Preparing practitioner research students in accredited health disciplines for careers in academia

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Introduction: The reasons commonly cited by health professionals embarking on doctoral studies are an interest in learning how to conduct research for the purpose of improving health practice, and an interest in pursuing a career in academia-this paper focuses on the latter-though the two are not mutually exclusive. The study assessed the current availability, and the skills needed for entry-level academic positions in accredited health professions in Australia. Method: A single point-in-time survey of academic positions (below Associate Professor) across 41 Australian universities was conducted in mid-2019. Discussion: For aspiring academics,contemporary professional experience is sought in teaching positions in accredited health professions in Australia. Applicants need to be able to articulate how their research informs their practice and how their practice informs their teaching. The professional development training of experienced health practitioner research students' needs to be fit-for-purpose for their career aspirations.