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Characteristics Employers Seek When Hiring New Physical and Occupational Therapy Graduates

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Date Issued:
2016
Abstract:
Purpose: The aim of this study was to collect data regarding the characteristics these employers seek when they are hiring new physical or occupational therapy graduates. This information will serve to educate future students and their respective programs on employer preferences related to the hiring process. Methods: Participants (N=24) included those responsible for hiring physical and occupational therapists at their clinic. The majority of participants (n=20) were responsible for hiring in Florida. Participants were recruited using the contact information from clinical affiliation sites provided by the Director of Clinical Education of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program and Fieldwork Coordinator of the Occupational Therapy (OT) Program. The survey contained 19 items related to hiring characteristics preferences, clinical setting, patient population, and demographics. Participants were given 12 characteristics and were asked to rank and order which characteristics they felt were most important when seeking to hire a new PT or OT graduate. Results: The most important characteristics reported, in order, were: (1) time management skills, (2) strong professional skills, (3) clinical affiliation experience in a specific setting, and (4) completion of relevant continuing education courses. Conclusions: This study provides useful information about what the most important characteristics are that employers seek when hiring new PT and OT graduates; however, it does have some limitations related to sample size, low response rate, and majority of clinical affiliations being located in the Southwest Florida area.
Title: Characteristics Employers Seek When Hiring New Physical and Occupational Therapy Graduates.
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Name(s): Zellers, Brittany
Type of Resource: text
Issuance: single unit
Date Issued: 2016
Physical Form: Dissertation
Extent: 30 pgs.
Language(s): English
Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to collect data regarding the characteristics these employers seek when they are hiring new physical or occupational therapy graduates. This information will serve to educate future students and their respective programs on employer preferences related to the hiring process. Methods: Participants (N=24) included those responsible for hiring physical and occupational therapists at their clinic. The majority of participants (n=20) were responsible for hiring in Florida. Participants were recruited using the contact information from clinical affiliation sites provided by the Director of Clinical Education of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program and Fieldwork Coordinator of the Occupational Therapy (OT) Program. The survey contained 19 items related to hiring characteristics preferences, clinical setting, patient population, and demographics. Participants were given 12 characteristics and were asked to rank and order which characteristics they felt were most important when seeking to hire a new PT or OT graduate. Results: The most important characteristics reported, in order, were: (1) time management skills, (2) strong professional skills, (3) clinical affiliation experience in a specific setting, and (4) completion of relevant continuing education courses. Conclusions: This study provides useful information about what the most important characteristics are that employers seek when hiring new PT and OT graduates; however, it does have some limitations related to sample size, low response rate, and majority of clinical affiliations being located in the Southwest Florida area.
Identifier: Zellars_fgcu_1743_10185 (IID)
Note(s): Degree Awarded: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fgcu/fd/Zellars_fgcu_1743_10185
Use and Reproduction: All rights reserved.
Host Institution: FGCU