Transition from student to physical therapist. Changes in perceptions of professional role and relationship between perceptions and job satisfaction

A longitudinal study of 15 entry-level postbaccalaureate degree graduates was conducted to determine whether their perceptions of the professional role of the physical therapist and of self in that role changed after employment had begun and whether a relationship exists between these perceptions and job satisfaction. Data were collected by mail using a semantic differential test for measuring role perceptions and a questionnaire that included items related to job satisfaction and to demographic data. The return rate was 93%. At the time of data collection, the graduates had been employed for 12 to 18 months. The data on role perceptions were compared with data previously reported by Fincher Corb et al that had been collected on these same subjects when they entered the physical therapy education program and when they completed the program. Kendall's coefficient of concordance revealed significant differences (p less than .05) in three concepts relating to the professional role of the physical therapist and in one concept relating to self in that role. In each instance, the role perception score was lower after 12 to 18 months of employment. Job satisfaction scores were relatively high among the subjects. Spearman correlation coefficients calculated between job satisfaction and role perception scores revealed a positive and direct relationship between three role concepts and job satisfaction. Results of this study provide information about the professional socialization process in physical therapy.     

Association of importance of the doctoral degree with students' perceptions and anticipated activities reflecting professionalism

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has identified the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree as 1 of 6 elements necessary to transition the physical therapy profession to a fully professionalized discipline. However, there have been no data to determine whether physical therapist students who place importance on the DPT degree perceive physical therapy to be more professionalized or anticipate participation in activities reflecting professionalism more than those who do not place importance on the DPT degree. SUBJECTS: The subjects were 919 professional physical therapist students. METHODS: Faculty members at 34 physical therapist education programs distributed questionnaires to 1,172 professional physical therapist students and returned 919 questionnaires, for a response rate of 78.4%. The data were statistically analyzed using chi-square analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: There were few differences between students who place importance on the DPT degree (DPT-I students) and those who do not place importance on the DPT degree (DPT-NI students) regarding how professionalized they perceive physical therapy to be relative to other health care professions or regarding their anticipated participation in activities reflecting professionalism. The one potential distinction found when controlling for other variables was that DPT-I students were more likely than DPT-NI students to anticipate becoming faculty members. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: When beginning their professional education, there are few differences between DPT-I and DPT-NI students' perceptions of the professionalization of physical therapy or anticipation of activities reflecting professionalism.     

Clinical instructors' perceptions of behaviors that comprise entry-level clinical performance in physical therapist students: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore clinical instructors' (CIs) perceptions of students' behaviors that comprise entry-level clinical performance, as well as how those perceptions were integrated into their decision making. SUBJECTS: The participants were 21 physical therapists who were CIs for physical therapist students. METHODS: Using a grounded theory approach, we conducted interviews, asking the question, "What is it about students' performance that makes you see them as entry-level therapists?" We determined common themes among the interviews and developed a schema to explain the decision-making process. RESULTS: Participants identified 7 attributes that, when demonstrated to a sufficient degree, illustrated to them students' ability to practice at the entry level. Those attributes were knowledge, clinical skills, safety, clinical decision making, self-directed learning, interpersonal communication, and professional demeanor. Participants viewed these attributes in concert to form a subjective "gut feeling" that a student demonstrated entry-level performance. A final theme emerged suggesting a definition of entry-level performance as "mentored independence." DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Participants reported evaluating students' performance based on attributes similar to those suggested by the American Physical Therapy Association's Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument and previous research. However, subjectivity also was involved in their decision about whether students were able to practice at the entry level. Participants also concluded that entry-level students need not be independent in all clinical situations.     

Review of the postbaccalaureate degree for professional entry into physical therapy

The American Physical Therapy Association has endorsed the postbaccalaureate entry-level degree for the physical therapy profession. This article reviews the purpose of entry-level professional training and contrasts various options of educational systems with degree structures. Professional economic, political, and educational factors are considered. After analysis of these variables, the Master of Physical Therapy degree is my recommendation for the postbaccalaureate entry-level degree for physical therapists.     

