Employment decision-making of final year speech-language pathology and occupational therapy students: Factors influencing job selection

Speech-language pathology and occupational therapy are among the fastest growing professions in Australia. This study aimed to explore the settings in which speech-language pathologists and occupational therapy students are choosing to work and the factors influencing their employment decision-making. A cross-sectional survey design was used to capture employment preferences. Final year students from all undergraduate (Bachelors) and post-graduate (Masters) speech-language pathology and occupational therapy programs across Australia were invited to participate. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. A total of 57 speech-language pathology and 27 occupational thearpy students in the final year of their degrees completed the survey. Speech-language pathology students reported a preference for working in community settings (68.42%) with individuals who had spoken language needs (94.74%). Occupational thearpy students reported a preference for working within private practice (77.78%) and with adults (70.37%). Both disciplines identified three key factors influencing employment decisions: a) Inclusive and positive workplace culture, b) supervision and support, and c) work-life balance. Final year speech-language pathology and occupational thearpy students value workplace environment, culture, and support when making decisions about employment. Considering these factors when developing workplace policies and processes could enhance recruitment, support, and retention of these health professionals.