Role Emerging Placements: Skills Development, Postgraduate Employment, and Career Pathways

Abstract

Occupational therapy educators are increasingly using role emerging placements (REPs) as a forum for students to develop skills required to work in emerging areas of practice. This study explores the impact of REPs on skill development, postgraduate employment, and career pathways for occupational therapists. An online survey was sent to occupational therapists across Canada (n = 1,763). Occupational therapists who had completed a REP responded to the online survey (n = 88). Descriptive analysis was used to examine trends in the quantitative data, and content analysis was used to code categories derived from qualitative survey data. Results indicated five skills that developed in REPs and were used throughout an occupational therapist’s career. REPs appeared to have no impact on choice of practice field postgraduation, career pathways, or employment status. However, a group who identified their current job titles other than occupational therapy indicated a positive experience regarding their skills, career pathways, and employment status. Study results highlight the need to further understand the experiences of graduates in their REPs and the factors in REPs that may influence the career trajectory of occupational therapists.