The entry-level occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) is one of two degree entry points for occupational therapy (OT). OTD programs require additional clinical experience beyond what clinical sites usually provide. OTD students must complete a 16-week doctoral experiential component and meet the requirements for level II fieldwork, which differs in nature and scope from what clinical sites are accustomed to. Clinical sites need to understand: students’ basic requirements; clinical sites’ responsibilities; how to maximize gains for te OTD student and clinical site; how to effectively mentor students; and the steps to develop programs that advance clinical practice and scholarship. Forming a unique partnership betwee OTD students and clinical sites, offers scholarship opportunities to clinical sites through mutually beneficial, in-depth experiences. These opportunities can be focused to meet the needs of the site, which may benefit from participating in publications, and initiating or completing research designs – providing optimal doctoral experiential component experience for the student and clinical site.
