Needs assessment of non-traditional students in physical and occupational therapy programs

A 104-item questionnaire was utilized to assess the financial, family, educational, and psychosocial needs of 196 non-traditional students enrolled in physical or occupational therapy programs. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis-of-variance procedures. Open-ended questions were analyzed using qualitative data analysis. Results indicated that 65% of the subjects agreed or strongly agreed that their overall educational, family, financial, and psychosocial needs were being met while in the program. Teaching-learning preferences included clinical experience, laboratory practice, and studying alone rather than in groups. Local clinical placements and stipends were seen as more beneficial in assisting with financial burdens than part-time or night/weekend class scheduling. Qualitative themes included family and financial stress, difficulty adjusting to the student role, value of maturity and life experience, value of peer teaching, and development of coping strategies. The authors recommend provision of a comprehensive orientation for non-traditional students, mechanisms to facilitate networking, resources for readjusting to the student role, and enhanced financial aid opportunities.