Toward a qualified yes: personal characteristics of postbaccalaureate nursing students and implementation of the clinical nurse leader role.

Anecdotal and research data suggest that psychological type and explanatory style influence individuals' day-to-day functioning. The assessment of these characteristics among postbaccalaureate students will support faculty in planning for students' educational programs and guide them as they provide support for the expansive role functions of, among others, the graduates of the newly proposed clinical nurse leader program. This article is a report of one study included in a longitudinal project examining the influence of psychological type and explanatory style on students' academic success. The questions addressed in this article are as follows: "How do psychological type and explanatory style differ between entering baccalaureate students and entering postbaccalaureate students?" and "How do experiences of depression and fatigue differ between these two groups of novice nursing students?" Findings suggest that postbaccalaureate students, although similar in psychological type to baccalaureate students, are significantly less depressed, less fatigued, and less positive in explanatory style than traditional baccalaureate students, indicating a potential need for support in addressing the demands of the roles that they will encounter as nurses.     

Assessing clinical learning outcomes: A descriptive study of nursing students in Kuwait

This study examined the perceptions of 202 nursing students, 14 faculty members, and 32 clinical instructors in the achievement of nursing students' clinical learning outcomes during their different clinical placements. The participants were involved in the bachelor of science in nursing and associate degree in nursing programs. Nine dimensions were studied using the Kuwait Clinical Learning Outcomes for Nursing Students tool. These were knowledge, nursing process, communication, student role, accountability, teaching/learning, organization, caring, and psychomotor skills. The perception of achievement of the clinical learning outcomes was 72% for the students, 77% for the faculty members, and 75% for the clinical instructors. The scores of both the faculty members and the clinical instructors for the student role were significantly higher than the scores of the students. The findings confirmed that the quality and type of clinical placement have a significant impact on the achievement of clinical learning outcomes and provide a strong base for students' development as future professionals.     

Student and faculty perceptions of effective clinical instructors in ADN programs.

The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of associate degree nursing (ADN) students and faculty of characteristics of effective clinical teachers and determine whether there were differences between these two groups. A survey was conducted of 292 students in various levels of their ADN programs and 59 faculty members from the same five programs, which were randomly selected from across Michigan. Data were collected using the Nursing Clinical Effectiveness Inventory, which includes 48 characteristics of effective clinical instructors arranged in five subscales. Students identified "demonstrates clinical skills and judgment" as the most important characteristic of effective clinical instructors, while faculty identified "explains clearly" as the most important characteristic. There was agreement on 6 of the top 10 characteristics identified by both groups. Both groups rated "directs student to useful literature in nursing" as the least important characteristic of effective clinical instructors. The students' and faculty's perceptions of effective clinical instructors differed by subscales, with students identifying evaluation characteristics as most important (mean = 4.73, SD = .42) and faculty identifying interpersonal relationships as most important (mean = 4.72, SD = .31). A t test indicated a significant difference between student and faculty means for the interpersonal relationships subscales, with faculty rating this group of characteristics as more important than students did (t = 2.49, p = .0 14).     

Perspectives on faculty clinical practice: views of occupational therapy curriculum chairpersons and faculty members.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether and how faculty clinical practice (FCP) was being implemented in occupational therapy professional education programs. METHOD: Chairpersons and faculty members from all accredited entry-level occupational therapy curricula in the United States were asked to complete questionnaires about their involvement in FCP. The chairperson questionnaire consisted of primarily closed-ended questions that addressed the organization of faculty practice within their programs, whereas the faculty questionnaire was primarily open-ended and addressed faculty members' individual involvement in FCP as well as the perceived benefits and drawbacks. Responses were analyzed for 39 program chairpersons and 136 faculty members were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-five chairperson respondents reported that their educational program had FCP, and 44 faculty respondents indicated involvement in FCP during the past year. FCP was more prevalent in public-funded institutions and academic health centers. Faculty members primarily engaged in FCP in order to stay current, enhance teaching, and develop networks. They reported increased credibility with students as an important benefit of clinical practice. The primary reasons faculty members did not engage in clinical practice were insufficient time and institutional policies. CONCLUSION: Although many faculty members in occupational therapy education programs value clinical practice as a part of their educator role, it is necessary to negotiate responsibilities and rewards to prevent role overload and comply with institutional policies.     

