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Canadian Guidelines for Fieldwork Education

The Canadian Guidelines for Fieldwork Education in Occupational Therapy (CGFEOT) is a national resource to guide both university programs and fieldwork partners in developing appropriate and effective fieldwork learning experiences for students. This shared vision for fieldwork education is critical to promote quality and accountability and also reflect current best practice in fieldwork education across Canada. 

Included in the linked document are expectations of students and of fieldwork educators (preceptors), and here is a summary of the key responsibilities: 

Responsibilities for Students

  • Develop competencies related to the occupational therapy process, including the roles of OTs, other team members, and the systems in which they practice 

  • Take responsibility for your learning experience in partnership 

  • Uphold legal standards and the Code of Ethics at all times 

  • Comply with site and university policies 

  • Set personal and professional goals related to each placement 

  • Complete all required learning before and during the fieldwork experience 

  • Uphold workplace readiness standards of a healthcare professional at all times 

  • Communicate with the university fieldwork instructor/faculty if you encounter challenges 

  • Provide feedback to your preceptor  

  • Provide feedback and submit an evaluation to the university fieldwork faculty 

Responsibilities for Fieldwork Educators/Preceptors

  • Act as a role model for students 

  • Become familiar with the university fieldwork education program 

  • Meet with students at midterm and end of fieldwork to discuss their evaluation 

  • Offer a welcoming and positive environment through a comprehensive orientation, space, and resources and opportunities to develop core competencies 

  • Clearly describe your expectations and be available to offer appropriate supervision 

  • Model critical self-reflection and clinical reasoning 

  • Offer regular and timely feedback to students based on their performance 

  • Promote time for guided reflection to assist students in understanding their professional growth 

  • Communicate with the university fieldwork instructor/faculty if the student encounters concerning challenges 

  • Provide a current fieldwork site profile describing learning opportunities to the university fieldwork team 

  • Provide feedback regarding your experience as a preceptor to the university fieldwork faculty 

Canadian Guidelines for Fieldwork Education in Occupational Therapy (CGFEOT)

Detailed information on the Guidelines can be found here.