ITHACA COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FIELDWORK MANUAL 2012 2013

ITHACA COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FIELDWORK MANUAL 2012 2013

Table of Contents SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION...3 FIELDWORK INTRODUCTION... 4 STRATEGIES TO ASSIST IN FINDING HOUSING:... 5 ASSIGNMENT OF LEVEL I AND LEVEL II FIELDWORKS... 6 ASSIGNMENT OF SPECIALTY ELECTIVE OR ELECTIVE INTERNSHIP... 7 SITE SELECTION... 9 ITHACA COLLEGE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FIELDWORK SEQUENCE... 10 PARTICIPANTS IN FIELDWORK EDUCATION... 11 LIABILITY/MALPRACTICE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR FIELDWORK:... 13 MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FIELDWORK:... 14 PREREQUISITES FOR FIELDWORK EXPERIENCES... 15 FIELDWORK PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS... 18 SECTION II LEVEL I FIELDWORK... 20 INTRODUCTION TO LEVEL I FIELDWORK:... 21 LEVEL I FIELDWORK OBJECTIVES... 22 GRADING OF LEVEL I FIELDWORK:... 23 SECTION III LEVEL II FIELDWORK... 24 INTRODUCTION TO LEVEL II FIELDWORK:... 25 LEVEL II FIELDWORK OBJECTIVES... 26 SPECIALTY ELECTIVE OR ELECTIVE INTERNSHIP... 28 GRADING OF LEVEL II FIELDWORK:... 29 OPTIONS FOR EVALUATION OF STUDENT ON SPECIALTY/ELECTIVE FIELDWORK EXPERIENCE... 30 CANCELLATION OF LEVEL II FIELDWORK:... 31 TERMINATION OF LEVEL II FIELDWORK:... 32 FAILED FIELDWORK EXPERIENCE:... 34 COMPLETING ALL LEVEL II FIELDWORKS CONSECUTIVELY... 35 SECTION IV AFTER FIELDWORK... 36 AFTER COMPLETION OF THIRD FIELDWORK... 37 NBCOT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION APPLICATION PROCESSING STEPS... 38 TEMPORARY LICENSURE... 39 2

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION 3

FIELDWORK INTRODUCTION The information contained in this document pertains to students in the combined BS/MS program as well as students in the professional-entry graduate program in relation to fieldwork. OVERVIEW Fieldwork (FW) is an essential part of the preparation to become an occupational therapist. It allows for the opportunity to integrate academic knowledge into real life and treatment situations. Fieldwork is when students observe and practice OT skills. In introductory courses, students will complete observations at clinical settings. Beginning in the senior year of the combined BS/MS program and the first year of the Professional-Entry Graduate Program there will be more formalized fieldwork experiences as part of specific courses in the curriculum. LEVEL I Level I Fieldwork is scheduled in pediatrics, adult, and geriatric areas. There are specific learning objectives for this experience and the fieldwork experience is graded pass/fail. These experiences take place at hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities. In addition to formally scheduled Level I assignments, students will have opportunities to integrate classroom material with clinical experiences that will be developed in individual classes. This may include guest presentations by OT clients, assessments of individuals with disabilities, or other opportunities to relate with persons who receive occupational therapy services. LEVEL II Level II Fieldwork is composed of three separate experiences totaling 8 months of clinical training in pediatric/adolescent, adult/geriatric, and specialty/elective areas. Level II Fieldwork is scheduled for time frames as indicated in the OT course curriculum. These are for 12 weeks during the summer following the senior year, for 12 weeks in the spring following the graduate year, and for 8 weeks during the summer or fall following the second Level II experience. The first two Level II sites are selected during the junior year. Informational meetings and scheduling sessions with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) will be held beginning in the fall semester of the junior year. The third fieldwork site is selected in the fall of the graduate year. HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION ON FIELDWORKS Students are assigned to fieldwork sites locally, near their homes, and at locations around the United States. Students can expect that at least some of their placements will be at a distance from home. Students are responsible for making their own housing and travel arrangements during clinical fieldwork experiences. 4

Students pay tuition for fieldwork courses. Because fieldwork is in essence a full-time job with homework, students must understand it is extremely difficult to manage both fieldwork and an outside job for additional income. It is important for students and families to plan ahead for fieldwork expenses. STRATEGIES TO ASSIST IN FINDING HOUSING: 1. Academic Fieldwork Coordinator can assist students in identifying names of students who have gone to the facility where you are placed to see where the previous students have stayed. 2. See if another student is going to be near (facilities/towns) where you are going to be doing your fieldwork. You may be able to share living arrangements (and costs) in nearby communities. 3. Contact local colleges/universities. Ask for their housing or residential life office to inquire about the availability of on-campus housing and to also ask for an off-campus housing list. 4. Contact the local Chamber of Commerce. 5. Look into local motels and efficiency apartments that will rent by the week. 6. If you are involved with a church or religious organization, contact that group in the local community. They might be able to provide assistance. 7. If your family is involved with a community service organization (Rotary, Lions Club, etc.), contact the local organization and see if they can help. 8. Contact a real estate agent that handles rentals and inquire about short-term rentals. Although a selected fieldwork site may currently offer housing, it is important that you check closer to the actual dates of your fieldwork. Housing offers are sometimes discontinued or have limited spaces available to students. 5

ASSIGNMENT OF LEVEL I AND LEVEL II FIELDWORKS Junior Year of Combined BS/MS Program- Fall Semester: Meetings (2-3 meetings) will be held for all OT students in the junior class by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC). Attendance at these meetings is mandatory. Agenda will include: 1. Fieldwork Manual overview. 2. Explanation of Fieldwork selection processes. 3. Orientation to the OEL Database A lottery system will be initiated for Level I and Level II fieldworks. Students will draw a number that will designate his or her order for choosing sites from a list of available fieldwork sites throughout the United States. Separate lotteries will be held for Level I and Level II fieldworks. Students will have access to the list of available fieldwork sites prior to the day they choose sites in order to review site information and student feedback found on the OEL Database and in the fieldwork files located in the OT Library. This will allow students to make an informed decision when making their fieldwork choices. Students wishing to create a contract with a new site will not participate in the lottery for that fieldwork experience. However, students must be aware that should the new contract not materialize in time for the lottery, he or she will be added to the bottom of the order for choosing sites and will chose a back-up site. Students are permitted to create contracts with two new sites for Level I or Level II fieldworks. The remaining two fieldwork experiences will be chosen via the lottery system. Further information regarding the logistics of the fieldwork lottery will be discussed at the fall meetings. 6

