Welcome to Fieldwork and Fieldwork Planning!
As required by ACOTE standards for education, all occupational therapy students must complete Level I and Level II fieldwork. The fieldwork placement process begins from the first month that students begin the program. At Samuel Merritt College Level I fieldwork is offered in the summer semester between May 1 and July 15. Students are scheduled for two required assignments which include potential placements at hospitals, schools and other relevant community agencies for a minimum of 60 hours for each of the two required assignments in adult physical disabilities and in a mental health setting. An optional pediatrics placement is available on request for 40 hours. Level II Fieldwork includes two required three month internships that are generally offered by the SMC program during the summer from June to September, followed by the second Level II assignment that extends from the end of September to mid December.
This year we are fortunate to have the addition of Beth Ching, as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for Level I, while Donna Breger Stanton continues to be responsible as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for Level II fieldwork.
Fieldwork I and II classes are located on Blackboard, our on-line teaching system. Through this means, students are able to access the Fieldwork Manual, syllabi and evaluation forms as needed, along with any other relevant information or forms. A chat room is available as well. All students are encouraged to use Blackboard to communicate and share individual experiences or to ask group questions. Fieldwork I requires specific use of Blackboard as discussed once beginning Fieldwork I class.