OT-239 and OT-251
ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Department of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Technology
Clinic - Level IIA and Level IIB
Spring 2009
I. COURSE TITLES:
OT 239 (Level IIA) - 6 credits
Level IIA Clinical Fieldwork- Psychosocial, School-Based,
Developmental Disabilities, Pediatric, or Emerging Practice
OT 251 (Level IIB) - 6 credits
Level IIB Clinical Fieldwork- Physical Disabilities
II. INSTRUCTORS:
III. CONTACT:
Office Hours:
-
David M. Merlo, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator.
Fieldwork Educators- as assigned based on individual
site placement.
See posted office hours.
* Also by appointment. Because Level II is off-campus,
email and voicemail will be promptly answered on a daily
basis. Site meetings will occur as needed/requested.
Office Location:
113 Kittinger Hall
Phone:
851-1312
When leaving voice-mail, speak loud and clear. Be sure to
state your name and phone number where you can be
reached.
Fax:
851-1267
E-mail:
merlodm@ecc.edu
Web:
http://ANGEL.ecc.edu (requires login and password)
IV: TEXT:
-
Quick Reference to Occupational Therapy by Reed,
Kathlyn. Aspen Publishers.
-
Other relevant textbooks utilized throughout the OTA
program.
V: COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Eight weeks (40 full-time equivalent days) of intensive clinical experience in the
delivery of occupational therapy services. Supervised practice of treatment
intervention, note writing and oral presentation will be emphasized. Clinical settings
will include:
 OT239- psychosocial, developmental disabilities, school-based, or
emerging/nontraditional settings.
 OT251- physical disability settings including acute, subacute and long-term
care settings.
1
OT-239 and OT-251
Prerequisites for Level II Prior to starting Level II Fieldwork you must have or
complete the following:
Prior to starting Level II fieldwork student must have or complete the following:
 Successfully complete and pass all of the required academic courses. All OT,
biology and psychology courses must be passed with a grade of “C” or better.
 Successfully complete and pass all Level I fieldwork with a grade of “C” or better.
 Must be registered for OT239 and/or OT251.
 Verification of recent physical examinations and immunizations within 6 months
prior to start of Level II, and have no diseases or conditions that would create
health risks for patients and staff, or prevent the student from in performing the
essential functions of a COTA at the specified Level II fieldwork site.
Immunization against Hepatitis B is required. Students must also receive and
verify tuberculosis screening.
 Must have a reliable form of transportation to and from all fieldwork site locations.
 Must submit to the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at ECC current and accurate
information regarding personal mailing address and phone number where the
student can be reached.
 Receive Department Head approval to proceed with Level II fieldwork.
 NOTE: Level II fieldwork must be completed within 20 months of the completion
of OT Department didactic courses.
VI: COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of this course students will meet al ECC
Program Competencies and ACOTE standards and be able to...
1. Demonstrate the ability to foster caring therapeutic relationship with
patients/clients utilizing empathy, unconditional reward, listening and responding
skills.
2. Identify basic patient needs and deficits by utilizing available resources, i.e.:
medical chart, initial screening, occupational therapy evaluation, patient/client
observation, team members, family and significant others.
3. Participate in assessment of patient/client occupational performance capacities
and/or limitations.
4. Based on patient/client goals, plan a therapeutic program to prevent deterioration
or promote independence in a patient/client performance of work, self-care and
play/leisure.
5. Select appropriate therapeutic activities to meet an individual's performance in
work, self-care, and play by incorporating components of an individual's life
space to include cultural background, work/leisure history, and socio-economic
level.
6. Adapt therapeutic activities and/or the environment to meet patient/client's
physical, cognitive, psychological, social, and sensory needs.
7. Effectively utilize communication skills, both verbal and written, within a clinical
setting.
8. Coordinate clinical programs (i.e., in-service, patient/client, home, community,
facility) and implement these programs within clinical setting.
2
OT-239 and OT-251
9. Fabricate clinical equipment, adaptive equipment, and orthotic devices used in
various clinical settings.