ASSIGNMENT OF SPECIALTY ELECTIVE OR ELECTIVE INTERNSHIP SPRING SEMESTER PRIOR TO FIRST LEVEL II FIELDWORK: A mandatory meeting with all senior and first year professional-entry graduate students and the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the purpose of basic explanation of Specialty Fieldwork/Elective Internship will occur during the spring semester. Students are encouraged to do some thinking and researching so that they will be prepared to make a decision as to type of specialty/elective affiliation they want. Preference forms may be sent to the Fieldwork Coordinator during the summer. Alternatively, students may consider taking an Elective Internship instead of the Specialty Fieldwork. LEVEL II SPECIALTY ELECTIVE INTERNSHIP ELECTIVE Supervision Supervision by an OTR Supervision by a person with competency in an area outside of OT Objectives Students typically follow the site specific objectives for a Level II fieldwork. If desired, additional or more appropriate objectives can be written by the student and supervisor. Students create a Learning Contract outlining their goals and objectives during the fieldwork. Evaluation method AOTA Fieldwork evaluation form completed by supervisor or narrative addressing progress on specific site objectives. Evaluation should be done at midterm (4 weeks) and final. Supervisor provides a narrative discussing completion of objectives outlined in Learning Contract. Evaluation should be done at midterm (4 weeks) and final. Timeline 8 weeks minimum 8 weeks minimum This third fieldwork is an opportunity to round out education and experience, gain further expertise in a familiar practice area, gain experience in a new practice area, explore a nontraditional site where OT is not currently provided, and/or explore the role of OT in another country. FALL SEMESTER OF FINAL GRADUATE YEAR: A mandatory meeting with all graduate students and the Fieldwork Coordinator will take place early in the fall semester. The agenda will include: 1. Verifying that all paperwork from Level II summer experience is completed. 2. Summary by Fieldwork Coordinator of overall class evaluation of 1 st Level II Fieldwork. 7

3. Opportunity for students to share experiences from 1 st Level II Fieldwork. 4. Further discussion of Specialty/Elective Fieldwork; date set for completion of Specialty/Elective PIFF. 5. Discussion of Fieldwork Prerequisites for 2 nd & 3 rd Level II fieldwork experiences. 6. Important prerequisite deadline dates for upcoming academic year will be communicated and dates for PPD updates & CPR certification discussed (if available by the time of the meeting). Students complete the Preference form indicating his/her choice for specialty fieldwork. Choices include, but are not limited to, the sites currently listed in Level II data base. Students may have the name and phone number of a contact, however, the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator will make final arrangements. It is necessary that there be a contract between Ithaca College and the facility before the fieldwork can be finalized. 8

DATABASE INFORMATION Information on over 400 sites is available on the Office of Experiential Learning (OEL) database. Instructions for accessing this data base will be shared at your initial fieldwork meeting and currently are as follows: Open search engine (ie Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox is recommended) and go to https://www.gatewaytohealthscience.us At server log in enter: User Name: (this is your student ID #) Password: hshp (case sensitive) ----------------------- At applications window select: Filemaker Click on FileMaker Pro 11 Select Open Remote If this is the 1 st time the database has been accessed from the computer you are using, you will need to click on and download the MetaFrame Client Server at the bottom of the page. Available for PC or Mac. At dialog box, select Run If this is your 1 st time access, you may be asked a security question. Security Information always click yes Click on Filemaker again Click on HSHP Filemaker (192.168.10.22) Select HSHP Master Database Click on open Click on go to site lists Select Major or Minor Site List will appear. To Search: 1. Select type of search (i.e. State, Adult, Peds, ect.) by clicking appropriate colored button at top right of screen. (If searching by state, select state). 2. Click continue on left middle side of screen (grey area). 3. Click on approved sites or potential sites button, then select narrow search to get list of only approved or potential sites. 4. To return to all site list, click on show all sites button. 5. To view Fieldwork Data Forms click on orange button Go to Old FW Data Form; or click on the green button go to new 2008 FW Data Form. These suitable facilities are from locations throughout the United States and from a few other countries. Not all sites are available at all time frames and facilities often contract with numerous academic programs and have limited numbers of students they can accept per year. It is not a guarantee of placement when a site is in our database. 9

ITHACA COLLEGE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FIELDWORK SEQUENCE Fall Level I Adult Summer Level II#1 Adult or Pediatric Spring Level II #2 Adult or Pediatric S E N I O R Y E A R Spring Level I Pediatric G R A D Y E A R Fall Level I Geriatric Summer or Fall Specialty Elective or Elective Internship Level I Adult One week (approximately 40 hours) observation/practical experience in an adult setting. This is part of coursework in OTBS 45000Adult Intervention Process in OT course and is graded pass/fail. It typically takes place after Fall Break and occurs at a facility near the student s home or where housing is available. Level I Pediatrics One week (35-40 hours) observation/practical experience in a pediatric setting. This is part of coursework in OTBS 45500 Pediatric Intervention Process in OT course and is graded pass/fail. It typically takes place before Spring Break and occurs at a facility near the student s home or where housing is available. Level I Geriatrics This is part of coursework in OTMS 66500 Gerontic OT and will take place throughout the fall semester. Students will work in small groups at designated sites within the Ithaca area. Students will design and implement a sustainable program incorporating OT principles. Level II #1 and #2 Specialty Elective (Level II #3) or Elective Internship Three separate fieldworks experiences totaling 8 months of full-time work (a minimum of 35 hours per week or the equivalent thereof). The Pediatric/Adolescent fieldwork lasts 3 months, the Adult/Geriatric fieldwork lasts 3 months, and the Specialty Fieldwork lasts 2 months. The Specialty Fieldwork is always done after both Level IIs have been successfully completed. The sequence of the Pediatric/Adolescent or Adult/Geriatric is not an issue. All fieldwork MUST be done within 24 months of completing the Graduate Program. 10

