Graduate proficiency assessment using a competency-based learning model.

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate and compare occupational health and safety graduates' perceptions of the value of and their proficiency in 29 educational competencies. A survey was mailed to 159 students graduating between 1992 and 2005. Ninety-eight graduates (62% response) ranked all 29 competencies as valuable or very valuable. Graduates reported high proficiency in the competencies they most highly valued. The greatest discrepancy between value and proficiency occurred in competencies related to managing resources, programs, and personnel. Results were similar to those of a 2001 survey. Competencies identified by occupational health and safety professionals in 49 countries were very similar to those included in our set. We made changes in the curriculum to address graduates' reports of low proficiency in resource, program, and personnel management.