10. Instruct patient, staff, and family in therapeutic interventions.
11. Monitor and maintain clinical equipment with regard to a given facility's policies
and procedures.
12. Perform business-related functions related to attendance records, inventory,
statistical reports, billing, etc.
13. Conduct oneself in a professional manner by adhering to the standards of
practice, code of ethics, and the facility's and ECC OTA Department’s policy and
procedures.
14. Maintain a therapeutic environment within a clinical setting to ensure order,
safety, and patient/client privacy.
15. Demonstrate effective strategies to prepare for and present an inservice.
VII.
RELATED PROGRAM COMPETENCIES:
Upon graduation with an associate in applied science degree in occupational
therapy assistant, graduates will be able to:
A. Identify basic patient needs and deficits by utilizing available resources, i.e.,
medical chart, performance of initial screening, use of occupational therapy
evaluation, patient/client observation, team members, family and significant
others.
B. Participate in assessment of patient/client occupational performance capacities
and/or limitations.
C. Demonstrate ability to set patient/client goals and to plan a therapeutic program
to prevent deterioration or promote independence in a patient/client performance
of work, self-care and play/leisure.
D. Select appropriate therapeutic activities to meet an individual's performance in
work, self-care and play by incorporating components of an individual's life space
to include cultural background, work/leisure history, socio-economic level. (
E. Adapt therapeutic activities and/or the environment to meet a patient/client's
physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory integrative for developmental need.
F. Utilize communication skills, both verbal and written, to exercise effective
communication within a clinical setting.
G. Coordinate clinical programs (i.e., in-service, patient/client, home, community,
facility) and implement these programs within clinical setting.
H. Fabricate clinical equipment, adaptive equipment and orthotic devices used in
various clinical settings.
I. Instruct patient, staff and family in use of fabricated equipment.
J. Monitor and maintain clinical equipment with regard to a given facility's policies
and procedures.
K. Perform business-related functions: attendance records, statistical reports,
submit billing for 3rd party payment.
3
OT-239 and OT-251
L. Conduct oneself in a professional manner adhering to the standards of practice,
patients’ rights, and confidentiality.
M. Maintain a therapeutic environment within a clinical setting to ensure order,
safety, and patient/client privacy.
VIII. MEANS OF ASSESSMENT:
In addition to the Level II course objectives, each fieldwork site develops site-specific
objectives, expectations and assignments. Assessment involves observation of
student performance, and completion of the AOTA Fieldwork Performance
Evaluation by the primary fieldwork educator (clinical supervisor).
Generally, students are expected to successfully and independently manage 75%100% of a typical workload by the final week of the clinical. Students are also
expected to complete clinical improvement projects, in-service presentations, case
studies, and/or fabrication of assistive devices, as assigned by the fieldwork
educator.
In addition to clinical assessment and assignments, students are required to submit
the following for review:
 Updated professional development plan- at conclusion of first Level II.
 Updated professional development plan and resume- at conclusion of second
Level II.
 Completed, reviewed, and signed Student Evaluation of Fieldwork Experience
form at conclusion of each Level II experience.
Forms
The fieldwork educator will receive a copy of the AOTA Fieldwork Performance
Evaluation form (FWPE). The form may be mailed to the facility or provided by the
intern on the first day of fieldwork. This form is used for the mid-term evaluation as
well as the final evaluation. The final evaluation must be sent to the ECC OT
Department on the last day of the internship.
Sometimes the standard fieldwork evaluation may not address the unique
circumstances of the fieldwork site. In such cases, with approval of the academic
fieldwork coordinator, individual FWPE items may be modified or substituted with
more appropriate wording to reflect the role of the occupational therapy assistant in
that setting. Samples of the Field Work Performance Evaluation and the Student
Evaluation of the Fieldwork Experience are included in this manual.
Mid-term Evaluation
Mid-term evaluation (end of week #4 on 8 week fieldwork) is an expected part of the
educational experience. The purpose of the mid-term is to provide constructive
feedback to the intern about approaching entry-level competence. The fieldwork
educator and the intern should refer to fieldwork site objectives and week-by-week
plan to see how the intern’s skills compare with the expectations. If the intern has
not made sufficient progress at the mid-term, a copy of the mid-term evaluation
should be forwarded to the academic fieldwork coordinator as soon as possible, and
a meeting will be initiated to discuss a course of action.
