Occupational Therapy Students' and Graduates' Satisfaction with Professional Education and Preparedness for Practice

Abstract

Background. Occupational therapy students' and graduates' perceptions of their professional education have received limited attention. Purpose. This paper presents the perspectives of occupational therapy students and graduates regarding satisfaction with their professional education and preparedness for practice. Methods. Students and graduates provided feedback as part of an occupational therapy educational program evaluation at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Data were collected through surveys, focus groups, and telephone interviews. Results. Both students and recent graduates reported that they felt they lacked technical, intervention skills. Longer-term graduates were comfortable with their knowledge and skills, especially their ability to provide individualized intervention. Overall, students and graduates were satisfied with their education; however, it appeared to take between six months and two years of clinical practice for therapists to feel clinically competent. Implications. The results of this evaluation may have important implications for educational programs, students, graduates, fieldwork supervisors, and employers.