Factors influencing speech language pathologists' and audiologists' decision to pursue postgraduate studies in South Africa.
Ben Sebothoma, Khetsiwe Masuku, Nomfundo Moroe
PMID 34082544WHAT IT FOUND
South African clinicians pursue postgraduate studies to meet personal goals and improve knowledge, not because a degree is required for licensure.
The main barriers are lack of time, family commitments, and funding, while negative undergraduate experiences also deter return.
Key findings
01The primary factors influencing the decision to pursue postgraduate studies were the fulfilment of a personal goal (55%) and improving knowledge (53%).
02The main barriers reported were lack of time due to family commitments, heavy workloads, and a lack of funding.
03Only a minority of participants (37%) were currently pursuing postgraduate studies.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study used non-probability purposive sampling, meaning the results may not represent all clinicians in South Africa. Participants were recruited only through professional associations (SASLHA and SAAA), so those not affiliated with these groups were excluded. The web-based format excluded clinicians without internet access. The response rate could not be calculated because the total number of eligible participants was unknown. It was not possible to distinguish which participants were affiliated with one or both associations.
Declared interests
The text does not report any specific funding sources or conflicts of interest declarations.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume these findings apply to countries where a master's degree is required for clinical licensure. In South Africa, an undergraduate degree is sufficient to practice, so the motivations for postgraduate study here are personal and academic, not regulatory.