Student Perceptions of Level I Fieldwork Supervision

Abstract

To prepare occupational therapy students to work in emerging practice areas, and meet standards of accreditation, we must provide them with Level I fieldwork opportunities which may not currently employ occupational therapists. This juncture causes us to examine the current fieldwork system and make recommendations for the future. The question is raised as to whether or not non-occupational therapists should supervise occupational therapy students. A description of advantages and disadvantages of non-occupational therapist supervision is presented. The results of the 70 Eastern Michigan University students surveyed about their type of Level I fieldwork supervision and its effectiveness, revealed that though the overall ratings of non-occupational therapist supervisors were somewhat lower than those of the occupational therapists, data from this study support using Level I fieldwork sites with non-occupational therapist supervisors.