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Roles, Responsibilities, and Qualifications of Fieldwork Educator
- Be a credentialed OT practitioner licensed or exempted to practice in New York State Authorized by New York state to practice as an OT or OTA..
- Have over 1 year full-time equivalent OT practice.
- Maintain current certification/registration as a COTA or OTR with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Understand and agree to abide by the SUNY Erie OTA Fieldwork mission, values, policies, procedures, and forms.
- Demonstrate role competencies as described in the following AOTA document:
Student Prerequisites
- Successful completion of all didactic coursework for the program and Level I Fieldwork experiences (OT 141 & OT 160).
- Must be registered for OT239 and/or OT251.
- Students must comply with all requirements for immunizations, screenings, fingerprinting, background checks, orientations, and training as dictated by fieldwork sites. A felony conviction may prevent a student from completing our academic program through fieldwork, a degree requirement needed for degree completion.
- Students must have completed First Aid with CPR for infant, child, and adult, or completed an accepted first aid course offered at SUNY Erie before being eligible to go out on fieldwork. Verification of AED/CPR Certification for children and adults must be submitted to the OTA Department Head prior to the end of the first fall semester within program. Online courses are not acceptable. American Red Cross classes, American Heart Association, or SUNY Erie courses are recommended.
- Students must complete Mental Health First Aid Training through SUNY Erie prior to or in September of the second year (timed with OT 200). Certification of completion must be submitted to the OTA Department Head.
- Must have a reliable form of transportation to and from all fieldwork site locations.
- Must submit to the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at SUNY Erie current and accurate information regarding personal mailing address and phone number where the student can be reached.
- In addition to meeting all prerequisites, permission to participate in fieldwork is contingent upon the OTA Department’s approval based on overall demonstration of professional conduct, appearance, judgment and performance.
NOTE: Level II fieldwork must be completed within 20 months of the completion of OT Department didactic courses.
Site-Specific Learning Objectives
Communication Between Site, School, and Student
It is the intention of the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator to maintain open dialogue with all fieldwork sites. On-site visits will be conducted as needed to meet with Fieldwork Educators and discuss current clinical practice, feedback regarding the OTA program, and any other relevant and timely topics. Site visits may also occur as needed to address concerns related to fieldwork student performance.
All parties - student, Fieldwork Educator, and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator - may initiate requests for site visits at any time. Additionally, contact can occur via telephone, email, and regular mail throughout student placement as needed. Fieldwork educators should not hesitate to contact the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at any time.
A release of information is required for the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator to discuss a student's academic, personal or prior fieldwork information with the Fieldwork Educator.