Influencing factors on Occupational Therapy graduating' decision of working area

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to identify factors that influence the choice of professional acting area among Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) and Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (FCMMG) Occupational Therapy undergraduate students; to characterize the relevance of these factors in the choice of professional interest area and to compare specific choosing factors among the undergraduate students from both distinct (public and private schools) Occupational Therapy courses in the city of Belo Horizonte/MG. Surveying forms were distributed to all UFMG students graduating in the second semester of 2001, first and second semesters of 2002, and to the FCMMG graduating classes of 2001 and 2002. The data were analyzed with quantitative procedures by means of their statistical frequency. The results revealed the following factors as relevant, which were ranked higher (above 7 in 10) in their process of decision: fondness, vocation, readiness, relationship with professionals, curricular practical experience, faculty educational background, professor/student relationship, and area theoretical/clinical consistency. The results from this study may contribute to understanding the influences that these courses have on the graduating students and consequently, help to create problem solving.