The UofA Department of OT respects and greatly appreciates the ongoing commitment and effort being demonstrated by individuals and agencies in order to provide occupational therapy services, including student placements, during these unprecedented circumstances.
Since June 2020, we have been proceeding with OT fieldwork placements in AB and SK where/whenever possible. With COVID-19 realities and responses escalating again recently, we have continued to consult with fieldwork sites/partners throughout our catchment area (AB, SK and the NWT) and have decided to proactively cancel the 2021 spring fieldwork session (for first year students) but continue with the 2021 summer fieldwork session.
By focusing our recruiting efforts on the placement needs of our second year cohort, who are approaching graduation, we are intentionally removing some pressure from the OT community who have ‘rallied’ to support us for many months straight during 2020.
Given these changes, the OT fieldwork schedule for 2021 is anticipated be as follows:
OCCTH 525, Level 1 (Year 2 students): January 4 - February 19, 2021 (or any 7 weeks between January 4 - April 2)
OCCTH 526, Level 2 (Year 2 students): June 28 - August 13, 2021 (or any 7 weeks between June 14 and August 27)
OCCTH 527, Level 3a (Year 3 students): September 7 - October 22, 2021 (or September 13 - October 29)
OCCTH 528, Level 3b (Year 3 students): November 1 - December 17, 2021
In January OCCTH 525 will be underway and we will be focused on recruiting placement offers for OCCTH 526 to occur during Summer 2021.
We recognize that each site continues to have their own realities, challenges and protocols/procedures in relation to this pandemic. The safety of therapists and students and the safety of clients served by occupational therapy in our AB, SK and NWT communities continues to be our top priority. We continue to revise and use our FRM Guidelines for Clinical/Fieldwork Placements During COVID-19 Pandemic to guide the process of site-screening, student screening and student preparation re: the completion of fieldwork during a pandemic.
If your OT practice is ready, and you are willing to support fieldwork placements during the pandemic, please contact the Department of OT:
We are very grateful for your ongoing support of our program and our students!
We wish you a happy and healthy new year!
