Fieldwork Site Award
1. Professional Membership and Engagement
A majority of the occupational therapy staff maintain membership in AOTA and/or OOTA, demonstrating commitment to professional involvement and standards.
2. Fieldwork Education as a Defined Professional Role
Performance standards for advancement include effective functioning as a fieldwork educator.
3. High-Quality Fieldwork Manual and Resources
Maintains an exemplary fieldwork manual for OT and OTA students. Demonstrates an ongoing review and update process to ensure relevance and clarity.
4. Quality Assurance in Fieldwork Education
Implements quality assurance monitoring related to fieldwork education, such as evaluation processes, feedback systems, or program improvement initiatives.
5. Excellence in Occupational Therapy Practice
Holds a strong reputation for exceptional occupational therapy practice within its service area. Demonstrates ethical, evidence-based, and occupation-centered practice across staff.
6. Use of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4)
Staff demonstrate working knowledge and consistent application of the OTPF in evaluation, intervention, and documentation.
7. Sustained Commitment to Fieldwork Education
Has provided at least three years of consistent fieldwork education to OT and OTA students.
8. Collaboration with Academic Institutions
Engages in strong partnerships with academic programs, including: hosting site visits, participating in fieldwork-related educational activities, supporting communication and coordination with academic fieldwork coordinators.
9. Staff Development in Teaching and Supervision
Supports ongoing staff development in areas such as: teaching and instructional methods, assessment of student learning, supervisory and mentorship skills.
10. Adaptability in Challenging Student Situations
Demonstrates commitment to managing and adapting to challenging student placements, including identifying alternative supervisors or modifying assignments when needed.
11. Inclusive Acceptance of Students
Accepts both OT and OTA students for Level I and Level II fieldwork placements.
12. Positive Student Evaluations
Consistently receives strong evaluations from Level I and Level II students regarding the quality of supervision, learning environment, and clinical experience.
13. Institutional Commitment to Fieldwork Education
Demonstrates organizational support for the fieldwork program, including: meeting student accommodation needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing resources that support student success.
14. Creative and Innovative Supervision Models
Utilizes creative, flexible, or innovative supervision models that enhance student learning and reflect best practices in fieldwork education.
Eligibility
Any fieldwork site in Ohio that meets the above criteria may be nominated. Sites must demonstrate excellence in both clinical practice and student education. There is no limit to the number of awards that may be presented.
