What is unique about Casa Colina's Occupational Therapy Fellowship Program?
Casa Colina’s program offers fellows the opportunity to gain clinical
experience with mentorship in three different areas of clinical practice (inpatient,
outpatient, and
transitional living), and with a variety of neurologic patient populations. Fellows benefit
from mentoring with skilled clinicians with various areas of expertise.
Designed to model the demands and responsibilities of practicing clinicians,
the program requires fellows to be self-directed learners. This allows
for a more personalized program that is tailored to the interests of each
individual fellow.
When does the program begin? What is the length of the program?
The program starts mid-July annually and runs for 52 weeks (1 year).
Are fellows paid during the program?
Yes, fellows are compensated for all clinical care hours (typically 32
hours per week); full benefits including health insurance and paid time
off are offered.
What is a typical schedule for a fellow?
During a typical week, the fellow works for four days in clinical practice
( 32 hours). Each week beyond the clinical practice hours, fellows complete
either 4 or 8 hours (depending on preference) of clinical research at the
Casa Colina Research Institute.
Where do fellows practice during the Fellowship?
Fellows rotate through three clinical settings at Casa Colina’s Pomona
campus during the year long program.
1. Inpatient Rehabilitation: Fellows will primarily see patients with brain
injury and stroke. The fellow has the role of primary therapist and will
work closely with an interdisciplinary team. The fellow will direct care
for 11-13 patients with the assistance of an occupational therapy assistant.
2. Transitional Living Center: This residential and day treatment facility
provides 5 hours of therapy 6 days per week to persons with
brain injury,
stroke, and
spinal cord injury. Similar to their time in inpatient rehabilitation, the fellow will share
the responsibilities of a caseload with another therapist. The fellow
will have a blend of patient diagnoses on their case load and will be
part of an interdisciplinary team consisting of physical therapy, speech
therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology, and recreation therapy.
Most of the care is provided in a group setting with regular community outings.
3. Outpatient: Fellows will see patients with a variety of diagnoses. Special
emphasis will be placed on patients with chronic neurologic diseases (e.g.
Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis).
Are applicants required to have their California occupational therapy license?
Yes. We accept new graduates. However, they must sit for their NBCOT boards
prior to starting the fellowship and have obtained their California occupational
therapy license prior to the clinical start date.
Is an interview required for applicants?
Yes. Interviews are held on site at Casa Colina in May each year. Select
applicants will be invited to interview following review of all online
applications. The interview will include a session with a patient, completing
a documentation sample, and a panel interview.
Who can applicants contact for additional information?
