Employersʼ Perceptions of New Graduate Physical Therapists: Baccalaureate Versus Postbaccalaureate Education

Registered Dietitians: Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics

“…However, more than half the participants indicated that their workplace required a graduate degree such as Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, and or a Doctorate degree for management level registered dietitian positions and that there was a system in place for promotions and level increases for BS, RDs at their work setting. These findings were similar to the study done on physical therapy employers prior to the transition to DPT as the entry-level requirement for the profession (Bank et al, 1998). Bank et al (1998) revealed that employers did prefer to hire MPTs over therapists with a bachelor's degree or DPT for several reasons.…”

“…These findings were similar to the study done on physical therapy employers prior to the transition to DPT as the entry-level requirement for the profession (Bank et al, 1998). Bank et al (1998) revealed that employers did prefer to hire MPTs over therapists with a bachelor's degree or DPT for several reasons. Employers believed that MPTs applied research to clinical practice more frequently and were better prepared in areas of patient education, supervisory and management roles, and professional development.…”

“…Studies have assessed the perceptions of employers in expectations from professionals with MPT and DPT and if the differences in education level affected their hiring decisions (Bank et al, 1998;Hummer et al, 1994). Bank et al (1998) surveyed over 350 employers and concluded from the findings that employers did prefer to hire MPTs over therapists with a bachelor's degree or DPT for several reasons. Employers believed that MPTs applied research to clinical practice more frequently and were better prepared in areas of patient education, supervisory and management roles, and professional development.…”

“A True Profession”

“…Mandich cites a 1997 survey by Bank et al 14 that reports an employer preference for a professional master's degree. It is understandable for employers to prefer a familiar degree.…”

“…Mandich cites a 1997 survey reported by Bank et al 14 in which employers perceived the skills of newly hired physical therapy graduates in the areas of patient evaluation skills, interpersonal skills, patient treatment skills, and professional behaviors to be equal, regardless of degree level. However, Mandich overlooked Bank and colleagues' report that newly hired DPT graduates were perceived as stronger in patient education, supervising assistive personnel, application of research findings, and professional advancement potential.…”