Clinical practice as a mean of the professional identity formation of prospective physical and occupational therapists

Abstract

The professional identity formation of prospective physical and occupational therapists in the clinical practices process has been studied. The presence of the formed professional identity provides their orientation in the professional field and professional community that allows to realize more fully personal potential in a multidisciplinary team, to predict possible consequences of professional choice and to define own professional development prospects. There are three main stages in the formation of professional identity of the prospective physical therapy and occupational therapy specialists: an initial choice; a confirmation or refutation of the initial choice; an implementation of the initial choice in the activity. The dynamics of professional identity formation during the whole period of their professional training in a higher education institution has been determined.
 The peculiarities of early students` professionalization in the process of clinical practice have been revealed in a passive form, later - at the stage of active practice. Among the principles of professional identification development of future masters in physical and occupational therapy in the process of clinical practices, the principle of reflectivity and the principle of a value attitude forming to professional activity have been singled out. The clinical practice, taking place in medical and rehabilitation institutions, involving participation in the rehabilitation diagnosis establishment and in the rehabilitation program has been defined. Formation, development, a moral and psychological qualities complex, as an integral part of professional training of physical and occupational therapy specialists for their future professional activity; ensuring the growth of students` professional competence level; promoting self-identification and choosing the future professional activity direction are the main tasks of the research.
 The professional identification and personal identity formation of the prospective physical and occupational therapist is the unity of three processes: student`s self-acceptance as a prospective physical and occupational therapist; comparison with the professional ideal, norm and sample of a physical therapist; recognition by the external environment of the prospective specialist's affiliation to the professional group of practicing physical and occupational therapists. Throughout life professional identity is a product of continuous personal and professional development of the physical and occupational therapist.