A survey about completing an honours degree and future occupational therapy career paths

Factors associated with completing an occupational therapy honours degree were investigated by comparing graduates who had completed honours with graduates who had chosen not to complete honours. Fifty‐five honours graduates and 55 degree‐only graduates from a 10 year period were surveyed by mail with response rates of 80 and 56%, respectively. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics to allow comparison between the groups. The subjects' most frequent reason for doing honours was an interest in research and in gaining research skills. Financial reasons were the most commonly cited for not doing honours. A higher percentage of honours graduates than degree‐only graduates occupied in‐charge positions or were full‐time students. A higher percentage of degree‐only graduates were in grade 2 positions. Perceived ability to conduct research, participation in research, and the number of journal publications were greater among honours graduates. Honours graduates also indicated slightly higher satisfaction with their current jobs and with occupational therapy as a career. The implications of completing honours in terms of some career path factors are hypothesized on the basis of the results. The survey provides some preliminary information to assist students with decision making and suggestions for further research on honours degrees in occupational therapy in Australia. 1994 Occupational Therapy Australia Limite