Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
The evaluation and refinement of admission practices are pertinent topics for admissions committees. There has been limited research that explored the relationship between applicant admission scores and practicum performance. Our study suggests that practicum performance may demand different skills than achieving high academic standing prior to admission. Continued efforts to identify factors predictive of practicum performance will assist occupational therapy (OT) admissions committees to select the highest caliber applicants who will become future practitioners. This study explored which admission factors predicted competency-based fieldwork evaluation for occupational therapists (CBFE-OT) scores for students enrolled in a Canadian Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MScOT) program. Using a quasi-experimental ex post facto design, 446 admitted MScOT applicants’ scored admission packages, which included their undergraduate grade point average (GPA), two personal statements, a resumé, and two confidential assessment forms (i.e., letters of reference), were analyzed and then correlated with midterm and final CBFE-OT scores across four practicum placements. Confidential assessment forms were also used for separate correlational analyses. Linear regression analyses were completed for significant correlations. Admission package scores were positively correlated with CBFE-OT scores for the final evaluations of students in physical health settings for their fourth practicum placements (p < .05). Alternatively, GPAs were negatively correlated with CBFE-OT scores (p< .05). Admissions practices need to be refined to include salient factors that predict practicum success.
Biography
Jill Stier, MA, BMR (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.) Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 160 - 500 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7
Jill Stier is an Assistant Professor and Graduate Coordinator with the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto. She has been Chair of the department’s admissions committee for the past 13 years. Her research focuses on student admissions, inclusive education and student accommodations.
Behdin Nowrouzi Kia, PhD, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.) Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 160 - 500 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7
Behdin Nowrouzi Kia is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto. Dr. Nowrouzi-Kia holds the inaugural Emily Geldsaler Grant Early Career Professorship in Workplace Mental Health.
Adam Mohamed, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Adam Mohamed is a practicing occupational therapist and a graduate of the Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy program at the University of Toronto. He is working concurrently in the community and long-term care practice settings.
Markus Ott, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Markus Ott is a practicing occupational therapist and a graduate of the Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy program at the University of Toronto. He obtained the Margaret Bahen Gold Medal for achieving the highest standard in academic courses, clinical fieldwork and overall leadership. He is working in the community practice setting.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Stier, J., Nowrouzi-Kia, B., Ott, M., & Mohamed, A. (2021). Admission Factors That Predict Canadian Occupational Therapy Students' Practicum Success. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 5 (4). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2021.050402
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