Why do students enrol in the physiotherapy course? A study of students at SAIT

This study used a questionnaire to determine the reasons students gave for enrolling in the course for Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy at the South Australian Institute of Technology, and the sources of information students had received about the profession. The most common reason given was that students felt the work would be interesting, satisfying and worthwhile; job availability and security, and a desire to help others also rated highly. Very few students had enrolled on the advice of parents, teachers or career guidance counsellors, although almost one-third had spoken to a counsellor. Working conditions were more important to the male students, while female students gave slightly more import to the desire to work with others. The age of the students had little effect on their reasons for entering the course. It is possible that some students did not have a full appreciation of the work of physiotherapists, nor their working conditions. Such a lack of knowledge may lead to students withdrawing from the course when they are enlightened.