Course Syllabus
Course Number: OTHA 2266
Course Name: Practicum I
Revised 6-3-2014
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 to 5:00 (or as determined by FWE)
Semester Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours per week: 0
Lab Hours per week: 40
Contact Hours per Semester: 320
Prerequisites: All previous OTHA classes
Co-Requisite: None
Instructor: Cheri Lambert, MS, OTR
Instructor’s Office Location and Phone Number: HSC Rm# 141, 903-694-4025
E-mail Address: clambert@panola.edu
Course Description: A method of instruction providing detailed education, training and work-based
experience and direct patient/client care, generally at a clinical site. Specific detailed learning objectives
are developed collaboratively by the faculty and clinical instructor. Establishing on-site clinical
instruction, supervision, evaluation and placement is the responsibility of the college faculty. Clinical
experiences are unpaid external learning experiences. Course may be repeated if topics and learning
outcomes vary. This is the first of two capstone experiences which provide an opportunity for students to
integrate and apply all previous didactic and clinical coursework.
Purpose and Goals of the Course: As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and
skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions
within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the
delivery of occupational therapy services. The student will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety
practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills.
Course’s Relationship to Curriculum:
This course is the first of two capstone experiences for the student to demonstrate knowledge,
comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of the occupational therapy process
while under the guided supervision of an occupational therapy practitioner.
Assignments
*AOTA Fieldwork Performance
Evaluation (FWPE)
All other assignments
Weight
90%
10%
Grading Scale
% Score
70-100
69 or
below
Letter Grade
Pass
Fail
* The student must earn no less than a ―3‖ on items 1 -3 on the FWPE which involve ethical and safety
issues. Failure to do so will result in failure of this course.
Note 1: No scores will be rounded.
Note 2: All rules and regulations printed in the College catalog, The Pathfinder and the OTA Student
Policy Manual will be reinforced throughout this course.
Note 3: The OTA Program will not tolerate any form of academic dishonesty as defined in The
Pathfinder or unethical behaviors as defined in the OTA Program’s Student Policy Manual. Any student
participating in academic dishonesty or unethical behaviors of any type will receive a zero (0) on the
assignment or exam and may be subject to further disciplinary action.
Note 4: It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that the course instructor receives the original
midterm and final fieldwork performance evaluations forms in a timely manner. If these documents are
not received on the due date, a strike may be earned for each day late.
Student Responsibilities
1. Students are expected to show respect for fellow classmates and instructors by being punctual for
2.
3.
4.
all class periods.
Students should complete all reading assignments and or lab assignments prior to class.
Students are expected to participate actively in class discussions and experiences.
It is the student’s responsibility to consistently monitor the class process through the use of the
online learning management system. Students are expected to print out all course materials prior
to the class date listed on the learning management system. Given this expectation, the student
should maintain access to a reliable computer system to remain in good standing in the course.
Students should notify the instructor in advance if unable to take a scheduled examination. If not,
unexcused absence will result and the student will receive a zero for the exam. A make up test will
not be given in this circumstance.
6. Students are responsible for all materials missed due to absences.
7. Grades or points allotted for daily work, quizzes, and labs cannot be made up in the case
of an absence.
Students are expected to turn in completed assignments on time. The course instructor may
8.
extend the deadline if notified of extenuating circumstances prior to the due date. Students can
expect a STRIKE for every day it is late.
9. Grades or points allotted for daily work, quizzes, and labs cannot be made up in the case
of an absence.
10. Students are expected to accept constructive feedback and modify behavior as
appropriate.
11. When interacting with peers, College staff and faculty, students are expected to be positive,
sensitive, considerate, polite and tolerant.
For
specific conduct and behavior expectations, refer to the OTA Program Student Policy
12.
Manual.
5.
Attendance:
Given the nature of this course, if students are absent, a specific make up plan must be created at the
discretion of the fieldwork educator and course instructor in order to obtain the required 320 hours.
