Fieldwork

USC Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Students

The academic setting emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and skills, as well as the cognitive and affective growth of the student. The development of professional behavior begins in the classroom setting, with the goal of demonstrating professionalism in the practice setting. The fieldwork site emphasizes applying knowledge and refining skills through supervised intervention and professional role modeling with clients, their families, significant others, and other health care professionals.

Fieldwork education 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 their competency as an entry-level generalist

Throughout the fieldwork experience, students are expected to increase their skills at progressively higher levels of performance and responsibility. The fieldwork experience is designed to promote best practice. Students are expected to demonstrate the values and beliefs of our profession that guide ethical practice.