scholarly journals Current Athletic Training Educational Preparation for Dry Needling

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Hortz ◽  
Sue Falsone ◽  
Duncan Tulimieri
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Expert Panel ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Advanced Practice ◽  
Dry Needling ◽  
Educational Preparation ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Panel Review

Purpose: Dry needling is an advanced practice skill that many athletic trainers are being trained to perform. The purpose of this study is to determine the degree to which the current athletic training educational competencies and standards prepare practitioners for the performance of dry needling tasks. Methods: An expert panel review was used to verify which of the dry needling tasks are currently taught through entry-level athletic education as defined by the 5th edition competencies and 2020 standards. Results: Results demonstrated that 11% of the tasks were dry needling specific and these were regarded as not provided through entry-level education. However, 89% of the tasks were provided through entry-level education. Conclusions: It is clear that current athletic training education adequately prepares an athletic trainer to learn dry needling as an advance practice skill as a large number of the Competencies for Dry Needling are taught within athletic training entry-level education.

scholarly journals Educational Preparation and Experiences in the Industrial-Occupational Setting: A Qualitative Study of Athletic Training Graduates' Perspectives

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim F. Schilling
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Educational Preparation ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Occupational Setting ◽  
Textual Data

Context: The industrial-occupational setting provides a workplace of substantial potential for the athletic training graduate. Acquiring input from entry-level athletic trainers (ATs) pertaining to experiences, knowledge, and skills necessary to be successful in the industrial-occupational setting is critical information for future Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) curriculums, continuing education, and post-graduate fellowships. Objective: To gain understanding of the experiences encountered and education needed for successful preparation as an entry-level AT in the industrial-occupational setting. Design: Qualitative Setting: Industrial-Occupational Participants: Seven professional-level industrial ATs Data Collection and Analysis: Structured interview questions were used with an electronic platform. Participants were questioned relating to their experiences and perceptions pertaining to educational preparation for the industrial-occupational setting. An inductive content analysis was performed for textual data analysis. Results: The rationale for acquiring positions in the industrial-occupational setting upon graduation was due to fewer hours and higher salaries, but once hired the most positive experience and greatest job satisfaction came from helping people. The area the participants felt ill-prepared was ergonomics, but respondents felt well-prepared in injury evaluation and treatment. They also commented that gaining respect from the company was the most challenging aspect when entering the industrial-occupational setting as an entry-level AT. Conclusion: Graduates are attracted to the salary and hours associated with the industrial-occupational setting, but helping people provided the greatest job satisfaction. Although most entry-level ATs perceived themselves as well prepared for the industrial-occupational setting, weakness in the area of ergonomics was identified.

scholarly journals Athletic Training Approved Clinical Instructors' Reports of Real-Time Opportunities for Evaluating Clinical Proficiencies

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 630-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk J. Armstrong ◽  
Thomas G. Weidner ◽  
Stacy E. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Experience ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Clinical Instructors ◽  
Content Areas ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Approved Clinical Instructors

Abstract Context: Appropriate methods for evaluating clinical proficiencies are essential to ensuring entry-level competence in athletic training. Objective: To identify the methods Approved Clinical Instructors (ACIs) use to evaluate student performance of clinical proficiencies. Design: Cross-sectional design. Setting: Public and private institutions in National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) District 4. Patients or Other Participants: Approved Clinical Instructors from accredited athletic training education programs in the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers' Association, which is NATA District 4 (N  =  135). Data Collection and Analysis: Participants completed a previously validated survey instrument, Methods of Clinical Proficiency Evaluation in Athletic Training, that consisted of 15 items, including demographic characteristics of the respondents and Likert-scale items (1  =  strongly disagree to 5  =  strongly agree) regarding methods of clinical proficiency evaluation, barriers, educational content areas, and clinical experience settings. We used analyses of variance and 2-tailed, independent-samples t tests to assess differences among ACI demographic characteristics and the methods, barriers, educational content areas, settings, and opportunities for feedback regarding clinical proficiency evaluation. Qualitative analysis of respondents' comments was completed. Results: The ACIs (n  =  106 of 133 respondents, 79.7%) most often used simulations to evaluate clinical proficiencies. Only 59 (55.1%) of the 107 ACIs responding to a follow-up question reported that they feel students engage in a sufficient number of real-time evaluations to prepare them for entry-level practice. An independent-samples t test revealed that no particular clinical experience setting provided more opportunities than another for real-time evaluations (t119 range, −0.909 to 1.796, P ≥ .05). The occurrence of injuries not coinciding with the clinical proficiency evaluation timetable (4.00 ± 0.832) was a barrier to real-time evaluations. Respondents' comments indicated much interest in opportunities and barriers regarding real-time clinical proficiency evaluations. Conclusions: Most clinical proficiencies are evaluated via simulations. The ACIs should maximize real-time situations to evaluate students' clinical proficiencies whenever feasible. Athletic training education program administrators should develop alternative methods of clinical proficiency evaluations.

