How Do I Choose a Job? Factors Influencing the Career and Employment Decisions of Physiotherapy Graduates in Canada

Abstract

Purpose: Physiotherapy is a diverse profession: there are many areas in which physiotherapists can practise. New graduates must decide in which area of physiotherapy they would like to work and with which organizations to seek employment. The purpose of this study was to describe the factors that influenced the career (area of practice, practice setting) and employment (organization) decisions of recent physiotherapy graduates. Method: Given Canada’s vast expanse, we used survey methodology. We invited English-speaking physiotherapists who had completed their physiotherapy education between October 2015 and December 2017 to participate in this study. The survey was emailed to 1,442 physiotherapists in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. Results: We collected 351 responses (24%). Almost all respondents reported currently working as a physiotherapist, and the majority worked with patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Clinical education experiences were most influential in determining career decisions. Area of practice, practice setting, and mentorship were the most influential factors contributing to employment decisions. Conclusions: Clinical education experiences are influential in shaping physiotherapy students’ career and employment decisions. Employers who want to recruit physiotherapy graduates may consider partnering with physiotherapy programmes to offer clinical placement experiences and develop mentorship programmes that help build novice physiotherapists’ competence and confidence.

Skill possession and prospective university students' career decisions: Does prior exposure really matter?

“…A study by Hall et al (2021) attempted to answer some questions. The study identified mentorship and clinical practice as pivotal determinants of students' choice to study physiotherapy.…”

“…For example, studies have shown that students' career choices are connected to their employability (Fini, Meoli, & Sobrero, 2022;Hall et al, 2021). The connection between career decisions and employment prospects is mediated by interests may be more resilient in acquiring the needed skills for effective functioning, thereby making them more appealing to employers (Gar & Rodgers, 2020;Innocent, 2014;Nyong, 2013).…”