Relationships between physical therapists’ career development and mentors

Abstract

[Purpose] With the aim of obtaining basic data as a support measure to promote inexperienced physical therapists’ career development, this study examined the status of their career adaptability, as well as the relationship between such adaptability and mentors. [Subjects and Methods] A questionnaire survey was conducted, involving 149 physical therapists with clinical experience of 1 to 5 years, to examine their basic attributes, scores from a career adaptability scale, and the presence/absence of mentors for them. [Results] On comparing therapists with and without mentors, the former showed significantly higher career adaptability scores related to interest, control, and self-confidence. [Conclusion] The results suggest the possibility of mentors influencing physical therapists’ career development.