Satisfaction with academic training: A case study of a physical therapy program

The present chapter focuses on the academic activities of a service-oriented department and the practical training it provides to students in the undergraduate physical therapy program. This profession has significant importance in Israel in view of the large number of victims of wars and terrorist attacks, and the high rate of traffic accidents. In addition, ever-rising life expectancies are expanding the number of patients who need professional help. The purpose was to analyze the satisfaction of department graduates with their academic training and practical experiences, with the aim of reinforcing connections between the department’s teaching program and students’ final achievements, and conditions and terms of employment after graduation. Our study was based on a survey of 109 graduates of the department of physical therapy at the Ariel University Center in Israel. Data was collected through an analytical crosssection survey administered online. The findings point to the academe’s contribution to practical work in the field. No correlation was found between graduates’ profiles upon admission and their achievements in the program and subsequently at work, their studies toward advanced degrees, and their satisfaction with their training program and their work. One factor that was found to undermine satisfaction with work was work conditions. Conclusions: This case study points to the significance of a close association between the academe and the field in reducing the differences between students’ final achievements in the program and their work conditions in the field.