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Devereux MA/RI offers robust occupational therapy student internship program

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s occupational therapy (OT) internship program helps prepare Massachusetts college students for entry-level school-based and psychosocial OT positions.

Devereux offers Level 1 and Level 2 fieldwork experiences at its campus in Rutland, Massachusetts, for students pursuing a career as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant (OTA).

“Fieldwork is an essential part of becoming an OT or an OTA,” said Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Occupational Therapist and Program Manager David Alex. “With Level 1 fieldwork, we provide interns with an overview of our OT department, and an opportunity to observe our team implementing various interventions. Level 2 is more hands-on. We train OT interns on evaluations, screenings, assessments and interventions, while we train OTA interns to focus on screens, task analysis, staff education and interventions.”

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Executive Director Nadyia Abbas, M.A., CGAS, LMHC, LADC-I, shared, “Students who participate in our internship program have an opportunity to build their skills and confidence in a real-world setting. Our team, which is comprised of two registered occupational therapists and one certified occupational therapy assistant, works closely with interns, instructing them on how to best support the children, adolescents and adults in our care, and help them lead fulfilling lives.”

Helping youth learn new skills and thrive

OT focuses on improving a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed and maintaining personal hygiene, as well as instrumental activities of daily living, which are more complex tasks, such as cleaning one’s living space and preparing meals.

“We work with individuals, ages 5 to 22, with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences, helping them build essential life, academic and vocational skills,” explained Alex. “Based on each youth’s individualized education program, we teach them how to successfully complete tasks, such as buttoning their shirt, brushing their teeth, cooking, writing, typing, telling time and counting money. Mastering these skills can help youth achieve a greater level of independence.”

A unique internship opportunity

Alex says Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island offers a unique opportunity for OT interns.

“By completing their fieldwork with us, interns gain experience in school, residential and group home settings, assisting youth with a variety of unique needs,” Alex noted. “Our interns have the opportunity to learn and grow while they support our individuals’ academic, vocational and life skills achievement and promote positive behaviors that are necessary for learning.”

Learn more about Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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