Factors influencing enrollment in a physiotherapy degree-completion program in Atlantic Canada: a survey

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence enrollment in Dalhousie University's BSc (PT) degree-completion program. A geographically stratified, random sample of 100 nondegree physiotherapists practising in Atlantic Canada was surveyed by mail. The questionnaire solicited information on demographic data, program awareness and attitudes towards degree-completion programs. The response rate was 63 percent. More than 65 percent of respondents were trained in Canada, were older than 30 years, and had at least one child. Ninety percent of respondents were aware of the Dalhousie program; seven were currently enrolled. Ninety-three percent of respondents were confident they could continue to practise without a degree and 70 percent were confident they could meet academic standards required to complete a degree. Respondents were least certain on whether employers valued experience over a degree. Family responsibilities, age over 50, and job security were deterrents to enrollment. Nondegree physiotherapists in Atlantic Canada may not choose to upgrade to a degree because of the regional manpower shortage and job security. A strong pool of degree-completion students was not identified.