four-seminar sequence designed to develop and enhance clinical reasoning processes by integrating knowledge and skills from previous educational and work experiences and from concurrent OT courses with weekly fieldwork experiences. This seminar focuses on reasoning related to therapeutic rapport and communication; theories of learning and behavior change; the assessment, intervention, and documentation process; use of theory and research evidence in practice; and other professional topics and issues as they relate to working with persons and populations of all ages in a variety of OT practice contexts. Self-directed and collaborative learning, class participation, reflective journaling, problem-based case studies, and ongoing development of a professional portfolio are essential aspects of this seminar.

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Boston University

Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College

Dept of Occupational Therapy

635 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA  02215 (617-353-2000)

Boston University | Sargent College | OT Programs | BU Info Center | Directory |  LIIFW

Nov 2011