Occupational Therapy Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Administration and Management Course in Bachelor’s Degree: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background: New graduates and occupational therapy students need adequate knowledge and skills to succeed in management roles. A management course could potentially prepare them for future job demands. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge and attitude regarding the management course among occupational therapy students at Semnan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design utilized a pre- and post-experimental approach without a control group to compare outcomes before and after the management course in the occupational therapy curriculum. A week later, the students were divided into three groups of 6-7 and each participated separately in an in-person focus group session. Twenty-four students engaged in the course and focus group. Finally, twenty-one students completed the adapted version of Whetten's management skills assessment questionnaire and attitude toward the field of study and future job. The paired t-test was used to compare variables before and after the management course. Results: Differences in students' scores for management skills (t = -5.98, df = 20, P = 0.011) and attitude toward the field of study and future job (t = -4.941, df = 20, P < 0.001) were significant. Furthermore, focus group findings showed that the management course had a positive impact on students' attitudes and knowledge. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the management course significantly improved students' management skills and attitudes toward their field of study and future careers. These results, supported by focus group insights, highlight the positive impact of targeted management education on both practical skills and perceptions.