scholarly journals Educational Preparation and Experiences in the Clinical Setting: Entry-Level Clinical Athletic Trainers' Perspectives

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Schilling
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
Educational Preparation ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Analysis Strategy

Context: The clinical job setting: (Outpatient/Ambulatory/Rehabilitation Clinic) should no longer be referred to as a nontraditional setting as it employs the greatest percentage of certified members. Understanding the experiences, knowledge, and skills necessary to be successful in the clinical setting as entry-level certified athletic trainers (ATs) is critical information for future Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) curriculums, continuing education, and post-graduate fellowships. Objective: To gain an understanding of the general experiences encountered and perceived educational preparation necessary for entry-level ATs in the clinical setting. Design: Online questionnaire. Setting: Clinical. Participants: 15 entry-level clinical ATs. Main Outcome Measures: Experiences and educational preparation in the clinical setting as perceived by clinical ATs using an inductive content analysis strategy. Results: Most subjects entered the clinical setting upon graduation and were attracted by fewer hours and higher salaries. The most positive experience once hired was learning from colleagues and the greatest job satisfaction occurred when helping people. The participants also suggested that future graduates should feel confident when entering this setting. While the participants felt ill-prepared regarding insurance issues and communication skills, they felt well-prepared in injury evaluation and treatment. Overall, they found insurance restrictions limiting the scope of care they could give the most challenging. Conclusion: Athletic training graduates are attracted to the higher salary and shorter work hours associated with the clinical setting, but still associate helping people as primary to their job satisfaction. Although most entry-level ATs perceived themselves as well prepared for the clinical setting, weakness in the areas of insurance issues and communication skills were identified.

Athletic Trainer-Athlete Communication and Injury Reporting

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-78
Author(s):  
Stephanie A. Stadden
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Professional Relationships ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Healthcare Professions ◽  
Injury Reporting ◽  
Further Development

Through the progression of athletic training education, there has been an increased emphasis on psychosocial aspects related to the field as is evident in the 2011 Athletic Training Education Competencies. The ability to effectively communicate has been identified as an important characteristic for athletic trainers in providing quality care to patients (Raab, Wolfe, Gould, Piland, 2011). Athletic trainers must be able to communicate effectively not only with patients, but also physicians, parents, coaches, and peers. Although research examining effective communication in athletic training is limited, the session will examine existing research performed addressing communication in athletic training and other healthcare professions, such as medicine and nursing. In addition, the session will discuss research linking the athletic trainer-patient relationship and injury reporting tendencies along with practical application of the research to assist the athletic trainer in further development of their professional relationships.

scholarly journals The Professional Values of Program Directors and Head Athletic Trainers: The Impact of the Hidden Curriculum

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 194-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly S. Peer ◽  
Gretchen A. Schlabach
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Hidden Curriculum ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Program Directors ◽  
Program Director ◽  
Professional Values ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Context: Athletic training education programs (ATEPs) promote the development of foundational behaviors of professional practice. Situated in the context of professional values, ATEPs are challenged to identify outcome measures for these behaviors. These values are tacitly reflected as part of the hidden curriculum. Objective: To ascertain the importance of professional values as perceived by program directors and head athletic trainers at professional ATEPs located in the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers' Association (GLATA) district. Design: Cross-sectional survey design. Setting: 77 ATEPs in GLATA and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Participants: We surveyed a convenience sample of program directors and head athletic trainers from CAATE-accredited ATEPs in GLATA. We partitioned the 146 participants by their professional role: program director (PDs), head athletic trainer (HATs), and program director/head athletic trainer (PD/HATs). Main Outcome Measure(s): We measured differences among PDs, HATs, PD/HATs relative to their unfamiliar values, important values, top three ranked values, and perceived importance with articulating professional values. Results: Altruism and aesthetics were identified as the 2 most frequently unfamiliar values among PDs and HATs, whereas PD/HATs identified 1 value, altruism. Truth/honesty and integrity were the most frequently selected values by PDs and HATs. Truth/honesty and respect were the most frequently selected values by PD/HATs. Truth/honesty was ranked the most important value by HATs and PD/HATs. Truth/honesty and integrity were tied as the number one ranked value by PDs. There was a significant difference in ranking between PD and PD/HAT in regard to the professional values of truth/honesty and integrity. Conclusion: Truth/honesty, integrity, respect, accountability, and caring are important professional values of ATEP PDs, HATs, PD/HATs in GLATA. It is important for the NATA to explicitly articulate professional core values.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Athletic Training Students' Clinical Proficiencies

