Fieldwork and Capstone Education

Level II Fieldwork consists of two 12-week full-time experiences that provide an opportunity for students to integrate the theory and skills learned in the classroom within diverse practice settings. Students complete site-specific assignments and weekly self-reflection to ensure congruence of their experiences with their academic preparation.

The doctoral capstone is the culminating course in the program consisting of a 14-week full-time experience and project. While working with mentors, students will create and enhance their professional skills and abilities allowing them to acquire in-depth knowledge in a chosen area of interest.

Fieldwork and the doctoral capstone promote skill development in the core aspects of Hanover OTD program’s mission. Engaged and transformative learning concepts are utilized to develop student skillsets as practitioners who can be occupational therapy leaders.

Hanover College partners with over 2,000 sites and organizations for Fieldwork and Doctoral Capstone experiences. Hanover College is proud to partner with community and clinical sites in every U.S. state as well as American Samoa. Hanover College has vetted every site to ensure that students will receive quality education throughout their Fieldwork and Capstone learning experiences.

What are the requirements for fieldwork and capstone?

Students must complete all didactic work prior to beginning Level II Fieldwork. Students must complete all didactic work, both Level II Fieldwork placements, and all Doctoral Capstone preparation work prior to beginning the Doctoral Capstone.

How does fieldwork differ from the doctoral capstone?

The goal of Level II fieldwork is to develop competent, entry-level, generalist occupational therapists. Students are supervised by licensed and qualified occupational therapists during two 12-week Level II Fieldwork experiences.

The goal of the 14-week Doctoral Capstone is to provide an in-depth exposure to one or more of the following: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development. Students can be mentored by any individual with expertise and experience consistent with their capstone’s focus.

What kind of sites can a student complete a level II fieldwork at?

Level II Fieldwork can be completed in a variety of settings including but not limited to inpatient, outpatient, home health, early intervention, community, and school settings. Students should expect to work with clients who require rehabilitation or habilitation to improve their abilities to participate in daily activities.

What kind of sites can a student complete the doctoral capstone at?

The Doctoral Capstone can be completed in a variety of settings including but not limited to a clinical setting (such as inpatient, outpatient, etc.), a community setting (such as a non-profit, a local library, a local homeless shelter, etc.), or an educational setting (such as connected to a University or College).

Can fieldwork or capstone be completed at a site where the student has worked or currently works?

Students would complete a conflict-of-interest document to determine appropriateness of a site. In general, students will complete their fieldwork and capstones experiences at sites where they are not currently employed. They may however complete these experiences at former employment sites.

Can a student complete their fieldwork or doctoral capstone internationally?

Due to the goals of Level II Fieldwork, it is encouraged for students to complete those experiences within the U.S. However, if there is a student interest for completing a Doctoral Capstone internally, this may be explored.

How is fieldwork graded?

Fieldwork is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. For Level I Fieldwork, we will use AOTA’s Fieldwork Competency Evaluation for OT and OTA Students. For Level II Fieldwork, the fieldwork educators will use AOTA’s Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) for the Occupational Therapy Student. Both forms can be found on AOTA’s website.