Fieldwork

Students completing the USC Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy entry-level Master’s degree will complete fieldwork in a variety of settings and practice areas.
Fieldwork emphasizes applying knowledge and refining skills through supervised intervention and professional role-modeling with clients, families, and other health care professionals. Fieldwork also provides occupational therapy students with an in-depth opportunity to:

Apply classroom-based knowledge and skills to a clinical setting;
Enrich coursework through observation and participation in the occupational therapy process;
Integrate academic knowledge with practical knowledge;
Develop competency as an entry-level generalist.

Level I and Level II Fieldwork Overview

Students participate in three Level I fieldwork experiences as part of the Practice Immersion courses in Adult Physical Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Mental Health, and Pediatrics. The first two fieldwork experiences occur during the fall and spring semesters during the first year of the professional program. The final Level I experience occurs during the fall semester of the second year of the professional program.
After successfully completing Level I fieldwork, students participate in twelve full-time weeks of Level II fieldwork. The first Level II fieldwork is taken during the summer between the first and second year, and the second Level II fieldwork is taken in the summer after the second year. Both Level II fieldwork placements occur during the summer and provide in-depth experiences in delivering occupational therapy services to clients.