Survey on the employment profile of occupational therapy graduates in Hong Kong

Objective: This study aims to explore the demands for occupational therapy (OT) services in Hong Kong through a local survey of the OT graduate employment profile. Methods: This study was based on the information extracted from a graduate employment survey conducted by the Student Affairs Office of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University from 2001 to 2005. It was then followed by a more qualitative telephone survey. The data for the past 5 years (2001-2005) were extracted. Descriptive statistics were adopted to present the job profile and demographic data of the OT graduates. Results: The employment rate was maintained at around 90% in the past 5 years, with some graduates migrating to other countries or studying for higher degrees. Most of the OT graduates were employed in non-government organizations or private settings as shown by the increasing trends from 51% in 2001 to 76% in 2005. Their salary range was, in general, higher than the other graduates from the same university. Conclusion: There has been an increasing demand for OT services in the community setting. This might lead to a shortage of graduates due to reduction in the number of students enrolled. Current curricula and clinical education programmes may need to be revised to ensure that expanding community-based service demands are met.