Allied health educators: a functions analysis and needs assessment survey

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Allied Health Workforce Development

Background:

• The allied health workforce is diverse, with educators working across various settings.
• Understanding the specific needs and backgrounds of these educators is crucial for effective professional development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather background and employment information on allied health educators in Kentucky.
• To identify key teaching topics and skills essential for allied health professionals.
• To determine areas where further teaching expertise is most needed.

Main Methods:

• A field survey was conducted with 338 allied health educators across Kentucky.
• Data collected included background information, employment details, and self-identified teaching functions and needs.

Main Results:

• No single stereotype of an allied health educator emerged; profiles varied significantly by teaching setting.
• Job descriptions, qualifications, and needs for further preparation differed based on the professional context.
• A substantial demand exists for training focused on improving practical teaching skills and daily activities.

Conclusions:

• Allied health educator roles are highly variable, necessitating tailored professional development approaches.
• Educators prefer accessible, community-based training opportunities over traditional, centralized coursework.
• There is a clear demand for continuing education units (CEU) or academic credit for professional development in allied health education.