Clinical Fieldwork Program

School-Based Clinical Fieldwork Placements for OT, PT and SLP Students

To get started with AOT’s outstanding student fieldwork program, please ask your school representative to reach out to:

Jessica Johnston, PT, DPT
Manager of Recruiting & Clinical Fieldwork
jessica@austills.com
(610) 363-7009 ext. 301

AOT partners with a wide range of respected universities to offer clinical fieldwork experiences that prepare future professionals for success in the workforce. Through our structured fieldwork program, students are supported in developing the skills needed to become effective school-based occupational, physical, and speech-language therapists. New therapists and fieldwork students benefit from a wealth of resources and personalized support, ensuring a smooth and confident transition into their school-based careers.

Interested in completing your
clinical fieldwork with us?

Reach out to your school’s Fieldwork or Clinical Coordinator to confirm if AOT currently partners with your academic program. We’re always open to building new relationships and welcome inquiries from institutions that haven’t worked with us before.

Clinical Student Program
Bookcase

Thank you for joining AOT’s Clinical Fieldwork Program! We’re excited to introduce you to the rewarding field of school-based therapy. To access clinical guidelines, fieldwork manuals, and professional resources for both students and supervisors, please contact Jessica Johnston at jessica@austills.com.

Why Students Choose AOT for School-Based Fieldwork

Fieldwork students at AOT gain real-world clinical experience in diverse K–12 school settings, including:

• Early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school environments
• General education and inclusive classroom models
• Specialized educational programs, including Autistic Support, Life Skills, and Emotional Support

These varied school-based therapy placements allow students to strengthen their clinical skills while building a deeper understanding of how occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech-language pathology (SLP) support students with a wide range of learning and developmental needs.

Throughout the clinical rotation, students gain experience supporting learners with a variety of needs, including:

• Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
• Developmental delays
• Motor, sensory, and functional performance challenges
• Speech, language, and communication differences
• Learning disabilities and complex educational needs

This hands-on exposure enhances clinical versatility and strengthens the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary school-based teams, including educators, therapists, and support staff.

Fieldwork students are supported with access to:

• Comprehensive school-based therapy resources
• Evaluation materials and standardized assessment tools
• Evidence-informed intervention strategies for educational environments
• Documentation and service delivery guidance, including IEP-related processes

These resources strengthen clinical reasoning and provide valuable insight into how occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech-language pathology (SLP) operate within the K–12 school setting.

Each clinical student is matched with a licensed, experienced supervising therapist who offers:

• Ongoing direct supervision
• Regular mentorship and check-in meetings
• Constructive feedback to strengthen clinical performance
• Observation and collaborative treatment experiences
• Coaching on communication with educators, families, and IEP teams

This personalized mentorship model supports student growth while fostering confidence, competence, and increasing clinical independence in school-based therapy settings.

Our dedicated recruitment and clinical support team remains connected throughout your placement, providing:

• Guidance on school-based OT, PT, and SLP career pathways
• Ongoing support during and after your fieldwork experience
• Information about upcoming therapy opportunities
• Priority consideration for school-based positions upon graduation

Many students choose to return as full-time or part-time clinicians and we’re proud to continue supporting them as their careers evolve!

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