Student Fieldwork

Occupational Therapy Fieldwork at Clarkson

Our program gives students all-important "aha!" moments, as they begin to make connections between didactic instruction and occupational therapy practice.

We provide excellent opportunities for students to:

• synthesize didactic coursework with clinical skills by applying theoretical and scientific constructs throughout the occupational therapy process.
• understand and integrate the occupational needs of various client populations.
• refine clinical skills through evidence based practice. 
• establish professional collaborative relationships with supervisors and future colleagues.

Overview

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Clarkson University's Department of Occupational Therapy offers an exceptional fieldwork program. We ensure each student has experiences that are broad in scope and rich in content. Each student's fieldwork program is individually tailored to their needs, practice setting interests and geographic preferences. We have formed collaborative relationships coast to coast, and as such as we have clinical placements throughout the United States. 

Structure of the Clarkson Fieldwork Program

• Students will experience a fieldwork rotation in four out of six semesters.
• There are two level I fieldwork rotations and two level II fieldwork rotations.
• The purpose of level I fieldwork is to introduce students to clinical practice, allowing them the opportunity to apply knowledge to practice, and develop an understanding of the needs of clients. 
• The purpose of level II fieldwork is to develop competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapists. During level II fieldwork, students have an in-depth experience delivering occupational therapy services to clients under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
• Students begin level I fieldwork during their first year of didactic coursework (Spring I, Term II).
• The second level I fieldwork occurs in Fall II (Term IV) and is linked to the Adult and Aging coursework.
• Level II fieldwork begins during the first summer semester (Term III). By starting level II fieldwork early, students will have an advanced clinical knowledge and skill that can be applied throughout the remainder of the curriculum. 
• The second and final level II fieldwork occurs in the second summer semester (Term VI). 
   

Clinical sites who accept a Clarkson University Occupational Therapy student can expect our students to be:

• Competent in knowledge and foundational clinical skills.
• Innovative in occupation-based treatment approaches.
• Prepared to advocate for clients, the community and the professional of occupational therapy.

What Students Are Saying About Fieldwork

"Absolutely amazing experience. I highly recommend this setting with both fieldwork educators to anyone."

"I liked this fieldwork site as it provided the opportunity to observe individuals that need occupational therapy but have also committed crimes. It as an eye-opener because we are to provide treatment to everyone equally despite their backgrounds."

"Double H was an amazing experience. I was exposed to multiple conditions and children with diverse psychosocial factors."

"I learned so much from Eileen from how to work as a team, how to plan for CSE meetings and IEPs and how to bring useful information to those meetings. Overall it was a great experience with a wonderful person."

"I learned different perspectives, different techniques and how there is not one 'correct' way of addressing a client's needs in order for them to have a successful recovery."

Contact Us

Please feel free to reach out to us with any of your fieldwork questions!

Ashleigh Graveline, OTD, OTR/L
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator/Clinical Associate Professor
agraveli@clarkson.edu
Phone: (315) 268-7692
8 Clarkson Ave., Box 5883
Potsdam, NY 13699