Clinical Training
As a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) student at the University of Pittsburgh, you will have the opportunity to gain practical, supervised experience throughout the curriculum. These experiences will take two forms: experiences that are part of the classroom learning process, such as field trips or interactions with clients in the classroom, and experiences outside the classroom, or fieldwork education. Fieldwork education includes both Level I and Level II experiences. Students work with clients of all ages who experience challenges in daily occupations because of physical, psychosocial, and/or developmental reasons. Students may work with clients in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, public and private schools, day treatment programs, nursing homes, and adult day health programs.
Level I Fieldwork is integrated in three theory and practice courses. Students attend fieldwork part time to enrich the learning experience while simultaneously taking course work.
Courses that include Level I fieldwork are:
- OT 2107 Psychosocial/Cognitive Theory and Practice (Term 3
OT 2114 Biomechanical Theory and Practice II (Term 5)
OT 2115 Developmental Theory and Practice (Term 5)
Students are supervised by qualified personnel (e.g., occupational therapy practitioners, psychologists, teachers, social workers, nurses, and others).
Students enroll in Level II Fieldwork after all didactic course work is completed (Terms 6 and 7) for a minimum of the equivalent of 24 full-time work weeks. It is the final step in the preparation of the MOT student for entry-level practice. Level II Fieldwork is an in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients, focusing on the application of purposeful and meaningful occupation. It prepares the MOT student to assume the roles of practitioner, manager, and contributor upon graduation from the academic program. Upon successful completion of Level II Fieldwork, students may elect an optional six-to-eight-week fieldwork experience to develop specialized skills in practice, management, and/or research.