PARTICIPANTS IN FIELDWORK EDUCATION ACADEMIC FIELDWORK COORDINATOR (AFWC): This is the O.T. Department faculty member who is responsible for the coordination of the fieldwork program. The responsibilities include: 1. Identify and develop appropriate fieldwork learning sites. 2. Maintain a current file of information on each fieldwork facility. 3. Work with OEL to assure that written contracts or letter of agreement between Ithaca College and the fieldwork facility are signed and periodically reviewed. 4. Maintain a collaborative relationship with fieldwork facilities. 5. Orient students to the general purpose of the fieldwork experience. 6. Assign all eligible students to Level I fieldwork experience and coordinate the assignment between student and facility. 7. Assign all eligible students to Level II fieldwork experience and coordinate the assignment between facility and student. 8. Make regular and periodic contacts with fieldwork facilities when students are at placement to monitor student progress. 9. Provide necessary intervention to assist in problem solving regarding problem fieldwork issues that are not satisfactorily resolved between student and facility. 10. Provide faculty support and liaison to students on Level II Fieldwork. 11. Review fieldwork evaluation forms and submit course grade to Registrar s Office. 12. Record fieldwork grades and maintain student fieldwork records. 13. Develop fieldwork objectives in collaboration with fieldwork educators. 14. Communicate with other faculty regarding issues as they relate to curriculum and student advisement. STUDENT: This is the Occupational Therapy Student participating in required clinical experience. Fieldwork Level I Experiences Responsibilities include: 1. Attend all required fieldwork meetings and classes related to Level I fieldwork. 2. Complete all pre-requisite requirements before beginning Level I assignment. 3. Notify facility and fieldwork coordinator regarding any missed Level I scheduled time. 4. Arrange own transportation and housing needs if required. 5. Actively participate in fieldwork experience. 6. Inform fieldwork coordinator at Ithaca College regarding any problem situations that cannot be resolved between student and fieldwork supervisor. 7. Provide written evaluation/feedback to the fieldwork coordinator about the facility. 8. Complete all assignments related to Level I fieldwork experience. 11

Fieldwork Level II Experiences (Prior to start of Fieldwork II experience) 1. Attend all required fieldwork orientation meetings. 2. Complete all required fieldwork forms in timely manner. 3. Contact facility for interview if required. 4. Complete all fieldwork prerequisites (as listed in OEL Database for assigned site) 5. Maintain health and liability insurance. 6. Contact facility prior to the affiliation. 7. Arrange transportation and housing needs for fieldwork experience. Possible strategies for finding housing are listed in this manual. 8. Pay all costs incurred for travel, housing and tuition related to fieldwork experience. (While on Fieldwork II experience) 1. Actively participate in fieldwork experience. 2. Follow rules of the specific facility. 3. Provide safe and ethical treatment under supervision. 4. Complete all assignments assigned by the clinical setting/supervisor. 5. Provide accurate documentation of all occupational therapy services provided. 6. Inform fieldwork coordinator at Ithaca College regarding any problem situations that are not resolved between student and fieldwork supervisor. 7. Provide written evaluation/feedback to the fieldwork coordinator about the facility learning environment and related student experience. 8. Complete all on-line learning questions. 9. Be responsible for the costs of any required personal emergency medical care or special tests. FIELDWORK EDUCATOR: This is the facility OT staff member assigned to supervise the OT student. AOTA requires that this professional be an occupational therapist who meets state regulations and has a minimum of one year of practice experience. If the OT fieldwork educator is in a practice setting outside of the United States, he/she must be a graduate of a program approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) and have one year of practice experience. Responsibilities include: 1. Coordinate appropriate orientation of facility to the student. 2. Communicate expectations, objectives, and assignments required for successful completion of fieldwork. 3. Supervise the provision of occupational therapy services, documentation and oral reporting of the student. 4. Provide ongoing feedback to student regarding performance--including a written midterm and final student performance evaluation. 5. Act as a professional role model for students. 6. Inform fieldwork coordinator at Ithaca College regarding any problem situations in regards to student performance. 12

LIABILITY/MALPRACTICE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR FIELDWORK: All Occupational Therapy students on Level I and Level II fieldwork assignments are required to carry malpractice/professional liability insurance in the amount of $2,000,000/$4,000,000. Arrangements for obtaining this coverage will be coordinated by the Fieldwork Coordinator and the appropriate representative from Ithaca College. There will be a minimal cost for this insurance, which will be billed to each student s account through the Bursar s office beginning in the fall semester of the senior year or first year of the professional-entry program. Coverage runs annually from September 1 - September 1. Therefore, if a student does not complete all fieldwork by September 1 st of the year of their Master s Degree Graduation, there will be an additional charge for liability insurance until the fieldwork is completed. 13

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FIELDWORK: All Occupational Therapy students on Level I and Level II fieldwork assignments are required to carry health insurance. Students are responsible for the costs of any necessary special tests/procedures, or other prerequisite related expenses that occur to meet site specific requirements for fieldwork. This may include immunizations, PPD tests, titers, physical exams, CPR courses, criminal background checks, fingerprinting and/or drug screenings. Each fieldwork facility has medical requirements for the safety of its patients, employees, and students. Information about tests, inoculations, and other required and recommended procedures is listed in the prerequisite section of the Fieldwork Data Form for each individual site. Prior to beginning fieldwork, facility specific health prerequisite information should be reviewed by the student and arrangements made to fulfill these requirements. There are time frames that must be met for some inoculations and tests. For example, the Hepatitis B series takes 6 months to complete. Check the medical requirements as soon as you have a confirmed fieldwork placement. All Ithaca College Occupational Therapy Students are required to have an annual physical exam beginning in the spring of the junior year. Physicals are required for the summer program in Rochester, for Level I fieldwork, and for all Level II Fieldwork, including the specialty/elective experience. A health information form needs to be completed and records of necessary immunizations need to be submitted to the Ithaca College Student Health Services. Additionally, all Ithaca College Occupational Therapy Students are required to receive two Mantoux tuberculin tests (PPD tests) if attending the University of Rochester summer program. Students will also be required to have updated Mantoux tuberculin tests in their Senior and Graduate years to be adequately prepared for fieldwork requirements. Although not required by all fieldwork sites, Hepatitis B inoculations or a signed declination form, and CPR certification are required for all Ithaca College Occupational Therapy Students. The Ithaca College Student Health Services is available to help coordinate this process with you. Inoculations and physical exams are available at the Ithaca College Hammond Health Center. There is a charge for these services. The Ithaca College Student Health Services will maintain the health records that will be sent to the fieldwork sites. Students must make sure that these records are complete and accurate. When physicals or tests are completed outside of the Hammond Health Center, a copy needs to be given to the Hammond Health Center so that complete records are maintained. Students should have a signed OT/PT Authorization for Release of Information on file at the Hammond Health Center so that the student s Health Clearance Form may be sent to the Fieldwork Coordinator for inclusion in student fieldwork packets. If a student does not complete all required pre-requisites, the fieldwork site may not allow the student to begin fieldwork. It is the student s responsibility to be sure that all prerequisites are completed. 14

