FLOTEC
Florida Occupational Therapy Educational Consortium
FLOTEC Resource Blog
Welcome to the FLOTEC resource blog, a hub for all things fieldwork and capstone-related. Whether you are a student, educator, or mentor, our goal is to provide quality resources to meet our mission of excellence in fieldwork and capstone education. For more information, check out our resource page.
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Welcome to the new FLOTEC website!
The Florida Occupational Therapy Educational Consortium is an organization dedicated to the development, implementation, and support of quality fieldwork education and capstone mentorship for OT and OTA students. The partnership between education and practice provides leadership for fieldwork education programs and clinical faculty development. We have updated our website to provide an abundance of resources…
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Common Capstone Pitfalls — and How to Avoid Them
The OTD capstone experience is designed to foster advanced synthesis, leadership, and meaningful contribution to practice. When thoughtfully planned, it can be one of the most rewarding components of doctoral education. However, even strong students and supportive mentors can encounter challenges along the way. Understanding common pitfalls ahead of time can prevent unnecessary stress and…
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How Fieldwork Educators Shape the Future of the Profession
Every fieldwork educator leaves a mark on the profession — whether they realize it or not. Fieldwork is where students begin to internalize professional identity. They observe how experienced practitioners communicate, advocate, problem-solve, and uphold ethical standards. These experiences influence how they will practice for years to come. Modeling Professional Identity Students often mirror what…
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The OTD Capstone Survival Guide: A Student’s Roadmap to Success
The capstone experience is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—parts of the OTD journey. It represents a shift from learner to emerging leader. If you’re preparing for or beginning your capstone, here’s your roadmap. Start With Purpose, Not Perfection Your capstone does not need to solve every problem in your setting. It needs to…
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Common Myths About OT Fieldwork (and the Reality)
Fieldwork is one of the most transformative parts of OT education — but it’s often misunderstood. Let’s break down a few common myths. Myth #1: Students Should Already Know What to Do Reality: Fieldwork is where students learn how to apply knowledge. They are not expected to function independently on day one. Growth is the…
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What Makes a Great Fieldwork Learning Environment?
A successful fieldwork experience doesn’t require perfection. It requires intention. While every setting looks different, strong fieldwork learning environments tend to share common characteristics. Clear Expectations Students thrive when they understand: Clarity reduces anxiety and builds confidence. Psychological Safety Students learn best when they feel safe to ask questions, admit uncertainty, and make mistakes. A…
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5 Things OT Students Should Observe During Level I Fieldwork
How Professionals Build Rapport How the Environment Influences Participation How Teams Collaborate How Practitioners Adapt in Real Time Rarely does a session go exactly as planned.Notice how clinicians adjust when a client is fatigued, distracted, or resistant. Adaptability is a hallmark of strong clinical reasoning. How Occupation Is Addressed — Even Indirectly Level I Fieldwork…
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You Are Doing Fieldwork Right If… A Reassurance for OT Students
Fieldwork can feel overwhelming—especially when students are unsure if they’re meeting expectations. Many students worry they’re not “doing enough” or that they should already know more than they do. Here’s the truth: fieldwork is not about perfection. It’s about learning. You are doing fieldwork right if you are asking questions, even when they feel basic.…
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Supporting OT Students When You’re Not an OT: A Guide for Fieldwork Supervisors
Not all fieldwork placements are supervised directly by occupational therapists—and that’s okay. Many Level I fieldwork and Capstone experiences are designed to expose students to systems, populations, and professional roles that complement occupational therapy practice. Even without an OT supervisor, students can gain valuable insight into service delivery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and client interaction. For non-OT…
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What Is Fieldwork Education in Occupational Therapy—and Why It Matters More Than You Think
Fieldwork education is often described as the bridge between the classroom and clinical practice. But in occupational therapy education, fieldwork is far more than a requirement to check off—it’s where professional identity, clinical reasoning, and confidence truly begin to take shape. Fieldwork allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, observe client-centered care in…
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Therapy Dogs and Occupational Therapy: The Influence of Therapy Dogs on Perceived Stress Levels of OTD students (A Doctoral Capstone Project)
Nicole Troilo, OTD Introduction Students enrolled in post-secondary education experience a multitude of academic challenges and stressors. Occupational therapy doctoral students specifically engage in a variety of potentially stressful academic assignments in order to demonstrate competency in preparation for fieldwork and their future careers as OTs. Students experiencing stress are more likely to have to…