4
OT-239 and OT-251
Final Evaluation
On the last day of the fieldwork experience, the fieldwork educator should review the
completed final FWPE with the intern. After the FWPE has been reviewed and
signed, the intern should review the Student Evaluation of the Fieldwork Experience
(SEFWE) with the fieldwork educator. The SEFWE must be signed by the intern and
the supervisor as well. The supervisor and intern should retain a photocopy of each
form. The originals of each form must be immediately sent to ECC OT Department
to assure proper credit for course work. The academic fieldwork coordinator, and not
the fieldwork educator, assigns final fieldwork grades.
IX. GRADING DETERMINATION:
Final Level II grades are determined by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and
NOT the Fieldwork Educator. A final grade of Pass (P) or Fail (F) is awarded based
on the final score on the Fieldwork Performance Evaluation for the Occupational
Therapy Assistant (FWPE), satisfactory and timely submission of updated resume,
professional portfolio, and professional development plan, and student’s adherence
to all program and fieldwork policies. Students must receive a minimum score of 70
or above on the FWPE. Additionally, ratings of 3 or above must be earned on all
items in Section 1 of the evaluation (Fundamentals of Practice). Points will be
deducted from the FWPE score for any forms, assignments, or assessments turned
in late, or lack of timely and appropriate participation on any required online ANGEL
discussions.
X. ATTENDANCE POLICY:
a. Absence
Clinic time is mandated by AOTA and is necessary for successful program
completion. Students are expected to attend ALL assigned days of their fieldwork
assignments. Missing days may result in course failure. Students are expected to
manage all of their personal affairs (childcare, employment, family needs, etc.) in
such a manner as not to interfere with the completion of fieldwork hours/days.
Attending weddings, meetings, or other planned events are NOT acceptable reasons
for missing fieldwork.
In the case of emergencies that may necessitate absence from the clinical site
(sickness, injury, death of immediate family) the student should follow the protocol of
the fieldwork site AND contact the ECC Clinical Coordinator as soon as possible
BEFORE the anticipated absence. Any such absences will require written
documentation (by a physician, for example). Absences for reasons other than
verifiable emergencies will be treated as insubordination and a violation of OT
Department and fieldwork site policy, and may result in immediate suspension or
termination from the fieldwork. Absences beyond two days (or equivalent) for ANY
reason may result in fieldwork failure. Students who do not follow these specific
guidelines may be penalized with grade reduction, suspension, or termination from
the Level II or program.
b. Tardiness
Students are expected to report at their clinical sites and be ready to begin on time.
Repeated tardiness will be grounds for dismissal and failure of the Level II clinical. It
5
OT-239 and OT-251
is the prerogative of the clinical site to send home a student who does not call to
advise the site of lateness.
c. Lengthy Absence/Illness
In the event of an anticipated lengthy illness (surgery, for example) or other absence
(death of a family member, for example), each case will be reviewed individually in
regards to time lost, time available for completion, and clinical content or objectives
to be covered. Any such absences will require documentation (by a physician, for
example). At the discretion of the ECC OTA Department, disruption of fieldwork may
result in fieldwork termination, course failure, incomplete grade status, or extension
of fieldwork.
d. Making Up Time
It is the prerogative of the site and ECC OTA Department to require that students
make up any missed time. However, absences beyond 2 days must be made up.
Also, in cases where student performance is marginal, additional time may be
required if the fieldwork educator, intern, and the academic fieldwork coordinator
agree that extra time would enable the intern greater potential for success. The
academic fieldwork coordinator should be contacted as soon as it is evident that the
intern will not be able to meet the expectations for the 8-week minimum due to
marginal performance or absences.
XI: PARTICIPATION AND CONDUCT
Students are expected to display utmost professionalism and maturity throughout
Level II. Personal responsibility, good judgment, common courtesy, and ethical
practice should be exercised constantly, both on and off site.
