engleski

The status of occupational therapy in Croatia: Examining the perspectives of OT students.

Occupational therapy in Croatia is made up of a vibrant community of over 450 practitioners. While the profession continues to gain importance in Croatia, challenges to the ongoing development of our profession exist. Specifically, the number of occupational therapists per capita is significantly below the EU average, OT has a limited presence in community-based settings such as schools and opportunities for study following the initial 3-year undergraduate degree are restricted. These challenges have the potential to affect young peoples’ perspectives about OT and its appeal as a potential career choice. OT students are particularly vulnerable to the negative influence of such issues and stand to directly benefit from efforts aimed at improving the status of OT in Croatia. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of OT students regarding their chosen course of study and the OT profession in general. Using an on-line questionnaire, OT students in their 1st, 2nd and 3rd years of study were asked to provide perspectives regarding the status of OT in Croatia and abroad, employment opportunities following graduation, reasons for selecting OT as a program of study, and opportunities for ongoing study following graduation. The perspectives of students will be presented in relation to current challenges and opportunities faced by the occupational therapy profession in Croatia.

OT student, status of OT, Croatia

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