The first year experience of occupational therapy students at an Australian regional university: Promoting student retention and developing a regional and remote workforce

Abstract

The importance of the first year experience in retaining occupational therapy students is highlighted. Engagement with other students and staff and academic support are important factors in facilitating student retention. It is important to understand the unique factors influencing students' decisions, particularly those from regional and remote areas, to enter and continue in tertiary education to assist in implementing supports and strategies to improve student retention.

A Qualitative Inquiry Into the Challenges of Medical Education for Retention of General Practitioners in Rural and Underserved Areas of Iran

“…Though, the students are not getting familiar with skills needed for rural practice. Students’ experiences during education is a factor that highly affects retention in rural areas especially during first years of education [32]. Hence, courses about familiarity of medical students with Family Physician Program, and facing with rural patients during education are needed for guarantee their retention in rural settings.…”

‘You actually see what occupational therapists do in real life’: Outcomes and critical features of first-year practice education placements

“…It is the first study in occupational therapy to inductively derive a framework to explain students’ overall experiences with first-year placement, bringing together many issues discussed in diverse quantitative and qualitative studies on related topics. For example, previous studies have described experiences that align with confirmation of occupational therapy as a career choice, gaining experience to draw on for future learning and practice, understanding occupational therapy, developing skills (Boehm et al., 2017; Haynes, 2011; Johnson et al., 2006; Mulholland and Derdall, 2007), understanding clients (Beltran et al., 2007; Mulholland and Derdall, 2007) and finding out about myself (Beltran et al., 2007; Dyck and Forwell, 1997). Similarly, previous studies have mentioned one or more of the eight critical experiences presented in this paper (for example, Beltran et al., 2007; Gibson et al., 2019; Mulholland and Derdall, 2007; Nielsen et al., 2017; Patton et al., 2018).…”

“…Students have gained a deeper understanding of the diversity and complexity of the occupational therapist’s role, what it means to be a health professional and the importance of teamwork (Mulholland and Hall, 2013), or experienced significant personal growth through the challenging of preconceptions in an inpatient mental health setting (Beltran et al., 2007). Unsurprisingly, this first placement may also lead to affirmation of occupational therapy as the right career choice (Boehm et al., 2017).…”

Studying nursing at Australian satellite university campuses: A review of teaching, learning and support

“…These satellite campuses also have the potential to increase university enrolments of disadvantaged populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those from rural and remote areas or low socio‐economic backgrounds 11 . Students enrolled at satellite campuses are also more likely to be mature‐aged, have families and be the first in their family to attend university 11,12 . The availability of locally based higher education programs can encourage rural residents, who would not otherwise have access to pursue university education.…”

“…11 Students enrolled at satellite campuses are also more likely to be mature-aged, have families and be the first in their family to attend university. 11,12 The availability of locally based higher education programs can encourage rural residents, who would not otherwise have access to pursue university education. The social, emotional and financial stress of leaving friends and family and relocating for university can also be avoided.…”