Behaviors will be considered inappropriate when they degrade the social and
physical environment, disrupt the intended flow of activities, violate policies, or are
considered unethical, illegal, dangerous, or threatening. Inappropriate behaviors
may include, but are not limited to:
 Repeating irrelevant questions and comments, speaking out of turn, or
interrupting others.
 Disagreeing persistently or and arguing.
 Cheating, lying, providing false information, or stealing.
 Gossiping, slandering, or violating confidentiality of patients, employees, or
agency.
 Working or attending under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or misused
prescription medications.
 Refusing to comply with reasonable requests for reasons other than personal
health, safety of others, or religious exemption. (NOTE: a legitimate inability to
follow requests and assignments should be respectfully presented along with
proposed alternatives within reasonable timeframes).
 Missing deadlines.
Any inappropriate behaviors or motives suggest a lack of responsibility and selfcontrol, and may be grounds for immediate termination.
6
OT-239 and OT-251
XII: STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
The OT Department seeks to provide reasonable accommodations and accessibility
for students with disabilities. If you have a disability that, under the ADA, qualifies
you for reasonable accommodations within work or educational environments, you
may request such accommodations through the college Disabled Student Services
department. In order to assist you in seeking accommodations for your Level II you
are encouraged to voluntarily identify your needs for support and accommodations
to the academic fieldwork coordinator as soon as possible (prior to fieldwork site
selection).
Although outcome expectations will be the same for all students regardless of
abilities or disabilities, strategies to achieve entry-level competency may differ based
on individual needs. Once you have disclosed to the academic fieldwork coordinator
your need for accommodation, and you have signed a release of information, the
fieldwork educator (clinical site supervisor) may then be contacted to discuss
accommodation strategies.
XIII: SCHEDULE:
Level II fieldwork occurs during the Spring semester each year, usually starting early
January and concluding by mid-May. Students complete 2 Level II affiliations; the
first occurring January to late February/March, and the second usually occurring
March to May. The following schedule gives an accurate sequence of events:
FALL SEMESTER 2008
November:
 Orientation meetings to address fieldwork expectations, procedures, and available
fieldwork slots (dates/times TBA).
November/December:
 Select fieldwork slots (deadline TBA).
 Contact sites and arrange to fulfill any prerequisites of the site (interview, tour,
application, etc.).
 Mail necessary paperwork to sites.
SPRING SEMESTER 2009
Monday, January 5 – Friday, February 27th (later for some school-based
settings):
 Complete first 8-week Level II fieldwork.
 Final Fieldwork Evaluation and Student Evaluation of Fieldwork Experience forms
are returned to ECC OT Department at conclusion of fieldwork.
th
Monday, March 2nd: Time TBA
 Mandatory seminar on campus to discuss preparation for ECC graduation, NBCOT
examination, and NYS certification.
 Hand in updated professional development plan/portfolio for review.
Tuesday, March 3rd – Friday, March 7th:
 Break (unless completing remaining hours for first Level II rotation)
Monday, March 9th – Friday, May 1st (later for school-based sites):
 Complete second 8-week Level II fieldwork.
7
OT-239 and OT-251
Final Fieldwork Evaluation and Student Evaluation of Fieldwork Experience forms
are returned to ECC OT Department at conclusion of fieldwork.
Thursday, May 7th
 Supervisors and Graduates Meeting and Reception
 Hand in updated professional development plan/portfolio and resume for review.

Friday, May 15th:
 Deadline to hand in updated professional development plan and resume.
XIII: OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
a. Malpractice/Professional Liability Insurance
Students must have malpractice insurance. This insurance is provided through ECC.
For full-time students the cost is included in the tuition bill upon registering for
supervised practice courses. It is the responsibility of all students to make sure that
they have purchased this insurance. Failure to obtain or maintain insurance is
considered grounds for immediate termination of fieldwork.
