An occupational therapy refresher course: a 5-year follow-up report.
OBJECTIVE
The shortage of occupational therapists prompted the faculty of the program in occupational therapy at the University of Minnesota to develop a reentry (refresher) course.


METHODS
A questionnaire sent to all enrolled in the 2-week refresher course during a 5-year period revealed that three intended groups of therapists have benefited: those reentering practice, those considering a change to another area of specialty, and those updating their educational background.


RESULTS
Respondents indicated that the course increased self-confidence, theoretical knowledge base, and ability to apply theory to practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Both reentering therapists and those changing specialty areas of practice reported positive employment outcomes.
Meyers
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Clinical Education Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002568:Certification; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D004496:Education, Continuing; D004518:Education, Professional, Retraining; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008004:Licensure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education*; D011361:Professional Competence; D013038:Specialization