2008 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 386-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy E. Walker ◽  
Thomas G. Weidner ◽  
Kirk J. Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Experience ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Content Areas ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Program Characteristics

Abstract Context: Appropriate methods for evaluating clinical proficiencies are essential in ensuring entry-level competence. Objective: To investigate the common methods athletic training education programs use to evaluate student performance of clinical proficiencies. Design: Cross-sectional design. Setting: Public and private institutions nationwide. Patients or Other Participants: All program directors of athletic training education programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs as of January 2006 (n  =  337); 201 (59.6%) program directors responded. Data Collection and Analysis: The institutional survey consisted of 11 items regarding institutional and program demographics. The 14-item Methods of Clinical Proficiency Evaluation in Athletic Training survey consisted of respondents' demographic characteristics and Likert-scale items regarding clinical proficiency evaluation methods and barriers, educational content areas, and clinical experience settings. We used analyses of variance and independent t tests to assess differences among athletic training education program characteristics and the barriers, methods, content areas, and settings regarding clinical proficiency evaluation. Results: Of the 3 methods investigated, simulations (n  =  191, 95.0%) were the most prevalent method of clinical proficiency evaluation. An independent-samples t test revealed that more opportunities existed for real-time evaluations in the college or high school athletic training room (t189  =  2.866, P  =  .037) than in other settings. Orthopaedic clinical examination and diagnosis (4.37 ± 0.826) and therapeutic modalities (4.36 ± 0.738) content areas were scored the highest in sufficient opportunities for real-time clinical proficiency evaluations. An inadequate volume of injuries or conditions (3.99 ± 1.033) and injury/condition occurrence not coinciding with the clinical proficiency assessment timetable (4.06 ± 0.995) were barriers to real-time evaluation. One-way analyses of variance revealed no difference between athletic training education program characteristics and the opportunities for and barriers to real-time evaluations among the various clinical experience settings. Conclusions: No one primary barrier hindered real-time clinical proficiency evaluation. To determine athletic training students' clinical proficiency for entry-level employment, athletic training education programs must incorporate standardized patients or take a disciplined approach to using simulation for instruction and evaluation.

The Motivational Climate and Intrinsic Motivation in the Rehabilitation Setting

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 460-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Brinkman-Majewski ◽  
Windee M. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Goal Orientation ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Motivational Climate ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Male Athletes

Context: The motivational climate created by the athletic trainer in rehabilitation may be critical in influencing athletes’ intrinsic motivation and other psychosocial outcomes in the rehabilitation and the recovery processes. Objective: To examine intercollege athletes’ perceptions of the motivational climate in the rehabilitation setting. Specifically, examining if perceptions of the motivational climate can predict athletes’ levels of intrinsic motivation with rehabilitation as well as the relationship between perceptions of the motivational climate and athlete demographics (gender, starter status, athletic trainer gender, etc). Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive research. Setting: College sport team and athletic training center. Participants: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II intercollege athletes from one institution (n = 187; 125 males and 62 females). Main Outcome Measures: Paper-based survey measuring mastery and performance perceptions of the motivational climate in rehabilitation, athletes’ goal orientation in sport, and athletes’ levels of motivation in rehabilitation. Results: Perceptions of a performance climate were positively related to intrinsic motivation effort–improvement (effect size = 25.34%). Perceptions of a mastery climate were positively related to interest–enjoyment and perceived competence and negatively related to tension–pressure (effect size = 39.03%). In general, female athletes, as well as athletes with a female athletic trainer, had significantly higher perceptions of mastery motivational climate effort–improvement than male athletes and athletes with male athletic trainers. While male athletes and athletes with male athletic trainers had higher perceptions of intrateam member rivalry in rehabilitation. Conclusions: The athlete’s gender and goal orientation, as well as the gender of the athletic trainer creating the motivational climate, can influence whether the environment is perceived as more mastery or performance. The recovering athletes’ perceptions of the climate in rehabilitation can, in turn, affect their intrinsic motivation toward the therapeutic interventions.

