The first steps into physiotherapy: A qualitative exploration of student motivations and early-career intentions as they prepare to enter the workforce

The findings indicate that physiotherapy students are influenced by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, alongside their placement experiences, when making decisions at the outset of their career. Consistent with Self Determination Theory, students seek to fulfill their innate psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness, and recognize the importance of aligning their values with prospective team environments and people in their early career.