Survey on the Employment Profile of Occupational Therapy Graduates in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objective This study aims to explore the demands for occupational therapy (OT) services in Hong Kong through a local survey of the OT graduate employment profile. Methods This study was based on the information extracted from a graduate employment survey conducted by the Student Affairs Office of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University from 2001 to 2005. It was then followed by a more qualitative telephone survey. The data for the past 5 years (2001-2005) were extracted. Descriptive statistics were adopted to present the job profile and demographic data of the OT graduates. Results The employment rate was maintained at around 90% in the past 5 years, with some graduates migrating to other countries or studying for higher degrees. Most of the OT graduates were employed in non-government organizations or private settings as shown by the increasing trends from 51% in 2001 to 76% in 2005. Their salary range was, in general, higher than the other graduates from the same university. Conclusion There has been an increasing demand for OT services in the community setting. This might lead to a shortage of graduates due to reduction in the number of students enrolled. Current curricula and clinical education programmes may need to be revised to ensure that expanding community-based service demands are met.