Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/11054/248
Title: From student to therapist: follow up of a first cohort of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy students.
Authors: Doherty, Georgia
Stagnitti, Karen
Schoo, Adrian M. M.
Issue Date: 2009
Publisher: Wiley
Place of publication: Australia
Publication Title: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
Volume: 56
Issue: 5
Start Page: 341
End Page: 349
Abstract: Aim: This study aimed to investigate the perception of graduate students on their preparation for practice, at 7 months post graduation. Method: Using an anonymous postal questionnaire, 18 respondents (58% response rate) provided data on the nature of current employment, the experience as a graduate therapist, and perceptions of their undergraduate experience in preparing them for practice. Results: Fifty percent of the respondents were practising in a rural environment. There was a significant positive relationship between respondents perception of their curriculum and fieldwork experiences and their preparation for practice (rho = 0.52, p < 0.05, and rho = 0.55, p < 0.05, respectively). Of the fieldwork experiences, respondents rated block placements as more beneficial to practice than non-traditional placements. However, a correlational analysis showed the non-traditional placement was significantly related to preparation for practice (rho = 0.54, p < 0.05). On a seven-point Likert scale, respondents rated themselves from 5.2 to 5.7 for perceived self-competence as a newly graduated practitioner with community-based graduates having the higher rating. Confidence in clinical decision-making was rated 5.0 to 5.6 with community-based graduates having higher rating. Respondents reported a positive perception that the undergraduate program prepared them to enter the workforce and practise as an occupational therapist (mean ratings 5.5 to 6.2). Conclusion: Respondents felt adequately prepared to enter the occupational therapy profession and workforce. Strengths and weaknesses in their preparation are discussed as well as the need for further research.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11054/248
Resource Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2008.00751.x/full
ISSN: 0045-0766
Internal ID Number: 00232
Health Subject: STUDENTS
CURRICULUM
EDUCATION
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
TRANSITION TO PRACTICE
STUDY
Type: Journal Article
Article
Appears in Collections:Research Output

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