Writing a career research paper using APA style guidelines can seem like a daunting task, but breaking it down step-by-step makes the process more manageable. In this article, we will provide an example of what an APA career research paper may look like as well as key points to address.
The key sections of an APA style career research paper include the title page, abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and references. Proper in-text citations and a reference list are also required. Let’s examine each section in more detail.
Title Page
The title page should contain the title of the paper centered near the top of the page. Below the title will be your name and the institutional affiliation. For example:
Career as a Physical Therapist
John Doe
Smith College
Abstract
The abstract is a short summary of the entire paper. It should be 150-250 words and provide a brief overview of the topic, purpose, methods, results, and conclusions. Use the past tense and third person throughout. For example:
This paper examines the career of physical therapist. The purpose was to explore the job duties, educational requirements, outlook and salary of this field. Research methods included interviews with two practicing physical therapists and a review of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Results indicated physical therapists provide rehabilitative care and work to improve mobility, manage pain, and prevent disabilities. A doctorate is now required for entry-level positions. The job outlook is strong with an expected growth rate above average compared to other occupations. Median pay is approximately $87,000 annually. Physical therapy appears to be a stable and rewarding career path.
Introduction
The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide background on the career that will be discussed. It sets the purpose and scope of the paper. For example:
Physical therapists help patients improve movement and manage pain. As the field has evolved, higher levels of education are now required to enter the profession. The purpose of this paper is to explore the career of a physical therapist by examining key aspects such as common job duties, educational pathways, outlook, and salary. Insights from practicing physical therapists will also be shared to provide a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to work in this field. By researching this career, readers can determine if physical therapy aligns with their interests and abilities.
Method
The method section informs how the research for the paper was conducted. For a career research paper, interviews or surveys with professionals in the field as well as an analysis of data from reliable sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics should be described. For example:
To learn more about a career in physical therapy, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Mary Smith PT and John Doe PT at Anytown Hospital. Both therapists have 10 years of clinical experience. Questions focused on job responsibilities, likes/dislikes about the work, and advice for those considering the profession. Data were also obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) to examine educational requirements, employment numbers, projected job growth, and median pay for physical therapists. Information gathered from these sources serves as the basis for this career exploration paper.
Results
Here the key findings from the research methods are presented in a clear, factual manner without analysis or opinions. Subheadings can organize the results by topic. For example:
Job Duties
Physical therapists reported spending most of their day directly working with patients through therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques like massage or joint mobilization, patient education, and functional training. Additional responsibilities involved documentation, treatment planning, and coordination with other healthcare providers.
Educational Requirements
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) outlines that a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) is now required for new graduates seeking licensure and entry-level jobs. Previously, a master’s degree was standard. DPT programs take 3 years to complete following a bachelor’s degree.
Employment Outlook
It is projected that physical therapy jobs will grow much faster than average at over 20% from 2020-2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). Factors like the aging population and emphasis on non-surgical pain management are driving demand.
Salary
Median pay reported by the BLS (2021) was $87,930 per year as of May 2020 with the middle 50% of physical therapists earning between $83,740 to $93,830. Additional earnings came from bonuses, productivity incentives, and in some cases private practice ownership.
Discussion
This section interprets the results, compares them to prior research, acknowledges limitations, and connects the findings back to the original purpose and scope. Conclusions and recommendations can be made based on the discussed implications. For example:
The findings support that physical therapy provides meaningful work helping patients with varied rehabilitation needs. Educational requirements have risen to a DPT but the strong job outlook indicates this investment leads to a stable career. Limitations are the small interview sample size and potential for regional salary variation undetected in national BLS data. Overall, physical therapy aligns with the initial purpose of exploring job duties, education, outlook, and pay. For individuals interested in healthcare careers focused on movement and manual skills, physical therapy presents a worthwhile option to consider, especially given its projected job growth.
References
The references are typed following APA style guide format. At least five credible sources must be used, including the source of any data discussed such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Conclusion
This hypothetical APA style career research paper provided an example of how the key sections could be addressed for the career of physical therapy. Proper grammar, robust content presented in a clear, organized manner, and inclusion of required APA components like in-text citations and a reference list are important. Following this type of format and framework will help students write a strong career exploration paper that not only satisfies assignment guidelines but provides value to readers. With diligent research, the paper can showcase insights for considering that career path.
Andrew Stroud