PREREQUISITES FOR FIELDWORK EXPERIENCES PHYSICAL EXAM/HEALTH FORM In order to comply with the contractual agreement with the fieldwork centers it is mandatory that each student complete a physical and immunization history before beginning fieldwork experiences. This policy is to ensure both the student and clients /patients personal health and to comply with fieldwork facility infection control policies. Documentation is required of Tuberculin Skin Test (PPD), Measles/ Mumps/ Rubella (MMR), and Hepatitis B. Physical exams should be scheduled annually or as required by your fieldwork site placement. Physicals can be scheduled by calling the Ithaca College Hammond Health Center at 607-274- 3177. You may also have your physical completed by another physician. In either case, you must submit an IC OT Health Assessment Form or documentation containing all information asked for on the IC OT Health Assessment Form. Certain fieldwork sites (Level I & Level II) may also require additional health screening/information. HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATION Students must provide documentation that they have been vaccinated against Hepatitis B or have declined to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Any student who has declined to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B shall provide the appropriate documentation. Sequence for Hepatitis B Vaccination: First Vaccination Second Vaccination - one month following first shot (but no more than 4 months following the first shot). Third Vaccination - six months following first shot (but no more than 12 months following first shot.) Students are encouraged to check with their health care provider and receive Hepatitis B vaccinations if covered under their health care plan. Also, Ithaca College Health Services can provide vaccinations to students requesting the Hepatitis B protocol. CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) TRAINING Ithaca College OT students are required to complete CPR training/certification (valid for one year) prior to beginning a Level II Fieldwork placement. Pediatric/Infant CPR: If this is a prerequisite, it is necessary that CPR course include training and evaluation of the differences in applying CPR with children. CPR certification is available on IC campus as a credit course. Information about registering for the CPR course is coordinated through the OEL offices. An e-mail will be sent to Occupational Therapy seniors and graduate students with information about upcoming CPR courses. 15

LIABILITY INSURANCE All Ithaca College OT students must be covered by liability insurance. An Ithaca College policy covers students enrolled in the Ithaca College OT program within the scope of those duties, which are a part of such training. However, if all fieldwork is not completed by September 1 st of the year of their Master s Degree Graduation, there will be an additional charge for liability insurance until the fieldwork is completed. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS/HIPPA TRAINING Universal Precautions and HIPPA training will be taught through the academic programming within the OT department or though online modules. Certificates of completion in both of these areas will be sent to fieldwork sites. Students may still need to complete site specific trainings once they have arrived at their fieldwork site. CHILD ABUSE CLEARANCE If this is required by a facility, the student should call the person responsible for fieldwork education at the associated facility to ask for instructions as to the procedure for obtaining this clearance. Fingerprinting may be required. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CLEARANCE If this is required by a facility, the student should call the person responsible for fieldwork education at the associated facility to ask for instructions as to the procedure for obtaining this clearance. Fingerprinting may be required. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator can provide additional information on obtaining a criminal background check through Certified Background Check if the facility does not provide its own check. There is a fee associated with obtaining a background check through Certified Background Check, which is the student s responsibility. DRUG SCREENING If this is required by a facility, the student should call the person responsible for fieldwork education at the associated facility to ask for instructions as to the procedure for obtaining this clearance. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator can provide additional information on obtaining a drug screening in the Ithaca area through Certified Background Check if the facility does not provide its own screening. There is a fee associated with obtaining a drug screening through Certified Background Check, which is the student s responsibility. 16

PERSONAL DATA SHEET/INTRODUCTION LETTER The Personal Data Sheet and Introduction Letter are completed by the OT student approximately 3 months before each assigned Level II fieldwork experience. They are mailed to the assigned fieldwork site along with other prerequisite information. The Personal Data Sheet and Introduction Letter serve as an introduction of the student to the fieldwork educator(s) who will be supervising the student during the Level II learning experience. Students must be covered by health/medical insurance and include the policy numbers on the Personal Data Sheet. Personal Data Sheets will be provided by the fieldwork coordinator and can also be downloaded from the AOTA website. OTHER Students need to check the prerequisites for his/her assigned fieldwork site, as there may be additional facility specific requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all prerequisites prior to the first day of the Level II fieldwork or earlier as dictated by site requirements. 17

FIELDWORK PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS It is the responsibility of each student to adhere to the specific facility or school policy with regard to dress, conduct, confidentiality and attendance. DRESS Most facilities specify an expected dress code. However, when the dress code is not known the school requirement for men and women is clean, neat street clothes. This usually means no shorts, mini-skirts, high heels, or tight/revealing clothing. Underwear should be covered at all times, even when squatting or bending over. Shoes should be sturdy with non-slip soles. Open toed shoes, clogs, or hiking shoes are not acceptable. Long hair should be tied back, fingernails clipped and jewelry kept to a minimum so that patient care will not be affected. Students must wear the name tag provided by Ithaca College at all times they are at fieldwork site unless facility provides another name badge. CONDUCT Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. All policies and procedures of the facility should be followed. Remember that on fieldwork, students are representing Ithaca College, the OT program, and the profession of occupational therapy. It is expected that you be prompt, courteous, and respectful. Remember that you are a guest at the site and that unprofessional behaviors can compromise client care and/or put the site in jeopardy of noncompliance with oversight agencies. Students must comply with the standard operating procedures of each site. Remember that fieldwork educators assume responsibility for your actions because they believe in the importance of fieldwork education. Fieldwork educators are not compensated for their time with you and hosting a student means that their workload increases. Students should refer to the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics found on the AOTA website, as it serves as a guide for professional behavior. Respect needs to be shown to all patients and facility staff. Occupational Therapy staff deserves courtesy in regards to their professional judgment and experience. Students should feel free to ask questions but not to challenge the supervisor s authority or competence. The facility property needs to be respected in regards to cleaning up after yourself. CONFIDENTIALITY Confidentiality of all patient information must be adhered to. Do not use actual patient names in any written or verbal reporting outside the facility. Initials may be acceptable for classroom assignments and this will be clarified by individual faculty. 18

