Transformative Experience of Master of Occupational Therapy Students in a Non-traditional Fieldwork Setting

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this qualitative pilot study is to further understand the transformative experiences of Master of Occupational Therapy students who engaged in a role emerging fieldwork. Five students were interviewed and their reflective journals were analyzed following a fieldwork experience at an at-risk youth shelter. Four themes emerged through the coding process: fear and anxiety of the unknown, clinical reasoning and self-reflection, personal and professional growth, and further understanding of occupational therapy. Results indicate the powerful impact of role emerging fieldwork on the development of the student and provide a framework for meeting the standards of psychosocial fieldwork experiences.

KEYWORDS:

• Role emerging fieldwork
• transformative learning
• mental health

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to extend their appreciation to Jordan Baney, Britt Becka, Kelsey Lyons, Ally Monheim, and Danielle Sampieri for sharing their experiences at the youth shelter and Katie Mercandante and Kellee Oliver for their assistance with the coding process.