In the event that a student is absent or arrives late, the student MUST notify both the fieldwork educator
and the course instructor prior to the designated work shift. If you leave the site early, you must also
notify both the fieldwork educator and the course instructor. Any student failing to adhere to this
requirement will lose 5 points from his/her overall COURSE grade per event. For example, if you have a
70% average at the end of the semester and you failed to report one absence, your average will be
adjusted to 65%, which would result in failure of the course. Try to talk to the fieldwork educator and OTA
office secretary if at all possible—leave a message as a last resort for the fieldwork educator and get the
name of the person taking the message. It’s very simple and professional to call if you are going to miss
any portion of your assigned day. For additional specific attendance requirements, refer to the current
Panola College Catalog and OTA Program Student Manual.
If any student in this class has special classroom or testing needs because of a physical, learning, or
emotional condition, please contact ADA Counselor in the Administration Building, telephone 903-693-
OTHA 2266 – Practicum I – revised 6/14
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1123 to make arrangements for any required accommodations within the first seven days of the
semester. Withdrawing from a course is the student’s responsibility. If you do not withdraw yourself, you
will receive an F on your transcript for this course.
Learning Objectives:
1.
The student will identify and apply fundamentals of practice to maintain an ethical and safe
clinical environment.
2.
The student will show understanding of the basic tenets of occupational therapy by creating
evidenced based treatment interventions that highlight the use of occupations.
3.
The student will gather data, administer selected assessment tools, assist with interpretation of
the information and collaborate with the OT to establish client centered, occupation based goals.
4.
The student, in collaboration with the occupational therapist practitioner, will design, implement
and modify occupation based therapeutic activities to meet the treatment goals of their clients.
5.
The student will demonstrate the ability to establish a therapeutic relationship with clients by
using his or her personality, insights, perceptions and judgments in a way that facilitates the
accomplishment of established client goals.
6.
The student will illustrate professionalism through verbal and written communications with peers,
staff, clients and family members.
7.
The student will identify and implement professional work behaviors including responding to
feedback, time management, interpersonal skills and respect for cultural diversity.
Note: There may be additional student learning objectives developed in collaboration with the fieldwork
educator that is specific to the work setting and services provided by at the facility/site.
Methods of Evaluation:
Performance/
Method of Measurement
Learning Outcome
1-7
The student will earn no less than a total average score of 70 out of 100
points as outlined in AOTA’s , Fieldwork Performance Evaluation for the
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student (FWPE). This objective
evaluates Learning Objectives #1-7.
SCANS implemented in these course objectives include:
II.D.i, I.A.i., I.A.ii, II.C.ii., I.B.v, I.B.i, I.B.ii, I.B.iii, I.C.iii, II.B.v., II.B.vi, I.C.v., II.D.ii
Texts, Materials, and Supplies:
No new texts are required for this course, however students are expected to use all resources acquired
to this point in their educational program to include: texts, notebooks, handouts and other materials
provided.
Evaluation/Assignment Descriptions:
AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation – 100% (Sample provided on Canvas)
1. This form must be completed within E-value by the end of the 4th week and on the last day of
fieldwork. Late submission will result in disciplinary action and/or a two (2) point overall grade
deduction per day if advance arrangements are not made with the instructor.
2. An overall score of at least a 70% must be achieved on the end-of-rotation evaluation in order
to pass this course (regardless of the overall course grade).
3. A score of 3 or more must be achieved on the end-of-rotation evaluation on performance
items 1-3 of this form to pass this course.
OTHA 2266 – Practicum I – revised 6/14
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Student Evaluation of the Fieldwork Instruction Form – See example
1. This form must be completed within E-value at both the midterm and final evaluation. Late
submission will result in disciplinary action and/or a two (2) point overall grade deduction
per day if advance arrangements are not made with the instructor.
2. Professional constructive comments are required on this form to support your FWEd’s
awareness of their skills as an instructor.
3. Each submission of this assignment will be graded on the quality of feedback given for
each section, 10 points per section for a total of 60 pts.
Midterm Performance Overall Rating - See example
1. This form must be completed within E-value by the end of the 4th week of your rotation. Late
submission will result in disciplinary action and/or a two (2) point overall grade deduction per
day.
Fieldwork Manual Assignment
Refer to the document ―Recommended Content for Fieldwork Manual‖ for this assignment. Not counting
#8, the OTPF, there are 16 sections in the manual that you might consider developing or enhancing
specifically at your site. You will need to collaborate with your FWE to complete this assignment. For
example, if your FWE has a preference for which areas of the manual he or she would like for you to
develop or enhance, you will follow their lead. For this assignment you must:
1. Fully describe the setting in which you are completing your fieldwork (includes facility, types of
patients, typical caseload, FWE name and credentials, etc.).
