ERIC Number: EJ1055494
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1947-380X
EISSN: N/A
Description of Professional Master's Athletic Training Programs
Bowman, Thomas G.; Pitney, William A.; Mazerolle, Stephanie M.; Dodge, Thomas M.
Athletic Training Education Journal, v10 n1 p39-46 Jan-Mar 2015
Context: Professional master's (PM) athletic training programs (ATPs) are becoming more popular as the profession debates what the entry-level degree should be for athletic training. More information is needed related to the potential benefits of PM ATPs. Objective: Describe the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited PM ATPs including athletic training student retention rates and career placement rates as well as strengths and areas for improvement. Design: Mixed-method study. Setting: Professional master's ATPs. Patients or Other Participants: We surveyed directors of all accredited PM ATPs and obtained responses from 15 out of the 25 directors (60.0%). Main Outcome Measure(s): We sent a link to an electronic survey to all directors. The survey asked background questions about the ATP, the institution, and the director. Using data saturation as a guide, we also performed follow-up telephone interviews with 8 directors to expand upon the data gathered in the survey, specifically related to aspects of their PM ATPs. We analyzed the data using grounded theory and maintained trustworthiness through multiple analyst triangulation, member checks, and a peer review. Results: Our findings indicate an 88.7% retention rate and an 88.5% career placement rate for PM athletic training students. The directors responded very positively about their ATPs, particularly didactic education. The participants also felt they provide a "positive environment" which fosters student learning, excellent "clinical education opportunities," and "unique experiences" beyond those typically offered at the undergraduate level. Many directors also noted they wanted to make "personnel modifications" to strengthen their ATPs. Conclusions: We were able to provide descriptive information on PM ATPs. The participants described the didactic and clinical education experiences, social experiences, and overall ATP atmosphere as overwhelmingly positive. The small class sizes and involvement from faculty, staff, and preceptors helped create an environment, which fosters athletic training student learning.
Descriptors: Athletics, Allied Health Occupations Education, Masters Programs, Accreditation (Institutions), School Holding Power, Job Placement, Mixed Methods Research, Administrators, Online Surveys, Interviews, Grounded Theory, Educational Environment, Clinical Experience, Educational Experience, Personnel Needs
National Athletic Trainers' Association. 2952 Stemmons Freeway Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75247. Tel: 214-637-6282; Fax: 214-637-2206; e-mail: ATEdJournal@gmail.com; Web site: http://nataej.org/journal-information.htm
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A