ATTENDANCE On Level I Fieldwork, students should arrive on time and stay through the time designated on all assigned dates. Notification of any lateness requires a call from student to the appropriate contact person at facility. If a student is going to be absent from fieldwork, for any reason, the student must call the appropriate contact person at the facility and also the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at Ithaca College. Any time missed must be made up at the convenience of the facility or through additional assignments arranged by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. Repeated lateness or absence may require repeating or failure of the experience. EXCEPTION: Since in many cases, your Level I Pediatric fieldwork is school based, the facility may close due to inclement weather. You are not expected to attend on those days. However, you and your site supervisor (Fieldwork Educator) need to establish a procedure for obtaining school closing information. On Level II Fieldwork The hours and days worked are set by the facility and usually relate directly to the schedule of the Fieldwork Educator or department operation. Any requests for time off to attend conferences, personal appointments, or other purposes require advance negotiation with the Fieldwork Educator. They are not automatic. You are expected to be at fieldwork every day except when ill or for an emergency in the immediate family. If you expect that more than three days* are needed for the illness or emergency, a conference is required between the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and the Fieldwork Educator to determine how the time will be made up. Asking for time off or for an alternative start/end date to accommodate a vacation or family event is not acceptable. *IMPORTANT: For purposes of course completion, up to 3 days can be taken for illness/family emergency only. You are not entitled to 3 days off during fieldwork. Any time off is at the discretion of the Fieldwork Educator and he/she reserves the right to request that you make up absences by working additional days or completing additional projects. It is the fieldwork educator s responsibility to feel confident that you have entry-level skills and he or she will require you to work the days necessary to demonstrate those skills. 19

SECTION II LEVEL I FIELDWORK 20

INTRODUCTION TO LEVEL I FIELDWORK: Level I Fieldwork at Ithaca College is composed of a minimum of 3 separate experiences incorporated into the following classes OTBS-45000 and OTMS-55000 Adult Intervention Processes in OT, OTBS-45500 and OTMS 55500 Pediatric Intervention Processes in OT and OTMS-665000 Gerontic OT. There may be additional Level I experiences offered in less formal ways in other classes. Level I fieldwork cannot be substituted for any part of Level II fieldwork. The faculty reserve the right to post-pone a student s Level I fieldwork if it is felt that a student is unprepared for the experience due to excessive absences in related courses, poor/failing performance in course exams, poor professional behaviors as seen in class or campus clinics, or other areas of concern. Fieldwork will supplement classroom learning by providing opportunities to integrate academic knowledge of each age population in real life and treatment situations. Specific Fieldwork I assignments and experiences will be defined in each course syllabus. The time formats and scheduling of these experiences may vary and will be coordinated by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and OT faculty teaching the classroom course. Students are expected to attend all fieldwork prep meetings prior to Level I Adult and Pediatric fieldworks. The Level I Fieldwork experiences take place off-campus and transportation will be the responsibility of the student. Since the Level I Adult and Pediatric experiences are a one week full time experience, efforts are made to place students where they can easily arrange housing, either at home or with family or friends. The Level I Geriatric experience is assigned at the beginning of the semester in the OTMS- 66500 Gerontic OT class. Students will be assigned to small working groups and to a specific site. This experience will take place in sites easily commutable within Ithaca that have agreed to take part in this Level I experience. Student groups will have to provide their own transportation. 21

LEVEL I FIELDWORK OBJECTIVES 1. The student will observe, meet, and interact with the kinds of clients or patients being discussed in class. 2. The student will have opportunities to observe the occupational therapy assessment and treatment process. 3. The student will experience modeling of professional occupational therapy behaviors. 4. The student will have sufficient case examples for written assignments and class discussion. 5. The student will begin integration of theory and practice. 6. The student will demonstrate beginning (or better) skills of observation, written, and oral communication skills. 7. The student will demonstrate satisfactory (or better) interpersonal communication, clinical application, and professional behavior. 8. The student will demonstrate hands-on experience in particular clinical skills being taught in the classroom when possible and appropriate at assigned facility. It is expected that students will show growth along a continuum of observation, assistance, and consultation as they progress through Level I experiences. 22

GRADING OF LEVEL I FIELDWORK: Level I Fieldwork will be graded as Pass/Fail. The grade will be determined by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator after review of the evaluation completed by the Fieldwork Educator and upon completion of all assignments related to the Level I experience. Fieldwork requirements for Level I Adult and Pediatric experiences include: achieving a passing grade on the evaluation completed by the Fieldwork Educator, completion of a Site Evaluation, achieving a passing grade on a written report based upon a completed learning objective, and active participation in a fieldwork wrap-up session. Fieldwork requirements for the Level I Geriatric experience vary each year and are outlined on the first day of class. If an evaluation by a Fieldwork Educator indicates that the student has shown unsatisfactory performance or needs improvement in one or more areas, the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator will discuss the evaluation with the student and supervisor for clarification. If the student is showing good potential for success, it may be possible for a short-term remediation plan to be developed instead of a failed grade being submitted. This will depend on the behaviors identified and the degree of unsatisfactory performance. Each situation is considered on an individual basis and the decision is made by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. If this remediation plan cannot be completed in the time frame of the semester, an incomplete Level I Fieldwork grade will be submitted. This will result in an Incomplete for the corresponding course. If the student does not show good potential for being successful with extra time on site or on an alternative one-week placement, a failed grade will be submitted. This will result in a failed grade for the corresponding course. The student will repeat Level I fieldwork when he/she repeats the course. The faculty may also develop a specific remediation plan to be completed before repeating the course, if the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and faculty advisor feel this necessary. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator will notify the student s advisor and document any Level I problems and remediation plans in the student s fieldwork file. The advisor will document these issues in the student s department file. 23

