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Level II fieldwork and capstone opportunities at AOTA

Level II fieldwork and capstone experiences at AOTA headquarters offer students the opportunity to gain and strengthen their analytical, organizational, communications, and advocacy skills while increasing their knowledge of AOTA. In addition, students will have the opportunity to meet national volunteer leaders and be involved in national projects and activities.

Fieldwork and capstone department descriptions

Level II fieldwork (minimum 6 weeks) & doctoral capstone (14 weeks)

  • The Practice Improvement Team is involved with the development of resources and initiatives to promote best practice occupational therapy services. Specific programs and projects focus on evidence-based practice, systematic reviews, practice guidelines, knowledge translation and quality measurement, and management principles.
  • The Practice Engagement and Capacity Building Team is involved in engaging with the OT community, and external stakeholders, to expand the profession and solidify its role in various practice areas across the lifespan (i.e., including but not limited to the areas of Behavioral Health, Community and Population Health, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives). The Practice team works closely across the Association such as with Policy, Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, and Communications to engage with the OT community. Initiatives include the Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, CarFit, establishment of Train-the-Trainer practitioner workshops, DEI toolkit development and maintenance, Practitioner Well-Being webpage and initiatives, maintaining and establishing strategic partnerships, and representing AOTA on various boards and interprofessional collaborations. Potential fieldwork activities may align with the team's work supporting the various AOTA Communities of Practice.
  • Annual Conference & Expo–Assist in planning the educational program for the Annual Conference & Expo and the AOTA/NBCOT Launch Pad.

Third level II fieldwork (minimum 10 weeks)

  • Federal Advocacy

Doctoral capstone (14 weeks)

  • Federal Advocacy
  • State Affairs & Health Policy
  • Federal Reimbursement and Regulatory Policy
  • Professional development refers to practitioners developing, improving, and/or expanding their skill set to better meet the needs of their clients. Approaches to professional development can include workshops, training sessions, continuing education, resources for skill development and acquisition, and microcredentialing (e.g., badging/professional certificates). A capstone experience within the professional development department involves the creation of professional development tools, resources, education products, and training sessions to improve the quality and effectiveness of OT/OTA practice and to assist in career mapping.

(*OTA students may be considered).

Next steps

Interested candidates should complete the Capstone Experience Application or Level II Fieldwork Application and submit it to fwapplications@aota.org.

  1. Complete the appropriate application (FW II or Capstone), selecting a first and second preference for placement among the selections and indicating the desired time frame for the placement. [Note that AOTA cannot guarantee that the student will be placed in the preferred selections.]
  2. Share two references, using the reference form, from academic or clinical instructors.
  3. Write a brief essay (see application for essay question).

AOTA staff will review the application and essay, and schedule a telephone interview. A letter of acceptance or denial will be emailed to the student and her or his academic fieldwork or capstone coordinator.