Document Type (Journals)
Educational Innovations
Abstract
Measures are needed to ensure students are adequately prepared for clinical experiences. A Comprehensive Practical Exam (CoPE) was developed based on high fidelity simulation and an Observed Structured Clinical Examination format to assess readiness for Level II fieldwork. Teams of faculty developed multiple case simulations with consistent components across the cases for first- and second-year student cohorts. Rubrics were developed for grading student performance on the simulations with categories required for Level I fieldwork completion as well as other components required for success on Level II fieldwork. The CoPE included three components: chart review/preparation, client interaction, and documentation. The first-year CoPE emphasized assessment and the CoPE in the second year emphasized intervention. A total of 350 students have been through the CoPE process with few requiring remediation. The assessment has been successful in identifying students who are not ready to advance in the curriculum, as well as identifying gaps in the curriculum which can be addressed to better prepare future students for Level II fieldwork experiences.
Biography
Robert Larson, PhD, OTR is an Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctoral program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. His clinical experience has included predominately adult inpatient rehabilitation with research interests including educational research, patient handling, and other minor projects.
Cynthia Tiongco, PhD, OTR is an Associate Professor and Assistant Program Director in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. Her clinical and research interests include application of best practices for occupational participation for individuals across the lifespan with and without disabilities.
Matthew Geddie, PhD, OTR is an Assistant Professor in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. His research interests include curricular issues including teaching activities and assessment of learning.
Laura Alexander, OTD, OTR is an Assistant Professor in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. Her clinical experience has centered on hand and upper extremity rehabilitation.
Sandra Whisner, PhD, OTR is an Associate Professor and Program Director in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. Her research interests are focused on educational research related to validation of assessment methods and development of comprehensive model to support student success.
Molly Setliff, OTD, OTR is an Assistant Professor in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. Her clinical and research interests include application of best practices for occupational participation for individuals experiencing cognitive and behavioral dysfunction.
Laurie Stelter, PhD, OTR is an Assistant Professor and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. Her interests include best practices in experiential education and community-engaged scholarship serving the occupational participation needs of populations with disabilities.
Belinda Alexander, OTD, OTR is an Assistant Professor in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. Her clinical experience has centered on hand and upper extremity rehabilitation.
Megan Taylor, OTD, OTR is an Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in the Occupational Therapy program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis (MSOT 2004) and Texas Woman’s University (OTD 2018). She specializes in adult neurological populations.
Paula Perkins, OTD, OTR is an Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. She holds Board Certification in Pediatrics and Specialty Certification in School Systems with the American Occupational Therapy Association. Her primary clinical interest is inclusive, evidence-based practices for all public education students.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Larson, R. E., Tiongco, C., Whisner, S. M., Stelter, L. D., Alexander, L., Taylor, M. R., Setliff, M., Perkins, P., Alexander, B. D., & Geddie, J. D. (2026). Development of a Comprehensive Practical Exam (CoPE) Assessment Process for Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 10 (1). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol10/iss1/18
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