Fieldwork

Education in action

At Dalhousie’s School of Occupational Therapy, you will participate in the only program in Canada with dedicated fieldwork education across each of the Atlantic Provinces. (Note: International Fieldwork is presently on hold.)

Participating in fieldwork is an essential part of becoming an occupational therapist. Our program gives you the opportunity to gain 1,000 hours of valuable, hands-on experience. This unique fieldwork component will give you the practice you need to grow, both personally and professionally.

Fieldwork finances

As a student in the MSc(OT) - Entry Level program you are responsible for paying travel and living costs associated with fieldwork classes. There may be some travel and accommodation support through the school’s Rural and Remote Fieldwork program when you apply.

Fieldwork Dates  

• OCCU5009 – Fieldwork Practice & Integration: September-December/Fall Term, Lecture based 
• OCCU5019 – Fieldwork and Practice Integration: January-April/Winter Term, Lecture based 
• OCCU5029 – Fieldwork II - Level 1 Fieldwork: May/June (8 weeks) 
• OCCU6019 – Fieldwork III - Level 2 Fieldwork: January-February (8 weeks) 
• OCCU6029 – Fieldwork IV - Level 3 Fieldwork: March-April (8 weeks) 

*Please consult the course instructor for specific dates.

Support for rural placements

The School of Occupational Therapy is committed to providing rural health care for those living in the Maritimes. In order to ease the financial burden on students who travel to remote locations for their fieldwork, we provide support whenever possible.

Contact: Fieldwork Coordinator (otfwork@dal.ca)

Fieldwork fundamentals

As a Dalhousie Occupational Therapy student, you’ll complete your fieldwork in four parts, over two years.

OCCU 5009 + 5019	The students gain first hand experience of the personal and environmental factors that influence occupational development, participation and engagement of individuals/groups in this first part-time, community-based fieldwork learning experience. Students participate in community programs and reflect in small group tutorials with licensed occupational therapists to link their fieldwork experiences to their growing professional knowledge. Course learning objectives, integrated with learning opportunities available at community organizations, provide structure for developing the core professional skills of professional behaviours/responsibilities and communication. Students also have the opportunity to learn observation skills, professional/clinical reasoning, peer learning and feedback, self-directed learning and collaboration skills.
OCCU 5029	At the end of first year, students start their first full-time fieldwork placement. They will work alongside and under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist for an 8-week block during the months of May-June. Students can be placed in any of the Maritime provinces.
OCCU 6019	The second full-time fieldwork placement is completed during the winter term of year two. They will work alongside and under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist for an 8-week block during the months of January-February. Students can be placed in any of the Maritime provinces.
OCCU 6029	This final fieldwork placement occurs after OCCU 6019 as an eight-week placement. They will work alongside and under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist for an 8-week block during the months of March-April. Students can be placed in any of the Maritime provinces.

Please note: Students who require accommodations to meet fieldwork placement requirements are strongly encouraged to contact the Student Accessibility Centre (SAC) and/or the Fieldwork Education Coordinator early in their first academic term to review available supports.