Myth #2: Only an OT can supervise an OT student

This is not true. Level I students can be supervised by any “qualified personnel” per standard C.1.9. This includes OTAs, PTs and PTAs, SLPs, teachers, psychologists, social workers, etc. Typically anyone who has a degree in an allied health or medical profession is qualified. This means you can plan a level I fieldwork with opportunities for students to observe these other professionals, perhaps even having them spend a full day with each so that they can fully appreciate the valuable roles of these other team members.  BONUS:  A new educational standard (B.5.21, new as of July,2013) requires education in interprofessional aspects of care. Exposure and conversations with other professionals helps meet this standard.  Two standards for the price of one!

For level II fieldwork, OTs must supervise students at least 8 hours PER WEEK. This means that part time OTs CAN supervise fieldwork students! We have several fieldwork sites that successfully oversee fieldwork experiences where other professionals including music therapists, grief counselors, COTAs, PTs and SLPs provide day to day supervision the rest of the week.  Think about the possibilities!