An investigation of factors influencing physiotherapy students' course performance and early career intentions

The Australian physiotherapy workforce is currently in shortage; strategies are needed to increase its capacity to deal with future demand from factors such as the ageing population. The research presented in this thesis provides evidence that preregistration education providers can contribute to growing workforce capacity. Potential strategies include assessing personal and behavioural characteristics at course selection, providing curricula that promote deeper learning approaches and motivation, and supporting positive clinical placement experiences. Structured support during the early career period can also facilitate longer-term career intentions of physiotherapy graduates.