SECTION III LEVEL II FIELDWORK 24

INTRODUCTION TO LEVEL II FIELDWORK: Level II Fieldwork at Ithaca College is composed of 3 separate experiences totaling 8 months of clinical training in pediatric/adolescent, adult/geriatric and specialty areas. Level II Fieldwork is scheduled for time frames as indicated in the OT course curriculum. Fieldwork is arranged to fulfill AOTA requirements that experiences are provided with various groups across the life span, persons with various psychosocial and physical performance deficits, and various service delivery models reflective of current practice in the profession. Level II Fieldwork is an essential part of the educational program. It occurs following prerequisite academic courses. Students must complete all course requirements for the B.S. in occupational science with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and be approved by the faculty before taking clinical fieldwork courses. Students in the Professional-Entry program must also maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA and be approved by the faculty before taking clinical fieldwork courses. Level II Fieldwork must be completed successfully to qualify to take the Certification Exam for Occupational Therapist. This exam is administered by the NBCOT (National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists). It is required by Ithaca College that all Level II Fieldwork and thesis be completed within 24 months following completion of academic courses. Level II Fieldwork is a full-time work commitment with homework. It is recommended that students do not attempt additional workloads or time-consuming responsibilities during this time. 25

LEVEL II FIELDWORK OBJECTIVES 1. The student will demonstrate safe practice as demonstrated by providing service in an environment that promotes safety for self and client, and that follows all established procedures for safety. 2. The student will demonstrate ethical practice that is consistent with values of Occupational therapy. This will be demonstrated by ensuring confidentiality throughout the provision of services, and by articulating an awareness of ethical issues that arise in the provision of services, demonstrating appropriate action relevant to those issues. 3. The student will adhere to the basic tenets of occupational therapy through articulation of the values and beliefs of the profession to clients and staff, communication of roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapist, and collaboration with client on service goals and methods. 4. The student will demonstrate proficiency in evaluation of clients ability to function in their valued occupational roles and current or projected future environments. Student will consider the nature of the dynamic system in which the client functions during evaluation analysis and interpretation. 5. The student will select, administer, and interpret specific assessments guided by knowledge of the multiple dimensions of performance, clinical reasoning, and frames of reference, administering assessments according to standard administration protocols or guidelines. 6. The student will determine whether the results of the evaluation indicate the need for occupational therapy services, referral for other services, or termination of services. 7. The student will develop and implement strategies based on evaluation that promote clients strengths in achieving functional outcomes that are appropriate to their identity, valued roles, and occupational environments. 8. When planning service activities, the student will demonstrate appropriate clinical reasoning in the consideration of the client s specific goals, preferred roles, interests and tasks, realistic environmental challenges and resources, and relevant time constraints or factors. 9. The student will make recommendations for intervention that are grounded in a professionally accepted body of knowledge as determined by the fieldwork supervisor. 10. The student will document services in a way that reflect the client s involvement in development of the plan and adoption of specific strategies (AOTF, 1998). 26

11. The student will communicate clearly, verbally and non-verbally, producing clear/legible documentation in language understandable to the recipient. 12. The student will communicate and collaborate with health care and other professionals in a professional manner. 13. The student will demonstrate professional behavior in the areas of collaborating with his/her supervisor, taking responsibility for professional competence, responding constructively to feedback, demonstrating consistently adequate work behaviors and effective time management skills, using positive interpersonal skills, advocating for self and clients, and respecting self, other and the environment. Additional site-specific behavioral objectives are found in the Site Objectives Notebooks in the top drawer of the file cabinet for individual facility folders. When students are at fieldwork sites, it is expected that they will utilize the resources at their site, from their class notes, from the internet, or from a local library. Students should not contact the OT department s administrative assistant at Ithaca College to make copies of articles or to mail resources to them. If students would like to borrow assessments owned by the department to show their fieldwork site, a faculty member must agree to the loan and sign it out. That faculty member is also responsible to check the assessment when it leaves the college and upon its return to be sure all items are intact. 27

SPECIALTY ELECTIVE OR ELECTIVE INTERNSHIP An alternative to the third Level II Clinical Fieldwork (OTMS-69500) is the Elective Internship (OTMS-69600). A passing grade in either of these courses allows students to complete the requirement of Ithaca College s Occupational Therapy Program. Fieldwork requires supervision of the Occupational Therapy student by a registered occupational therapist. The Elective Internship allows the necessary supervision to be provided by someone other than an OTR. The purpose of an Elective Internship is to allow a student the opportunity to apply occupational therapy theory and principles in a non-traditional setting under the supervision of a person with demonstrated competence in a specialized area of consultation or service delivery. It is necessary to apply to take the Elective Internship instead of the third Level II Clinical Fieldwork. To apply, the student must complete the Learning Contract for Elective Internship in consultation with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. The Learning Contract outline is available online. When completed, the contract needs to be approved by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, the Occupational Therapy Department Graduate Chair, and the supervisor of the Elective Internship. With the exception of the thesis, graduate students must complete all course work prior to the start of the final specialty/elective fieldwork. If a student has a grade of incomplete prior to the start of the specialty/elective fieldwork, the fieldwork will be canceled. The student may meet with the fieldwork coordinator to reschedule this fieldwork after incomplete course work has been successfully completed. It is important to note that rescheduling a fieldwork may take several months and students are therefore strongly encouraged to have all coursework completed in as timely a manner as possible. It is also important to note that ACOTE requires fieldwork to be completed within two years of the completion of coursework. Students are urged to meet with their advisors to determine the need for a remediation plan if courses are not completed by the conclusion of the graduate spring semester. 28

GRADING OF LEVEL II FIELDWORK: All Level II fieldwork will be graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Fieldwork Educators at facilities will complete the AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation for the Occupational Therapy Student at midterm and final. It is reviewed by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at Ithaca College, who will then submit final grades. A passing grade is achieved if a student receives 122 points or more on the final evaluation. The AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation for the Occupational Therapy Student is the evaluation form used by the Ithaca College OT department and Fieldwork Educators as the criteria for successful completion of Level II Fieldwork. A copy of this evaluation form will be shared with students before they start Level II Fieldwork. The form is mailed to all site supervisors at least 4 weeks before a student begins Level II Fieldwork. Use of the Fieldwork Performance Evaluation for the Occupational Therapy Student The Fieldwork Performance Evaluation is intended to provide the student with an accurate assessment of his/her competence for entry-level practice. Both the student and fieldwork educator should recognize that growth occurs over time. The midterm and final evaluation scores will reflect development of student competency and growth. In order to effectively use this evaluation to assess student competence, site-specific objectives need to be developed. Utilize this evaluation as a framework to assist in ensuring that all key performance areas are reflected in the site-specific objectives. Using this evaluation at midterm and final, it is suggested that the student complete a selfevaluation of his/her own performance. During the midterm review process, the student and fieldwork educator should collaboratively develop a plan, which would enable the student to achieve entry-level competency the end of the fieldwork experience. This plan should include specific objectives and enabling activities to be used by the student and fieldwork educator in order to achieve the desired competence. The Fieldwork educator must contact the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator when: (1) a student exhibits unsatisfactory behavior in a substantial number of tasks or (2) a student s potential for achieving entry-level competence by the end of the affiliation is in question. -Commission on Education Committee. American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. 29

