First year occupational therapy students: Profile and perceptions

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Abstract
A class of first year occupational therapy students were surveyed to explore their backgrounds, attitudes to disability and perceptions of the characteristics of a successful occupational therapist, factors underlying their decision to study occupational therapy, and course‐related and career expectations. Of 83 students, most were female, under 20 years of age and from a middle‐class background. Their attitudes towards people with disability were generally positive. Their decision to study occupational therapy was largely made at the end of their formal schooling and was based on altruistic and practical influences. Their expectations of the course appeared accurate and, in terms of their future career, most students expressed a desire to work in either paediatric or adult physical areas. These students will be surveyed again during the course and as graduate therapists to monitor their attitudes and the unfolding of their career paths.

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