Graduate Education the Case of Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Future manpower trends in occupational therapy in Canada are explored in the context of the history of education in Canada. The need for graduate education for occupational therapists and in occupational therapy itself is examined as it is perceived by occupational therapists and health administrators and physicians concerned with the field. The problems and advantages of graduate education are analysed. The study concludes that of the 2000 occupational therapists expected to be in practice in 1984, an optimal number with master's degrees would be between ten and twenty per cent. The problems of launching graduate programmes during times of financial constraint are discussed and the professional association is advised to take a strong leadership role in order to overcome interprovincial rivalry, and rivalry among universities within provinces. The development of graduate programmes is seen as enabling the profession to make a greater contribution to health care planning and administration and as enabling individuals within the profession to render a higher quality of service, particularly in new, more cost-effective roles.