Türkiye’deki Mezun Fizyoterapistlerin İş Yaşamında İhtiyaç Duydukları Genel ve Mesleğe Özel Yeterliklerinin Yükseköğretim Kurumları Tarafından Karşılanma Düzeyinin Araştırılması

Abstract

This research was carried out to determine and compare the generic competence levels of PTR (Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation undergraduate program) graduates and the desired competence levels of the job they are working in, to identify the competencies that PTR program is weak or strong. Other purposes are to examine the level of foundation of the PTR program in terms of professional and career development of graduates, to examine the professional values and orientations of physiotherapists and level of fulfilment of them in the work environment, to examine the higher education processes and related experiences of PTR graduates, to examine the transition and employment processes of graduates. Our research, in which all 2012 graduates of PTR were invited, was carried out between March-December 2018 by online survey method. 240 participants eligible for the analysis were included. 46% of the participants were female, the median age was 29 (28-31), and the average time elapsed since graduation was 6.1 years. In the majority of the generic competencies (18 of 22), it was determined that the graduates evaluated their competence levels higher than the desired competence levels in the job (p<0.05). The only competence for which the required competence level was statistically higher than the graduate levels was “working under pressure” (p=0.020), and the highest skill gap was noted in this competence (36%). Although PTR graduates have suitable employment conditions at the time of their graduation, it has been determined that graduates have problems with employment over time. PTR programs provide a good foundation in many respects, but it has been revealed that the program is insufficient in the "development of entrepreneurial skills". For these reasons, it is thought that it would be appropriate for PTR programs to attach importance to the competencies specified in our research, to follow an employment-based policy while conducting quota studies, and to support physiotherapists in entrepreneurship and opening a business.