Graduating physiotherapists' perceptions of their career choice

A survey of 72% of final year physiotherapy students at Cumberland College found that they were very satisfied with their career choice, few considered changing their occupation and changes in students' conceptions of physiotherapy had mostly been in a positive direction. They said that the most valued aspects of their career choice were the opportunity to accomplish something worthwhile, the friendliness of the people they worked with, and the opportunity to develop skills and abilities. Few students planned to leave the workforce but 69% hoped to be employed part-time during early childrearing. Some implications of such anticipated work patterns are discussed.