Fieldwork
National and state-wide fieldwork sites provide students with an opportunity to gain graded practical experience under the supervision of an occupational therapist in a variety of practice settings. Puerto Rico fieldwork placements may also be available. There are two types of fieldwork experiences:
Level I fieldwork (160 hours minimum) begins after the first semester and continues throughout the second year of the professional program. Students provide limited evaluations and services to clients in a therapeutic setting. Students and supervisors negotiate assignments to reflect client needs and opportunities available in that setting.
Level II fieldwork (24 weeks/6 months) is a full-time commitment following the successful completion of the academic professional program. An OT intern works in a setting with clients providing the full scope of OT services, including evaluations, treatment planning, service provision, discharge planning, and representing the OT perspective on an interdisciplinary team. The intern is expected to have entry-level competence upon completion of the Level II fieldwork assignment. The student is eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Examination after successful completion of all academic and Level II fieldwork requirements.
Local and national fieldwork sites are available for both Level I and Level II placements. Students in the program should be prepared to purchase professional-resource materials and pay costs for fieldwork requirements. A limited number of Colorado sites are available, which may necessitate out-of-state fieldwork placements. In addition, students in the curriculum must purchase professional liability insurance.
If you fail to pass the OT Department's character requirements, you will be ineligible to complete the program.
Character Requirements for CSU Fieldwork and NBCOT Certification
Students must pass criminal background checks, drug screening and health/immunization requirements in order to be eligible to enroll in Level I OT Fieldwork and Level II Fieldwork and complete the MSOT program. Contact the department head if you have questions about the criminal background check process to meet fieldwork requirements. Students must also pass similar requirements imposed by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy ( NBCOT ) in order to sit for the NBCOT exam.
Students are encouraged to participate in NBCOT's Early Determination Character Review (http://www.nbcot.org/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=77&z=15 ) prior to applying to the program. Students who have additional questions or would like additional information, may contact the Regulatory Affairs Department at NBCOT, located at 800 S. Frederick Avenue, Suite 200 , Gaithersburg , Maryland 20877 .
Requirements for OTR Certification
To practice occupational therapy, students must pass NBCOT's national certification exam. After successful completion, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Many states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Exam and continuing education requirements that are unique from state to state.
Additional information about occupational therapy can be obtained by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association at 4720 Montgomery Lane, PO Box 31220 , Bethesda , MD 20824-1220 , phone (301)652-2682 or the web site www.aota.org .
The Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 4720 Montgomery Lane, PO Box 31220 , Bethesda , MD 20824-1220 , (301)652-2682. Visit www.aota.org for additional information. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is the credentialing agency responsible for the development and implementation of the certification process for OT practioners.
To practice as an occupational therapist, students must graduate from our MSOT program, pass NBCOT's character review and national certification exam. After successful completion, the individual will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR.) Many states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification exam.
View the Student Fieldwork Handbook (links to RamCT Homepage)
The Fieldwork Office is located in the OT Building, room 202. Phone: 970.491.6254.
Please contact Debi Krogh-Michna (dmichna@cahs.colostate.edu) for more information.
