Faculty Recruitment: Where are the Applicants?

Abstract

This paper investigates the interest, perceptions and attitudes of occupational therapists towards academic positions. An 18 item questionnaire was mailed to 300 occupational therapists, randomly selected on a proportional basis from each province. The 192 responses (64%) received indicated that loss of patient contact and perceived lack of qualifications were the prime deterrents of active interest in academic positions. Other deterrents were personal commitments (children, husband's work, disinterest in relocation) and perceived stress in faculty positions. Academic appointments were most appealing to therapists under 40 years of age, therapists with graduate degrees, and therapists involved in academic studies.