OPTIONS FOR EVALUATION OF STUDENT ON SPECIALTY/ELECTIVE FIELDWORK EXPERIENCE It is necessary to have some type of written evaluation to indicate that the Specialty/Elective fieldwork was successfully completed. If the AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation for the Occupational Therapy Student is not an appropriate evaluation tool for the experience, one of the options below would be acceptable: 1. The student and supervisor, together, may write 2-6 objectives at the beginning of the fieldwork assignment. Both the student and supervisor will sign an agreement that this will be the basis for the fieldwork evaluation. Then the evaluation may be written in terms of these stated objectives. 2. The supervisor may write a straight narrative that includes the activities and accomplishments of the fieldwork. In either case, the student should be functioning successfully with entry-level skills for the individual setting. Students choosing an Elective Internship instead of a Level II Fieldwork Specialty Elective will also be graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. 30

CANCELLATION OF LEVEL II FIELDWORK: (Previous to Day 1 of Fieldwork Experience) Student Initiated Changes: Once a Level II Fieldwork assignment has been confirmed, student requests for a change of affiliation will not be honored unless there is an extreme emergency situation. An extreme situation is identified as death of an immediate family member or serious illness of self. It does not include financial reasons, housing changes, or wedding plans. Documentation of the situation will be required (i.e. obituary or confirmation of medical problem from physician). If after a review of documentation it is determined that a change should be made, the following procedure will be implemented: 1. Meeting of Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and student to discuss preference indicators for Fieldwork. 2. Academic Fieldwork Coordinator assigns student to a new site. 3. All involved persons are notified of change. Site Initiated Changes: A fieldwork site may need to cancel a confirmed placement. This happens when the staffing situation is not adequate to provide the required learning environment. Also, occasionally a facility closes or merges with another organization and the confirmation of placement cannot be honored. If a cancellation should occur, the procedure is as follows: 1. Student is notified the fieldwork placement has been cancelled by the site. 2. Meeting of student and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator to discuss replacement options. 3. Academic Fieldwork Coordinator assigns student to a new site. A cancellation of Level II Fieldwork (either student or site initiated) may delay a student s fieldwork experience. Neither Ithaca College nor the fieldwork site is liable. It is possible that this change of fieldwork will result in a later graduation date, as the fieldwork may need to be rescheduled for a later time frame than originally scheduled. It is also possible that the rescheduled fieldwork may not be located in the same geographical area as the previous placement. 31

TERMINATION OF LEVEL II FIELDWORK: (During time of affiliation) Site initiated termination: Termination of the fieldwork experience once it has started is rare. The most common reason is for unacceptable student performance as determined by the fieldwork educator. All fieldwork sites reserve the right to request that a student be removed from an affiliation. The termination of a student during an affiliation is not considered a cancellation. The student s participation, discussion of student performance, and written evaluations will be used to determine the grade for the course. Termination for unacceptable performance may result in a grade of Unsatisfactory or Withdraw*. Immediate removal (prior to the scheduled end date of the fieldwork) from the site and/or a failing (grade of unsatisfactory) may be given for any fieldwork placement for any of the following: Violation of patients rights Violation of the rights of others Violation of the AOTA Code of Ethics Unprofessional behavior Unsafe practices Substance abuse Failure to complete any of the specified requirements Continued unsatisfactory performance Insubordination Excessive tardiness A score below a 3 on items #1 3 (Fundamentals of Practice) on the Fieldwork Performance Evaluation of the OT Student Student initiated termination: Student withdrawal from a Level II fieldwork experience is strongly discouraged and should only be considered in extreme situations. Withdrawal from fieldwork cannot be done without the permission of the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator or faculty member designated by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. The proper withdrawal forms must be completed. Failure to follow this procedure may result in a failed (grade of unsatisfactory) fieldwork experience. Students who withdraw from a fieldwork will also be required to complete remedial work prior to starting a make-up fieldwork. Students may withdraw within the first 9 weeks of the fieldwork for a grade of W (5 weeks for a Specialty or Elective fieldwork). Any withdrawals after 9 weeks will result in a grade of U, unless the student petitions for a late withdrawal using the typical college procedures. Termination of fieldwork when a student is performing acceptably may result in a grade of I. An incomplete would be used if a student developed a health or other serious problem preventing fieldwork completion in the scheduled time frame. In the case of an incomplete, an attempt would be made to have the student finish the fieldwork experience at the same site. At the discretion of the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, an I (incomplete) may be granted 32

within the first 2 weeks of fieldwork when it is determined that a student s skill set is incongruent with site expectations. If an incomplete is granted for this reason, the student will be placed at another facility in consultation with the AFWC. This rescheduled placement may not follow the typical timeframe of fieldwork and may involve additional costs or impact loan repayment timeframes as well. Remedial work: If a student is terminated or withdraws from fieldwork, remedial work will be required. Remedial work will be for the purpose of addressing problems seen on fieldwork and to allow the student to maximize success on a subsequent, make-up fieldwork. Remedial work will be completed with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and/or other appropriate faculty members. Successful completion, as determined by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, is required before a make-up affiliation will be scheduled. Make-up affiliations: Make up affiliations will be assigned by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator following consultation with student. Make-up affiliations will not necessarily follow the typical course schedule time frames and will involve additional costs for tuition and other related expenses. Financial Implications: The student is responsible to pay for tuition associated with fieldwork placements that are discontinued due to a withdraw or termination. A student may receive a credit to their account if the withdraw falls within the time frame instituted by the registrar s office. The student is responsible to pay for additional tuition incurred from the make-up fieldwork. The student is highly encouraged to speak with the financial aid office to determine financial assistance and eligibility for educational loans, if any, for make-up fieldworks. Students should also be aware that loan re-payment start dates may begin when they carry less than full-time status. *Important Note: If the student has previously been terminated from a fieldwork experience or has failed (received an Unsatisfactory ) a previous fieldwork, a Fieldwork Committee composed of the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and at least 2 additional faculty, will review the case and make recommendations. The recommendation may be dismissal from the program or remediation including, but not limited to, additional course work, counseling, leave-ofabsence, or specialized assignments. 33

