Academic Reward Structures and Occupational Therapy Faculty Part I: Characteristics of Faculty

Abstract

This study examined academic rewards in occupational therapy education through a survey of baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate programs. Questionnaires from 275 full-time faculty were analyzed Results are presented in two parts Part One describes faculty characteristics, and predictors of rewards and publications are identified in Part II. Analysis of the sample shows that OT faculty are younger, hold lower academic ranks and degrees, and are less often tenured than most faculty in higher education. They also are relatively new in their programs, suggesting a high rate of turnover. Publication rates vary according to the research orientation of institutions in which the faculty work, a pattern that is consistent with higher education overall However, publication rates of OT faculty are about 20% lower than those of other faculty. This may be an indication that OT academic reward systems do not place as much emphasis on publications as is found in traditional academe.