Um estudo com egressos do curso de fisioterapia da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG): 1982-2005

this was a study on alumni from the undergraduate course in physical therapy at the federal university in minas gerais (ufmg) from 1982 to 2005. the study analyzed graduates' perceptions of the course, as well as their professional careers and the relations between the two. a cross-sectional study was conducted with a questionnaire answered by selected alumni, using a stratified sampling method and covering the following: personal identification and contact information; graduate studies; professional activities; work market; and evaluation of the undergraduate course. research in the field of sociology of the professions and the curriculum provided the basis for this study and the reference for the data analysis. according to the findings, the course not only achieved its initial objective of meeting the demand for training professionals to work in rehabilitation, but made an important contribution to the establishment of the profession's identity in the state of minas gerais, with an impact on the group's internal and external representation, expanding and demarcating borders in its field of activity. the course involves traditional teaching practices, with late inclusion in physical therapy practice settings. the data further show that the alumni are participating in their work market and satisfied with their professional activity, besides recognizing that the course introduced new techniques and ways of acting in the work market. virtually all of the alumni are involved in activities related to physical therapy and believe it is worthwhile to be a physical therapist. the data also suggest ample work possibilities for graduates of the ufmg school of physical therapy.