Community Experience

Students participate in an Early Acute Service Experience (EASE) in which they work with an occupational therapist in an acute care hospital environment learning to manage equipment and communicate with patients and team members. In the Acute Care Treatment Sessions (ACTS), students have the opportunity to plan and implement occupational therapy intervention in the acute care setting under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

Fieldwork and capstone components of the curriculum provide students with opportunities to apply occupational therapy theories and techniques acquired during classroom instruction. They also offer opportunities to acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes best learned through direct application. Fieldwork and capstone experiences provide a broad exposure to practice in a variety of settings and geographic locations.

Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience. The doctoral capstone experience and project must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities. Students must complete Level II fieldwork and capstone within six semesters following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. This accounts for any leaves of absence and/or remediation.

Fieldwork and capstone are scheduled in advance and are subject to change at the discretion of the site or OT program faculty. Some sites may require assigned students to undergo a criminal background check and/or drug screening prior to participation in a practical education experience. Anticipate travel and living expenses for fieldwork and capstone.

Some sites may require a criminal background check and/or drug screening prior to the education experience. Students should anticipate expenses such as travel, site-specific requirements, and local living expenses in addition to program tuition.