Walsh University's Occupational Therapy program prepares students through diverse fieldwork experiences that reflect the full scope of occupational therapy practice. The curriculum aligns with the standards established by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) while equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination.

Students complete carefully selected Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences that provide meaningful, real-world opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in clinical practice.

The curriculum spans six semesters. During the first semester, students complete all coursework on campus with no scheduled fieldwork. Over the next three semesters, students complete a 2-credit Level I Fieldwork course each semester, integrating classroom learning with supervised clinical experiences. During the final two semesters, students complete 24 weeks of full-time Level II Fieldwork in a variety of practice settings.

Preparing Students for Professional Practice

Occupational therapists practice in a wide variety of settings across the lifespan. The Walsh University Occupational Therapy Program partners with clinicians in both traditional and emerging practice settings, primarily throughout Ohio, while also offering fieldwork opportunities in other states and select international locations.

Level I Fieldwork

The Walsh University Occupational Therapy Program partners with clinical sites within approximately 75 miles of campus to provide Level I Fieldwork experiences. These structured experiences allow students to observe, participate, and apply classroom knowledge in authentic practice settings while developing foundational clinical skills.

Students are responsible for arranging transportation to their assigned Level I Fieldwork sites. Weekly travel to sites located within approximately 70 minutes of Walsh University may be required.

Potential Settings:

  • Hand Rehab Center
  • Driving Rehabilitation Programs
  • Low Vision Rehabilitation
  • Independent Living Centers
  • Hippotherapy Programs
  • Homeless Shelters
  • Early Intervention
  • Private Schools for Specific Conditions (ex. Autism, ADD/LD, DD, Deaf, Blind)
  • Work/Industry
  • Pediatric In-Patient Rehabilitation
  • Community-based Developmental Disabilities Workshops and Day Centers

Walsh University enhances Level I Fieldwork through meaningful partnerships with community organizations and healthcare providers that expose students to diverse populations and practice settings. Students may gain hands-on experience through opportunities such as hippotherapy at Pegasus Farm, pediatric and family-centered programming at GiGi's Playhouse, spinal cord rehabilitation at the Cleveland VA Spinal Cord Unit, adaptive recreation through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes All Abilities Camp, home safety and accessibility assessments with JTEK, and practice experiences at GentleBrook and Canton Christian Home.

A hallmark of the Walsh University Level I Fieldwork program is the Walsh University Annual Community Clinic, where occupational therapy and physical therapy students collaborate to provide health and wellness assessments for members of the local community. Working as an interprofessional healthcare team, students conduct screenings and assessments, educate participants on health promotion and disease prevention, and develop recommendations to support safe, healthy, and independent living. This experience strengthens students' clinical reasoning, communication, teamwork, and collaborative practice skills while reinforcing the value of interprofessional care in improving community health.

Level II Fieldwork

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) requires all occupational therapy programs to provide 24 weeks of Level II Fieldwork. Walsh University partners with clinical sites throughout Ohio and in other states to offer diverse, high-quality fieldwork experiences that prepare students for entry-level practice.

The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator collaborates with each student to determine appropriate Level II Fieldwork placements. Placement decisions consider student interests, career goals, learning needs, geographic preferences, demonstrated readiness, and the availability of qualified fieldwork sites. Above all, the program prioritizes well-rounded clinical experiences that prepare students for entry-level practice and success on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination.

Students complete Level II Fieldwork during the final two semesters of the curriculum, spending 24 weeks in full-time (32-40 hours) clinical education across at least two different practice settings.

Potential Settings:

  • Acute care
  • Long-term acute care
  • Inpatient rehabilitation
  • General hospital-based rehabilitation
  • Adult outpatient therapy
  • General outpatient rehabilitation
  • Outpatient hand therapy
  • Skilled nursing facilities (SNF), subacute care, and long-term care
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Home-based therapy
  • Schools
  • Early intervention
  • Pediatric hospital units
  • Inpatient psychiatric settings
  • Community-based rehabilitation
  • Behavioral health community programs
  • Adult and older adult community living and day programs
  • Other specialty outpatient and emerging practice settings

Students are responsible for all travel, housing, and related expenses associated with Level II Fieldwork. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator typically confirms fieldwork placements 6–9 months before each experience, allowing students time to arrange transportation and secure housing.

While students are responsible for making their own housing and travel arrangements, some fieldwork sites provide limited resources, such as recommendations for local housing used by previous students. Students who have family or other support systems outside Ohio are encouraged to discuss these locations with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. When possible, the program will explore high-quality fieldwork opportunities in those areas; however, placement availability depends on site capacity and willingness to accept students and cannot be guaranteed.

Please email Dr. Kali Scott at kscott@walsh.edu for more information or to answer specific fieldwork questions.