OT-239 and OT-251
ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Department of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Technology
Clinic - Level IIA and Level IIB
Spring 2013
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
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, pediatric, developmental disabilities, school-based,
or emerging/nontraditional settings.
 OT251- physical disability settings including acute, subacute and long-term
care settings.
Students also participate in an on-campus seminar to discuss certification,
licensure/authorization, professional development, job searching, job interviewing,
resume writing.
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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: PROGRAM COMPETENCIES/COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of this course
students must demonstrate entry-level competency, displaying clinical reasoning
appropriate to the role of occupational therapy assistant, reflecting the values and
beliefs that enable ethical practice, and demonstrating professionalism commitment to
professional development. Students will meet all ECC Program Competencies:
1. Identify factors that support or hinder occupational performance by gathering
relevant information utilizing available resources: EMR/EHR, screenings and
evaluations, clinical observations, team and family members.
2. Establish service competency in assessment methods such as interviews,
observation, assessment tools, and chart reviews within the context of the
service delivery system.
3. Develop client-centered and occupation-based goals in collaboration with the
occupational therapist.
4. Plan, select, and implement client-centered and occupation-based interventions
effectively in collaboration with client, family/significant other, occupational
therapist, and service provider.
5. Grade and adapt activities and/or the environment to support engagement in
occupations.
6. Utilize effective and appropriate verbal, nonverbal, and written communication
with client, families, colleagues, and the public.
7. Produce clear and accurate written documentation according to site requirements
to include assessments, progress reports, and discharge summaries, attendance
records, statistical reports, and third party payment.
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OT-239 and OT-251
8. Conduct oneself in a professional manner adhering to the American
Occupational Therapy Association Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, client
rights, and confidentiality.
9. Maintain a therapeutic environment within a clinical setting to maintain order,
prevent accidents, promote adherence to safety regulations of self and others.
10. Develop appropriate professional behaviors related to self-responsibility,
constructive feedback, work behaviors, time management, interpersonal skills,
and cultural competence.
11. Clearly communicate the values and beliefs of occupational therapy, the role of
the occupational therapist, and the occupational therapy assistant to clients,
families/significant others, and service providers.
12. Participate in the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
(NBCOT) exam.
VII. 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:
DURING/AFTER EACH CLINICAL ROTATION:
 Weekly: Weekly email status and personal reflection reports to Academic
Fieldwork Coordinator- Student should provide a brief weekly summary of
activities, progress, successes, challenges, questions, and comments.
 After Week #1: Fieldwork Educator Contact Form, Student Evaluation of
Orientation, and copy of Site-Specific Fieldwork Objectives submitted after
first week of each Level II fieldwork experience.
 After Week #4: Level II Fieldwork Mid-Term Feedback Form- submitted by the
5th week of each Level II fieldwork experience.
 Week #8: Completed, reviewed, and signed Student Evaluation of Fieldwork
Experience form at conclusion of each Level II experience.
IN ADDITION (AFTER SECOND CLINICAL ROTATION):
 Updated Self-Assessment and Professional Development Plan at completion
of second rotation.
 Updated resume at completion of second rotation.
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OT-239 and OT-251
Evaluation 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 on www.OTfieldwork.net.
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, or if there are any concerns
about the student’s future performance, 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.
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.
VIII. 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 all paperwork and
assignments, 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 late or
no submission of forms, assignments, or assessments, or lack of timely and
appropriate participation on any required online ANGEL discussions.
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IX. ATTENDANCE POLICY:
a. Absence
Clinic time is mandated by AOTA and is necessary for successful program
completion. Students must complete a minimum equivalency of 40 full-time
days for each Level II rotation. 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 must 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
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 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/Extended Time
Students are required to complete the equivalent of 40 full-time days at their
assigned fieldwork sites. Students are expected to reschedule missed days due to
agency closure (scheduled holidays, snow days, etc.) as well as sick days (see
policy above for absences due to sickness). All make-up days must be approved by
the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. 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
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OT-239 and OT-251
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.
X: 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 or arguing persistently.
 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.
XI: STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
In order to receive OTA fieldwork accommodations that are afforded to individuals
with qualifying disabilities as indicated in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a
student must be registered with the ECC Disabled Student Services office. As part of
the registration with the DSS office, each student with a disability is required to
provide documentation from an appropriate medical professional to support the need
for accommodations. It is the sole responsibility of the student to register with the
Disabled Student Services office.
Within three months before the start date of fieldwork, the DSS Counselor, the
student and the Fieldwork Coordinator will collaborate to develop a reasonable and
appropriate accommodation plan. It is the sole responsibility of the student to initiate
the development of fieldwork ADA fieldwork accommodation plan within the
necessary timeframe by contacting the DSS counselor and the fieldwork
Coordinator. It is assumed that the student will be integrally involved in the
development of the plan.
Once the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator has received, reviewed, and approved
the plan, and the student has provided written permission to advocate on his/her
behalf, the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator will contact clinical coordinators and ask
if the sites can make the accommodations.
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Fieldwork accommodations based on a disability can only be made if

The student has followed proper procedures within specified timeframes.

The student is deemed to be eligible for reasonable accommodations in
learning environments as per the ADA.

A site is available that is able to make the requested accommodations without
causing an undue burden on the site or jeopardize the health and safety of
patients, clients, or other recipients of services.
In all cases, all students are expected to meet the same learning outcomes for
fieldwork. Learning outcomes are never modified.
The above policies must be followed in order for a student to be eligible for
reasonable accommodations on fieldwork assignments. Otherwise, students with
disabilities are expected to perform under the same circumstances as all other
interns without a documented disability.
XII: 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 2012
October/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 2013
Monday, January
– Friday, March 1st (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.
7th
Monday March 4th Time: TBA (date/time may change)
 Mandatory seminar on campus to discuss preparation for ECC graduation, NBCOT
examination, and NYS certification.
 Hand in updated professional development plan/portfolio for review.
Monday, March 5th – Friday, March 8th:
 Break (unless completing remaining hours for first Level II rotation)
Monday, March 11th – Friday, May 3rd (later for school-based sites):
 Complete second 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.
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May 10th
 Deadline to hand in updated professional development plan and resume.
May ?
 Graduates Reception?
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.
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.
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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. General information and
resources to support the role of fieldwork educator are available at
www.OTfieldwork.net.
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…
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.
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OT-239 and OT-251
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.
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