Active fieldwork sites will receive a written certificate of insurance to cover student
participation at that site each year. It is very important that persons responsible for
fieldwork at each facility provide accurate and updated names and mailing
addresses to the ECC Occupational Therapy Department so that certificates of
insurance and other necessary information are received by facilities in a timely
manner.
b. Student Health and Immunization Record
Students are required to have had a physical examination within six months of the
start of Level II. They must provide the college with verification of physical
examinations and immunizations updated within six months prior to registration of all
fieldwork courses. Students are instructed to maintain copies of immunization and
physical examination records, and are informed that fieldwork sites may require such
records as a prerequisite. Students must have no diseases or conditions that would
create health risks for patients and staff, or prevent the student from in performing
the essential functions of a COTA at the specified Level II fieldwork site.
Immunization against Hepatitis B is required. Students must also receive and verify
tuberculosis screening.
c. Universal Precautions
During the first year of the OT program at ECC students receive a 2.5-hour training
related to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations.
Students also complete a Universal Precautions quiz to demonstrate that they have
acquired adequate knowledge regarding risks, precautions, and procedures. The
training and quiz addresses the principles and procedures of Universal Precautions
for infectious diseases (blood-borne pathogens), with particular attention to HIV+
and Hepatitis B transmission. Although thorough, the training is NOT intended to
fulfill or replace any training that is required of interns or employees at healthcare
facilities.
8
OT-239 and OT-251
d. HIPPAA
As part of the curriculum on documentation and ethics, students receive training and
testing regarding patient confidentiality and guidelines for handling documentation
and patient information. Although thorough, the training is NOT intended to fulfill or
replace any training that may be required of interns or employees at healthcare
facilities.
e. Student Contact with Fieldwork Site
The OT student is discouraged from contacting the fieldwork site until assignment to
the site is approved and confirmed by the academic fieldwork coordinator. After that,
the student is encouraged to call and/or visit the site. No later than one month prior
to the start date the student is expected to send a letter of introduction, Personal
Data Form, and other information that may be required by the site.
f. ECC Contact with Fieldwork Educators
It is the intention of the academic fieldwork coordinator to maintain open dialogue
with all fieldwork sites. Site visits will be conducted as needed to meet with fieldwork
educators and discuss current clinical practice, feedback regarding the OT program,
and any other relevant and timely topics. Site visits may also occur as needed to
address concerns related to intern performance issues.
All parties - intern, fieldwork educator, and academic fieldwork coordinator - may
initiate requests for site visits at any time. In addition to site visits, contact will occur
via telephone, email, and regular mail during student placement. Fieldwork
educators should not hesitate to call the academic fieldwork coordinator at any time
for an objective ear. All calls are confidential.
A release of information is required for the academic fieldwork coordinator to discuss
an intern’s academic, personal or prior fieldwork information with the fieldwork
educator. A form is available from the fieldwork office, or the intern may sign a
consent form from the fieldwork site.
g. ANGEL
An ANGEL course site is maintained throughout Level II. The site contains important
information, resources, forms, and services as the primary means of communication
between and among academic fieldwork coordinator and students. Email is sent
through ANGEL to student ECC email accounts. Students are expected to check the
Level II ANGEL site at least twice a week. Students are expected to participate in
online discussions and assignments.
h. If an Intern May Be Failing
It is the responsibility of the academic fieldwork coordinator to determine final grades
for the Level II fieldwork. The fieldwork educator contributes essential objective
information that is used in determining the grade and assessment. The fieldwork
educator should contact the academic fieldwork coordinator as soon as possible if:

It is perceived that the intern is at risk of failing, or…
9
OT-239 and OT-251


The intern is not demonstrating sufficient progress as expected, or…
The intern displays poor judgment, inappropriate attitude, or inadequate
performance to such a degree that quality, efficiency, and safety of services are
compromised.
After thorough investigation, the academic fieldwork coordinator may respond with
the following actions:



Development of a remediation plan (with the involvement of the intern and
fieldwork educator) that outlines problems, responsibilities of the intern to
overcome the problems, and the roles the fieldwork educator and academic
fieldwork coordinator in supporting the plan.
Termination with failure.
Termination with voluntary withdrawal.
10