GENDER AND PHYSICAL THERAPY CAREER SUCCESS FACTORS

Background and Purpose. Gender and profession are thought to affect ho w career success is perceived as well as how it is achieved. This stud y investigated items considered important In defining career success f or male and female physical therapists. The study also explored the re lationship among gender, beliefs about career success, and career expe riences, Subjects and Methods. Data were obtained through an investiga tor-developed survey. The self-report questionnaire consisted of 78 it ems in 4 areas: descriptive information: items important in characteri zing career success, items perceived to enhance or inhibit career succ ess, and items assessing self-esteem. Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of active physical therapist members of the American Phy sical Therapy Association (N = 5,000). The response rate was 38.1% (n = 1,906). Results. Both men and women selected indicators such as prac ticing ethically, improving patient health, and feeling satisfied over high income or status when describing career success. All respondents agreed that clinical competency and motivation are key factors relate d to achieving career success. Family issues, full-time employment, an d flexibility of practice conditions emerged as primary gender differe nces. Conclusion and Discussion. A unique set of indicators describe p hysical therapy career success. Gender differences in its description and factors that influence its achievement are related primarily to fa mily issues. Career success for women depends to a greater degree on t he ability to manage family responsibilities in conjunction with emplo yment opportunities.