Clinical Experience

Level I Fieldwork experiences entail a total of 32-40 hours at a fieldwork site. Each level I Fieldwork experience is completed within the timeframe of its assigned semester.

Level II Fieldwork Experiences are 8 weeks in duration for the associate’s degree and 12 weeks in duration for the master’s and doctoral degree. Each student is required to successfully complete two full-time Level II fieldwork placements, each being in a different setting. Schedules vary depending on the fieldwork site. For example, days in hospitals can be longer, and days in school systems can be shorter. Some sites may have evening hours and others weekend hours. Some weekly schedules involve four 10-hour days. Part-time fieldwork may be available in special situations and is determined on a case-by-case basis.

There are no mandatory types of Level I or Level II Fieldwork experiences. Students work with individuals of different ages throughout their lifespan with a variety of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial conditions in a variety of practice settings.  

Jefferson offers a wide array of fieldwork sites in and around the Philadelphia region and throughout the United States. Thomas Jefferson University students have completed fieldwork placements in over 24 states (including Hawaii and California) and are also offered the opportunity to participate in fieldwork experiences internationally.

As part of your pre-matriculation requirements, you must complete all required health information and background checks. This is important because fieldwork sites generally require proof of these documents prior to your fieldwork beginning. Keeping required health forms and background checks current will help your fieldwork experiences run smoothly.

Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) training is an important part of confidentiality not only for fieldwork but for ethical clinical practice. You must complete an online HIPAA training course for admission to Thomas Jefferson University as part of your pre-matriculation requirements. Additionally, you may have to complete further HIPAA training as a fieldwork site requirement.