Student performance and perceptions of a lecture-based course compared with the same course utilizing group discussion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Self-directed learning is believed to be an important aspect of the reflective clinical practitioner. This study was a comparison of student learning and student perceptions of course and instructor effectiveness, course difficulty, and amount learned between the active learning and lecture sections of a course. SUBJECTS: Participants in this study were 170 physical therapist students in 3 sections of a physiology course in the first year of their professional program. METHODS: Course grades and the results of teacher-course evaluations were compared between a lecture section and an active learning section. The students in the original active learning section were reassessed 1 year later to determine their perceptions of the course. The differences were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Course grades were higher in both active learning sections than in the lecture section. However, the students in both active learning sections perceived that they had learned less than students in the lecture section. Students' perceptions of course and instructor effectiveness were lower in the active learning sections than in the lecture section. There were no differences between the lecture and active learning sections on the students' perceptions of course difficulty. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: Although they did better in the active learning environment, physical therapist students in a basic sciences course (physiology) in the first year of their professional program perceived that they had learned less in active learning courses. They also had lower perceptions of course and instructor quality.     

Adult physical dysfunction content in professional curricula

This study examined the content of occupational therapy professional curricula as it pertains to adult physical dysfunction and the opinions and perceptions of faculty responsible for this content area. Survey results from 28 of 66 academic institutions offering professional-level education were received and analyzed. A great diversity in content and emphasis was reflected in the areas of medical conditions, general approaches to evaluation and treatment, specific evaluations, and specific treatment techniques and modalities. Most of the respondents were pleased with students' performances in physical dysfunction Level II fieldwork, believed that course work was applicable to local clinical settings, and agreed that courses were constantly changing to reflect evolving occupational therapy theory. Approximately 30% of the respondents believed that they had inadequate time to prepare students for entry-level practice, and about half agreed that their department had the necessary equipment to teach evaluation and treatment content.     

Meeting the terminal functions of a baccalaureate curriculum: the students' perception

Nursing faculty have established terminal functions which graduates are expected to be able to accomplish after successfully completing the nursing program. Students have asked themselves and faculty if they are ready to perform as professional nurses after graduation. This study utilized the terminal functions established by one medium-size state university to obtain data regarding the students' perceptions of their competencies based on the terminal functions. The assessment was conducted at the time of graduation and again one year post-graduation. The data may provide other faculty with a method to further evaluate nursing curricula and illustrate the changes in graduates' perceptions of their abilities over time.     

Evaluation of the effects of an inservice training program on nursing faculty members' perceptions, knowledge, and concerns about students with disabilities

This study evaluated the effects of an inservice program on the perceptions, knowledge, and concerns of nursing faculty members about students with disabilities. Training was delivered to 112 faculty members in eight nursing programs. Using a 6-point Likert scale, faculty members rated their perceptions of whether people with different types of disabilities could succeed as nursing students and professionals, their concerns regarding a number of issues about having these students in their programs, and their knowledge about how to teach and accommodate these students. The changes in faculty members' reported perceptions, before and after the training, regarding the capacity of students with five types of disabilities to be successful in nursing programs and as professionals were all statistically significant. Faculty members' concerns about patient safety, the time required of faculty, and effects on academic and clinical standards decreased significantly from before to after participating in the training. Faculty members' mean ratings of knowledge gained through the training was approximately 4, on the 6-point Likert scale, in the areas of accommodations, legal issues, clinical teaching strategies, and classroom strategies. The results of this study suggest that faculty members' perceptions, knowledge, and concerns can be positively affected through training.     

An entry-level MS degree in clinical laboratory science: is it time?

OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to address the following questions: 1) Does the scope of practice of the clinical laboratory scientist require an entry-level master's (MS) degree? 2) How would a change to an entry-level MS degree in clinical laboratory science (CLS) affect educational programs, the practice field, and students? and 3) Based on this study, what recommendations can be made to CLS educators? DESIGN: Surveys were developed to assess the opinions of educators, managers, and practitioners on the need for an entry-level MS degree in CLS. Surveys were also sent to students to assess their interest in an entry-level MS degree and their perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of this type of program. Surveys sent to educators included questions addressing the effect of a change to an entry-level MS degree in CLS on enrollment and program viability. Managers were asked questions concerning job expectations and compensation for graduates with an entry-level MS degree and practitioners were asked about their interest in this type of program. PARTICIPANTS: The sample for the survey included 280 directors of National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) educational programs, 600 managers randomly selected from the Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA) mailing list, 600 practitioners randomly selected from the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) mailing list, and 1400 CLS students selected by program directors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Educators, managers, and practitioners were asked to read 12 statements related to educational preparation for entry into CLS and indicate their level of agreement on a five point scale. Mean responses to these questions were compared for educators, managers, and practitioners, for educators in hospital-based and university-based programs, and for managers with BS and advanced degrees. Responses to demographic and other forced-choice type questions related to entry-level MS programs were counted and reported. RESULTS: Response rates of 58% (educators), 28% (practitioners), 39% (managers), and 40% (students) were obtained. Educators, managers, and practitioners all agreed that the scope of practice of CLS does not require an entry-level MS degree and that the MS degree is appropriate for those practitioners who wish to further their education. There were no major differences in educators', managers', and practitioners' responses to questions on the need for an MS in CLS. Students indicated that they would be interested in an entry-level MS program if the additional education would give them higher salaries and more job opportunities. Students who entered their CLS program with a baccalaureate (BS) degree were more interested in the entry-level MS option than students who entered with an associate degree or high school diploma. Managers indicated that they would not pay a graduate with an entry-level MS degree more than a graduate with a baccalaureate degree. CONCLUSION: There is currently no support for an overall change from the BS degree to the MS degree as the entry-level requirement for CLS practitioners. Entry-level MS programs in CLS may be attractive to students who already have BS degrees.     

On the fast track

It has been suggested in nursing literature that a bachelor's degree should be the pre-requisite to professional nursing education and registration. The perceived advantages of graduates entering the nursing profession led faculty in the School of Nursing La Trobe University to introduce in 1997 an innovative two-year Bachelor of Nursing (BN) program, believed to be the first in Australia, for graduates of other disciplines. A problem-based learning (PBL) approach was selected to facilitate the teaching learning process. Data to evaluate the progress of the accelerated students were collected by examining their previous degree background, conducting a focus group discussion mid year and comparing the students' academic results with those completing the traditional three-year course. Findings indicate that students in the accelerated course were highly motivated but experienced significant stress. In part the stress emanated from the need to identify their own learning needs. However, despite their concerns most accelerated students scored at least as well both clinically and academically as traditional students. Moreover, in six of the seven final year subjects each group studied the accelerated students performed better.     

Retention of nursing students with English as a second language

The purposes of this study were to: (a) determine nursing students' perceptions of the learning activities which contribute the most to their knowledge and skills; (b) determine students' perceptions of their learning difficulties; (c) compare the perception of English as a second language (ESL) and non-ESL students; (d) determine nursing faculty perceptions of ESL students' learning difficulties; (e) compare the perception of ESL students and faculty; and (f) indentify needs for educational and/or supportive programmes for faculty and students. Differences in perceptions of faculty and students regarding areas of difficulty and studetnts' needs may influence the services provided to students and therefore contribute to their lack of success and attrition.
A questionnaire was given to students in the first and second years of the University of British Columbia (UBC)/Vancouver Hospital (VH) Nursing Programme to collect data regarding their high school and post-secondary education, date of arrival in Canada, first language, and their perceptions of helpfulness and difficulty of learning activities. A similar questionnaire was given to faculty members working with these students to collect data about their perceptions of areas of difficulty and activities that contribute the most to the learning of ESL students. Data analysis consisted of t -test for statistical comparison of the responses of ESL and non-ESL students, and ESL students and faculty. The results indicated statistically significant differences between the perceptions of faculty and ESL students, particularly in the areas of difficulty. The need for educational programmes for both faculty and students was identified.     