2. Address #4 by developing at least two site-specific objectives linked to one or more of the 25
broader objectives on the evaluation form (there are resources for examples on the FW resources
section of the PC OTA website).
3. Pick one other area in the ―recommended content‖ section to develop or enhance.
4. Pick one area in the ―additional information‖ section to develop or enhance.
5. Submission of this assignment will be in electronic format, in ONE MS word document.
Grading will be as follows:
OTHA 2266 – Practicum I – revised 6/14
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Panola College OTA Program
Student Evaluation of Fieldwork Instruction
Student Name: ______________________________Course: __________________
Facility Name: __________________________________________
This evaluation tool should be completed (typed) by the student and discussed with the fieldwork
educator (FWE) by the last week of the fieldwork rotation. A copy should be left with the FWE and the
original returned to the course instructor by the published due date.
Complete the questions below thoughtfully and accurately.
Provide constructive feedback with examples for your score in each area.
1. Clinical Site
The clinical site provides a student-friendly environment that supports the learning process.
1
Strongly Disagree
Comments:
2
Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly Agree
2. Professionalism
The fieldwork educator (FWE) demonstrates professional behaviors consistent with those instilled by the
Panola College OTA program. (ie. initiation, dependability, respectfulness, organization, communication
skills, cooperation, and adherence to safety requirements)
1
Strongly Disagree
2
Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly Agree
Comments:
3. Therapeutic Use of Self
The fieldwork educator cultivates a therapeutic relationship (planned use of personality as a part of the
intervention process) and demonstrates the ability to connect interpersonally with their clients.
1
2
3
4
Strongly Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Disagree
Comments:
4. Clinical Reasoning
OTHA 2266 – Practicum I – revised 6/14
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The fieldwork educator demonstrates and discusses clinical reasoning for selection of evidence based
treatment intervention types. (FWE explains why the intervention is the best choice)
1
Strongly Disagree
2
Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly Agree
Comments:
5. Practice Skills
The fieldwork educator demonstrates the ability to implement effective occupation based, client centered
interventions (meaningful to client and goal directed).
1
Strongly Disagree
2
Disagree
3
Agree
4
Strongly Agree
Comments:
6. Suggestions
A. The best part about being at this facility was….
B. Something you might think about adding to this experience is…..
We have mutually shared and clarified the information above.
Date: ____________________
Fieldwork Educator:
Student:
__________________________ ________________________
(printed name)
(signature)
__________________________ _________________________
(printed name)
(signature)
OTHA 2266 – Practicum I – revised 6/14
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Midterm Performance Rating
Student: ________________________
Date: ___________
AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) midterm total score: ____________
Please circle one of the following ratings that best reflect the student’s overall midterm
performance standing:
Rating
The student’s
performance is
significantly below
standards.
The student could
be at risk of failing
the rotation.
The student is
meeting most of the
performance
standards.
The student is
exceeding in most of
the standards
Criteria
The student’s performance is far below
expectations. Failure is imminent unless the
student’s performance significantly
improves. A plan of action has been
created and discussed with the student.
The student is aware that in order to pass
this rotation, progress must be seen weekly
per the established action plan.
The student is progressing but lacks skills in
specific areas that must be improved in
order to pass this rotation. A plan of action
has been discussed with the student and
documented. The student is aware that in
order to pass this rotation, progress must be
seen weekly per the established action plan.
The student is performing at a ―just right‖
level at this time and should pass the
rotation if performance continues at the
present pace.







Actions for FWE
Call the course
instructor
Send a copy of the
FWPE to the
instructor
Establish a clear
action plan for
improvement
Call the course
instructor
Send a copy of the
FWPE to the
instructor
Establish a clear
action plan for
improvement
Continue to monitor
progress and ensure
that the student has
opportunity to
improve low scores
The student is performing at a skilled level
and is expected to pass this rotation if
performance continues at the present pace.
_____________________________
FW Educator Signature
_____________________________
OTAS Signature
** The student must fax this form and action plan (if applicable) to the Panola College
OTA office by the fifth week of each rotation. Fax #: 903-694-4010
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