FAILED FIELDWORK EXPERIENCE: A failed Level II Fieldwork experience is a serious concern. It is the opportunity to put academic learning into practice. This applied knowledge and critical thinking are paramount to being a successful occupational therapy practitioner. It is necessary to demonstrate proficiency in both the clinical and academic components of occupational therapy training. If a student feels that some unusual or extreme circumstance related to the failure of the fieldwork experience, an appeal may be made using appeal protocol as outlined in the Ithaca College Catalog. Generally, the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator will be part of this appeals process. Further information from the fieldwork site may be determined necessary during the appeals process. Remediation may be required before the student is allowed to retake a failed Level II Fieldwork or to advance to further scheduled fieldwork. If this appeals committee recommends a make-up affiliation, then a one time only make-up affiliation will be scheduled by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. If the student does not pass the makeup affiliation, they will not be granted another fieldwork and will be dismissed from the program. 34

COMPLETING ALL LEVEL II FIELDWORKS CONSECUTIVELY It is sometimes necessary for students to group all of their Level II Fieldworks together, starting in the spring of the graduate year. This requires changes to the dates of the student s fieldwork, registration for fieldwork, and carries financial implications. The student must notify the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator as soon as possible if circumstances require the fieldworks to be grouped together. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator will work with the student to set-up fieldwork placements within an appropriate time frame and to properly register for those courses. Students requesting to group all Level II fieldworks starting in the spring of the graduate year will follow this sequence: OT Summer Term (Block IV billing) April June: Level II Adult or Pediatric Fieldwork (6 credits) July Sept: Level II Adult or Pediatric Fieldwork (6 credits) Fall Term Oct Nov: Level II Specialty Elective or Elective Internship (4 credits) Financial implications: Student should expect to be billed for 12 credits in the OT Summer Term (instead of the typical 10 credits) and 4 credits in the Fall Term. Students will need to speak with the financial aid office regarding eligibility for financial assistance and educational loans, if any, to off-set or cover the costs of adjusting the fieldwork time frames. Students are typically unable to defer student loan payments once their credit load falls less than full-time (which is very likely in the Fall Term). Students should contact the financial aid office for questions about student loans and deferment options. 35

SECTION IV AFTER FIELDWORK 36

AFTER COMPLETION OF THIRD FIELDWORK After students have completed either the Specialty Elective or the Elective Internship, 4 evaluation forms must be received to the fieldwork office before a final grade is submitted. These evaluations include: 1. AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation for the OT Student or narrative comments on Learning Contract goals completed by the Fieldwork Educator/site supervisor. 2. Student Evaluation of the Fieldwork Experience completed by the student and signed by the Fieldwork Educator/site supervisor. 3. Evaluation of the 4 Major Themes of the Ithaca College Occupational Therapy Program 4. Evaluation of the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Once these forms have been received in the fieldwork office, the AFWC will submit a final grade for the fieldwork. At this time, students may apply to take the NBCOT Certification Examination and for temporary licensure. Final transcripts will not be available until graduation in either October or December (depending on the completion of fieldwork). EVALUATION OF THE 4 MAJOR THEMES This evaluation relates to the entire occupational therapy academic program, which you have now completed. The evaluations are compiled and then reviewed by the OT faculty and ACOTE. The OT faculty will use the data to evaluate the curriculum and to guide changes. Your honest and complete evaluation is appreciated. EVALUATION OF THE AFWC (Academic Fieldwork Coordinator) This evaluation relates to the occupational therapy academic program, but it is specific to fieldwork. This information is compiled and reviewed by the AFWC, OT faculty, and ACOTE to evaluate the Fieldwork program and to guide changes. Additionally, this evaluation serves as a personal evaluation of the AFWC. Once again, your honest and complete evaluation is appreciated. 37

NBCOT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION APPLICATION PROCESSING STEPS 1. Visit the NBCOT website and download the Certification Examination Handbook 2011 a) Go to Certification Candidates and in the pull down menu, choose the Certification Examination Handbook b) NBCOT website: http://www.nbcot.org/ 2. Submit an application to NBCOT to take the exam a) An application MAY NOT be submitted until you have graduated or you have been cleared for graduation. This means that all necessary paperwork from fieldwork has been received and a passing grade for fieldwork has been entered into Homer. b) NBCOT will send an Exam Score Report to state regulatory boards or a Confirmation of Exam Registration and Eligibility Notice if you request it. It is a good idea to check your state board s requirements prior to sending in your application. It is cheaper to make these requests when submitting your application, but it can be done after the application process by submitting separate forms. 3. Academic Credentials Verification Form (ACVF) a) Used when you are cleared for graduation, but an official transcript is not yet available It should not be submitted no sooner than 3 months prior to your anticipated graduation date b) You completed the student section of the form already and I have them in my office. I will get the necessary signatures and send it to NBCOT once you send me an email stating that you have submitted an application. c) You must request that your transcript be sent to NBCOT when it is available or the registrar s office will not sign off on the form. You can request that your transcript be sent to NBCOT through HomerConnect Request that the transcript be sent to NBCOT and choose Hold and send after degree is posted 4. Once NBCOT has confirmed your eligibility to test, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter (via email or mail) a) Allow 10-15 business days to process your exam application and to receive your ATT Letter b) ATT Letter includes: Contact info for Prometric for scheduling the exam Details on how to schedule an exam date with Prometric Info on how to reschedule or cancel an exam www.prometric.com The letter is active for 90 days (you should schedule an exam within that time period) 38

TEMPORARY LICENSURE Visit your state s licensing website on what to do to obtain a temporary/provisional license. Follow this link from the NBCOT website to locate your state s information: o http://www.nbcot.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17&ite mid=111 For New York state, you can use this direct link: o http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/ot/ For New Jersey, you can use this direct link: o http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/occup/ 39