Finnish students' perceptions of a visiting professor.

Although nurse educators enthusiastically endorse visiting professors, cross-school collaboration, cross-cultural teaching, and international faculty exchange programs, no previous studies have documented students' perceptions of visiting faculty. An open-ended questionnaire was used to identify Finnish students' perceptions of a visiting Fulbright professor and how faculty and students can better prepare for educational exchanges. Four themes emerged from the content analysis of responses to the questionnaire: course content, teaching methods, the role of the teacher, and expectations and developmental challenges. Generally, students were satisfied with the course content and teaching methods. They indicated that it was important that the teacher was encouraging and positive and challenged them to speak up in class. Students commented that the visiting professor should perhaps have been more knowledgeable about and therefore able to make applications to Finnish culture, education, and the health care system. Others noted that it was helpful to learn about the American health care system and then to make applications to Finnish culture themselves. Overall, the findings of this project support continuation of visiting professors and continued research on methods of increasing visiting faculty program effectiveness.     

A comparison of role conceptions and role deprivation of baccalaureate students in nursing participating in a preceptorship or a traditional clinical program

In this study, the professional and bureaucratic role conceptions and role deprivation of students participating in a preceptorship program were compared to those in a traditional faculty-supervised clinical group. The role conceptions and role deprivation of nursing faculty and preceptors were also examined. One hundred eighteen students in a two-year upper division baccalaureate program participated in this study. The Corwin Nursing Role Conception tool was administered. Results indicated no differences in role conceptions or role deprivation in students participating in the preceptorship program and those who did not. There were no differences in the developmental pattern of role conception and role deprivation during two years of nursing education. Also, nursing faculty had a significantly higher professional role conception and a significantly lower bureaucratic role conception than preceptors but there were no differences in role deprivation between the two groups.     

Integrating master's-level entry education into an established BS and MS program.

This article shares lessons learned from 12 years of integrating a second-degree entry-level master's program into existing nursing curricula. Ninety-five students have completed this Second Degree Options Program. All but one passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on the first try. Of those eligible to sit for nurse practitioner certification, 100 per cent have passed and greater than 60 per cent are employed as nurse practitioners. The success of the program depends on high admission standards, clear academic policies, first-year summer study, adhering to adult learning principles, integrating students into existing courses, and anticipating barriers. Barriers can be categorized as faculty, other student groups, clinical agencies, and financial exigencies. Some faculty members initially resisted starting this entry-level master's program, but, over time, all faculty members have come to value these students and the strong contributions they have made to the College and the nursing profession. Other students may have concerns about graduate students with nonnurse backgrounds and perceived and actual privilege granted these students. Financial barriers are a reality when confronting 3 years of full-time study.     

Predictors of academic achievement in physical therapy

We undertook this retrospective study to determine the best predictors of academic achievement in a baccalaureate physical therapy program. The files of 83 matriculated students were reviewed, and data on the following admission requirements were compiled: 1) preprofessional grade point averages (GPAs), 2) scores on the Allied Health Professions Admission Test, 3) scores on the written composition (ESSAY), 4) preprofessional faculty recommendation scores, 5) ratings by a physical therapist after a 70-hour clinical observation before the professional training, and 6) personal interview ratings. Data were analyzed with multiple and stepwise regression models using the admission data as independent variables to predict academic achievement (QPAPT) at the end of the two-year professional program. When all independent variables were included in the multiple regression equation, 53% of the variance in the QPAPT was explained (p less than .0001). The stepwise regression revealed that the best predictors of the QPAPT were the GPA (accounted for 40% of variance) and the ESSAY (accounted for 11% of variance).