Scholarship Actions for Practice-Yellow Cohort 2013
Back in January – February, 2012 the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy sent a survey to Fieldwork partners asking you to share OT practice issues where research evidence is needed. One hundred and twenty (120) of you viewed the survey, 90 started the survey, and 42 completed the survey. This resulted in a 46.6% completion rate. Thank you to everyone who took the time and energy to share your practice concerns with ASOT faculty and students. Since that time, the MSOT students who will begin Level II FW placements on May 14, 2012, have worked on developing advanced research skills, exploring practice evidence, and preparing for their OT practice emersion into various FW sites.
These students have given ASOT permission to share their collective work on practice evidence with you. Attached, please find the culmination of Class of 2013, Yellow Cohort students’ current evidence work titled: Scholarship Actions for Practice.
The document is divided into sections adapted from AOTA’s Centennial Vision.
The sections include:
- Children & Youth,
- Mental Health & Wellness,
- Rehabilitation & Disability,
- Industry & Work
- Aging
Within each of the above categories, there are 3 sections:
Section 1: Critically Appraised Papers (CAPS)
Section 2: Psychometric properties of assessments
Section 3: Evidence Toolboxes
As part of the accreditation standards developed by ACOTE (The American Council on Occupational Therapy Education) each student in an occupational therapy educational program is required to complete fieldwork in a variety of practice settings. Students in the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy complete numerous fieldwork experiences in a variety of locations locally, regionally and nationally. The school has over 180 contracts with varied healthcare and community agencies to provide high caliber clinical education.
Level I Fieldwork
All occupational therapy students at Spalding University complete a minimum of (4) Level I fieldwork experiences. These Level I Fieldwork experiences take place one day each week for 20 weeks during the second year of the program and are linked with didactic learning experiences. The fieldwork experiences are embedded within local pediatric settings, hospitals, outpatient clinics, community agencies, and with private practitioners.
Level I fieldwork students are supervised by occupational therapists and ASOT faculty members as well as other members of interdisciplinary intervention teams. Weekly seminars are held to support the student in his/her growth in linking Level I fieldwork opportunities to knowledge, skill and competence development.
Level II Fieldwork
Occupational therapy students are required to complete 24 weeks of full time Level II Fieldwork in order to be eligible to sit for the national certification examination in occupational therapy and to become licensed in most states. The MSOT program divides the 24 weeks into two twelve (12) week experiences. One of these fieldwork experiences may be completed on a part-time basis. The Level II fieldwork experiences must be completed within 24 months of finishing the academic preparation aspects of the program.
Students in the MSOT program at Spalding University complete Level II Fieldwork experiences in numerous exciting practice environments. These settings are located in the Greater Louisville area as well as throughout the state of Kentucky and surrounding region. The Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy has contracts with practice settings outside of Kentucky including Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina and other states. Students are responsible for transportation, food, and lodging during Level II fieldwork. International students may be able to set up one Level II experience in their country of origin in qualifying agencies in order to facilitate an experience that will support their return home. All agencies working with Spalding University for the education of the MSOT students have entered into contracts assuring that missions are aligned and educational standards for high quality experiences are achieved.
Information for Level I and Level II Fieldwork Educators
No occupational therapy educational program could be complete without the assistance of the Level I and Level II fieldwork educators. Being a fieldwork educator is an exciting opportunity for professional growth and is a method of improving your own competency as a practitioner.
Supervision of Level II students is considered an approved professional development activity for NBCOT renewal of certification. A practitioner may receive 2 units per student for a maximum of 36 units in the competency requirements. Additionally, student fieldwork education qualifies for continuing competency units for annual licensure renewal in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. ASOT supports all individuals interested in supervising Spalding University occupational therapy students through professional educational opportunities.
If you are interested in becoming a Level I or Level II fieldwork educator for the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy at Spalding University please contact Angela Cecil, MBA, OTR/L at acecil03@spalding.edu or (502) 992-2431.