Honors Theses and Capstones

Date Completed

Spring 2026

Abstract

Fieldwork is a critical component of the occupational therapy (OT) curriculum that provides students hands-on experience in various clinical settings. This allows students to practice evaluations/assessments, plan for sessions, implement interventions, write goals, and complete documentation with clients across the lifespan, integrating classroom knowledge while developing the skills needed to become entry-level practitioners. The purpose of this study was to explore occupational therapy students’ perspectives on Level II fieldwork placements in campus-based childhood centers at the University of New Hampshire and Colorado State University with a focus on their perceived preparedness for entry-level practice. Data was collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews to gain participant information and better understand their experiences in these role-emergent placements. Six participants from UNH and four participants from CSU contributed within this study. Themes identified in this study indicated that students gained valuable experience working in interdisciplinary teams and developing essential OT practitioner skills, even within a structure that offered limited direct, hands-on support. An additional emergent theme reflected the unique health promotion focus of the setting, which shaped students’ learning experiences and influenced their perceptions of entry-level preparedness differing from more traditional fieldwork experience that are often more remediation focused. Students also identified a need for increased practice and guidance with assessment tools and documentation.

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

First Advisor

Dr. Amy VanCamp

College or School

CHHS

Department or Program

Occupational Therapy

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

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