Considerations for the Use of the Observation Experience to Aid in Early Socialization and Retention of Athletic Training Students

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas Dodge
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Clinical Experiences ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Initial Exposure ◽  
Observation Period ◽  
Early Socialization

Context Retention of quality students in athletic training programs (ATPs) is important. Many factors contribute to retention of students, including their motivation level, peer support, positive interactions with instructors, clinical integration, and mentorship. Objective Highlight the use of the observation period for preparatory athletic training students as a means to promote retention. Background Many ATPs require a period of observation as part of or as a precursor to application for admission. The experience gives students initial exposure to the profession while allowing the ATP to evaluate the student's potential for admission and success within the program and as a young professional. The roles of an athletic trainer are complex and challenging; therefore, ATPs need to ensure they are preparing their students for professional practice. Synthesis A review of the retention literature was conducted and specific applications suggested based upon the authors' professional experiences. Results Early socialization into the profession is helpful for understanding an athletic trainer's role. Diversity during the observation period can facilitate a student's understanding, plausibly improving persistence. Recommendations Athletic training programs are encouraged to provide the preparatory student with structured, required observations of athletic trainers. Specifically, students should be exposed to diverse clinical employment settings and the different domains of clinical practice for the athletic trainer. This exposure could plausibly facilitate retention. Conclusions It is important to identify strategies to help retain quality students in order to promote and advance the professional stature of athletic training. Focusing on clinical experiences, rather than quantity of hours, may benefit students who are evaluating their futures as athletic trainers.

scholarly journals Recently Certified Athletic Trainers' Undergraduate Educational Preparation in Psychosocial Intervention and Referral

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Lynn Stiller-Ostrowski ◽  
John A. Ostrowski
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Psychosocial Intervention ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
The United States ◽  
Content Area ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Group Interviews

Abstract Context: “Psychosocial Intervention and Referral” is one of the 12 content areas established by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Education Council and is required to be taught in athletic training education programs (ATEPs). The perceived preparation of athletic trainers (ATs) in this content area has not been evaluated. Objective: To explore the preparation level of recently certified ATs within the content area of “Psychosocial Intervention and Referral.” Design: Qualitative design involving semistructured, in-depth, focus group interviews. Setting: Interviews were conducted at 2 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institutions in 2 regions of the United States. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 11 recently certified ATs who met predetermined criteria were recruited. The ATs represented a range of undergraduate ATEPs and current employment settings. Data Collection and Analysis: Focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed deductively. Peer debriefing and member checks were used to ensure trustworthiness. Results: The ATEPs are doing an adequate job of preparing ATs for many common communication and interpersonal issues, but ATs report being underprepared to deal with athlete-related issues in the areas of motivation and adherence, counseling and social support, mental skills training, and psychosocial referral. Conclusions: Limitations of undergraduate ATEPs regarding preparation of athletic training students within the “Psychosocial Intervention and Referral” content area were identified, with the goal of improving athletic training education. The more we know about the issues that entry-level ATs face, the more effectively we can structure athletic training education.

scholarly journals Strategies for Highly Effective Athletic Training Education Program Directors: A Practical Approach to Interdependence

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
James E. Leone ◽  
Kimberly A. Gray
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Literary Work ◽  
Program Directors ◽  
Professional Preparation ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Highly Effective

Objective: Following Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, this article seeks to communicate effective strategies for athletic training education Program Directors (PDs) to follow. Commentary of Covey's work and practical strategies to integrate them into PD practice and responsibilities are provided. Background: Due to a lack of professional preparation, Program Directors often relate to what they know best–working long hours to get the job accomplished. It is not uncommon for PDs to mirror the work schedules of clinically practicing certified athletic trainers. With this in mind, we propose approaching the role of PD using Stephen Covey's wisdom from his literary work, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Practical strategies for integrating Covey's work into a PD's daily responsibilities, as well as remaining compliant with CAATE Standard expectations, are discussed.

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