OT 855 Level II Fieldwork, I, online discussion is a co-requisite course that accompanies OT 854 and OT 856: Level II Fieldwork. Students respond to instructor-led discussion prompts as well as to postings of their classmates. The online discussion provides the opportunity for students to relate fieldwork experiential learning to all areas of UNH coursework including: mind-body systems, health-and-human systems of care; assessment; intervention; documentation; evidence-based practice; client-centered and occupation-centered practice; and application of research to practice. Students engage in on-going discussion about professional identity and the transition from student to professional as they describe and discuss fieldwork challenges and successes across a variety of practice settings. Cr/F.

Develops professional reasoning by building upon level II fieldwork experiences. Students develop a population-based intervention plan, explore occupational therapy in an emerging or specialized practice setting, and implement a plan for continuing professional development. Students prepare for their OT board certification examination, and complete a culminating capstone experience.

Students will integrate concepts, principles, and strategies that are fundamental to the provision of occupational therapy services in the changing U.S. health care system. This course links system management, reimbursement mechanisms, and public policy found in occupational therapy practice settings to the populations served. Knowledge of leadership, management, ethics and marketing principles that are necessary for success in today's health care industry are emphasized.

Students engage in activities of systematic inquiry and research under the mentorship of a research-active faculty mentor. Students gain experience with aspects of the research process, which may include conducting a literature review, developing a research proposal, data collection, data analysis, writing a research paper, and the presentation of research findings. Students also apply ethics for the use of human participation in research, and learn about funding avenues for different areas of research. OT and OT Asst Tech Certificate majors only.