Degree Name

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Chen, Szu‑Wei S.

Abstract

This project addresses a persistent gap in fieldwork education by developing a mentorship‑focused continuing education unit (CEU) for practitioners serving as fieldwork educators. Inconsistent preparation for mentorship has been identified as a barrier to effective supervision and student growth. Using a program-development approach, the project involved a literature review, expert consultation, and feedback from volunteer practitioners to shape the CEU’s structure, content, and clarity.

This CEU equips both Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and Occupational Therapists with evidence‑supported strategies to strengthen core mentorship skills, including approachability, communication, adaptability, and therapeutic relationship‑building. Real‑life scenarios, guided reflection, and expert commentary help bridge theory and day‑to‑day practice.

Volunteer feedback from practitioners informed iterative revisions, improving the clarity, relevance, and usability of the resource. The CEU’s accessible, self‑paced format supports ongoing professional development and increases practitioners’ confidence in applying mentorship principles during fieldwork supervision. Overall, this work offers a practical and scalable way to build mentorship capacity, support practitioner development, and enhance the quality of occupational therapy fieldwork education.

Download

Share

COinS