Start your own fieldwork program
You do not need to have an elaborate program in place before
you accept your first student. Start with the basics and add as
you learn from both the students and staff who participate in the fieldwork program. Start your own fieldwork program with the help of steps below.
1. Analyze your facility
Conduct an analysis of your facility. Does your facility's mission and philosophy support the training of future practitioners? Discuss the formation of a student program with the OT practitioners and the facility management staff to determine how receptive they are to participating in and supporting a fieldwork program.
2. Collaborate with the academic program(s)
In the preliminary stages of developing a fieldwork program, it is helpful to contact at least one academic fieldwork coordinator for guidance on how to start a fieldwork program. The academic fieldwork coordinator can provide you with guidance and resource material needed to start a student program.
3. Review the fieldwork contract or letter of agreement
The contract or letter of agreement serves as a legal document between the fieldwork site and the academic program. The contract should state the rights, fieldwork requirements, and obligations of the academic program, fieldwork site, and students. A written agreement is required for all fieldwork Level I and II placements. The academic program will have a standard contract which you can use. Be sure to have your facility's legal counsel review the document before it is signed.
4. Develop student fieldwork data form and fieldwork objectives
Its important to develop forms that can be used to develop the fieldwork data form and the fieldwork objectives. Here are some sample forms that you can download and use for your fieldwork education program. These are samples that you can opt to use or you can create your own.
Sample fieldwork feedback form
Sample student/supervisor review