Career choice factors and critical thinking dispositions among undergraduate prosthetics and orthotics students: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract Background A global shortage of healthcare professionals highlights the requirement for an educated workforce in the prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) field. Critical thinking (CT) dispositions are paramount for P&O students, who deal with complex clinical scenarios while providing evidence-based care. Yet, few studies examine the career choice motivators and the development in critical thinking. Aim To explore the incentives and barriers to candidates when selecting P&O as an undergraduate course and to evaluate the development of critical thinking (CT) dispositions of students as they progress through their undergraduate prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) degree. Study design A cross-sectional study. Methods A total of 252 undergraduate P&O students completed a structured survey consisting of two parts: [1] career choice decision including demographics, motivations, and perceived barriers; and [2] CT dispositions using the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI). Results The female-to-male ratio of students was 3.6:1, with most deciding to pursue the P&O profession during secondary education. Helping others and improving patients’ quality of life were key motivators, while limited awareness of the profession was the most cited barrier. Students frequently identified independent research as a major influence in their final decision to apply for the degree. CT dispositions showed a positive tendency, with a mean total score of 329 out of 420. Significant differences in CT skill development were observed across year of study ( p = 0.001) and age ( p = 0.003). Conclusion Findings emphasize the importance of increased early awareness of the P&O profession. A general positive tendency of development of CT dispositions was observed among P&O students, with improvement in their CT dispositions as they progressed through academic years.