Programmatic Factors Associated with Undergraduate Athletic Training Student Retention and Attrition Decisions

10.4085/10015 ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Jay Hertel ◽  
Heather D. Wathington
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Program Directors ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Programmatic Factors

Context Athletic training programs (ATPs) are charged with meeting an increased demand for athletic trainers with adequate graduates. Currently, the retention rate of athletic training students in ATPs nationwide and the programmatic factors associated with these retention rates remain unknown. Objective Determine the retention rate for athletic training students nationwide and the programmatic factors associated with retention. Design Cross-sectional online survey. Setting Undergraduate ATPs. Patients or Other Participants Program directors (PDs) of all Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited undergraduate ATPs were surveyed. We obtained responses from 177 of the 343 PDs (51.6%). Intervention(s) The survey asked PDs for information about their institution, ATP, and themselves. Main Outcome Measure(s) Self-reported retention rate. Results The participants reported an average retention rate of 81.0% ± 17.9%. We found a significant prediction equation (F4,167 = 16.39, R2 = 0.282, P < .001), using the perceptions of student success factor (P < .001, R2 = 0.162), the timing of formal admission (P < .001, R2 = 0.124), the number of years the ATPs had been accredited (P = .001, R2 = 0.039), the number of students admitted to the ATP annually (P = .001, R2 = 0.037), and the number of years the PDs had held their position at their current institution (P = .03, R2 = 0.018). Conclusions Program directors should work to provide a stimulating atmosphere to motivate students. Delaying the formal admission of prospective students may allow athletic training students to make an informed decision to enter an ATP. A rich history of success and consistent leadership can provide an ATP environment that fosters retention. Program directors should carefully consider how many students to admit into the ATP annually, as individual attention may alter retention decisions of athletic training students.

scholarly journals Program Directors' Perceptions of Reasons Professional Master's Athletic Training Students Persist and Depart

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
William A. Pitney ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas M. Dodge
Keyword(s):  
Student Retention ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Program Directors ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Telephone Interviews

Context Student retention is a key issue in higher education. With the increasing number of professional master's (PM) athletic training programs (ATPs), understanding student retention is necessary to maintain viable programs. Objective Explore program directors' perceptions of the reasons athletic training students persist and depart from PM ATPs. Design Qualitative study. Setting Professional master's athletic training programs. Patients or Other Participants We asked directors from all PM ATPs nationwide to complete an online survey. We obtained responses from 60.0% (15 out of 25) of the population. We also completed follow-up telephone interviews with directors from 8 PM ATPs. Main Outcome Measure(s) Directors of PM ATPs completed an online survey asking for reasons for student persistence and departure. We also conducted follow-up telephone interviews with randomly selected participants. During the telephone interviews, we asked participants for additional detail regarding the enrollment decisions of students. Results PM ATP directors stated that students persist due to their commitment to the profession and the interpersonal relationships they build with the program stakeholders. Conversely, students depart PM ATPs due to the rigor associated with completion, a change in career aspirations, and financial concerns. Conclusions Athletic training educators should strive to keep commitment and motivation levels high while fostering positive interpersonal relationships by providing a welcoming atmosphere and engaging clinical education experiences. Finally, mentors should be available to assist students with program completion, and students should have options available for defraying the cost associated with completing the PM ATP.

scholarly journals Retention Initiatives Used by Professional Master's Athletic Training Program Directors

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-211
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Thomas M. Dodge ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Program Directors ◽  
The United States ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Athletic Training Program Directors

Context Many professional master's athletic training program directors believe retention is a problem facing athletic training education. However, it remains unknown what steps, if any, are taken to improve retention. Objective To inquire with program directors about their respective methods and interventions aimed at increasing retention rates. Design Qualitative study. Setting Professional master's athletic training programs. Patients or Other Participants Fifteen program directors out of 25 responded to an online survey invitation for a response rate of 60%. We also completed follow-up telephone interviews with 8 randomly selected program directors to gather greater insight into the ways they improve retention. Main Outcome Measure(s) We asked directors of all 25 professional master's athletic training programs in the United States to complete an online survey. We also asked 8 program directors from those who responded to complete telephone interviews. Grounded theory guided data analysis and we secured credibility through the use of multiple-analyst triangulation, member checks, and peer review. Results We identified 3 themes of ways program directors help improve student retention rates. Our participants described adequately screening admissions packets, providing financial support to defray the cost of pursuing a degree in athletic training at the professional master's level, and various student initiatives. Conclusions Based on our findings, we recommend a thorough application process that screens prospective students and identifies those who can complete the program. Program directors should also find ways to help defray the costs of earning a master's degree to allow students to become integrated into the program intellectually, socially, and clinically without increasing stress levels. Finally, providing students with opportunities for early socialization and mentoring should be aimed at explaining program expectations while preparing the students for professional practice.

Program Directors' Perceptions of Professional Bachelor's Athletic Training Student Decisions to Persist and Depart

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Jay Hertel ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas M. Dodge ◽  
Heather D. Wathington
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Student Persistence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Program Directors ◽  
The United States ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Athletic Training Student ◽  
Using Data

Context: Recent literature has focused on reasons for athletic training student persistence and departure. However, accredited professional bachelor's athletic training program (ATP) directors' opinions regarding student retention have yet to be studied, to our knowledge. Objective: To determine reasons for athletic training student persistence and departure from professional bachelor's ATPs across the United States from the program directors' (PDs') perspective. Design: Two-part qualitative study. Setting: Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education professional bachelor's ATPs. Patients or Other Participants: For Part 1 of this study, we asked PDs of all 343 ATPs to complete an online survey, gathering responses from 177 (51.6%). Using data saturation as a guide, Part 2 included performing follow-up telephone interviews to gain further understanding, clarity, and triangulation with 16 randomly selected PDs. Main Outcome Measure(s): During Part 1, participants chronicled responses to open-ended questions as part of the online survey. For the second part of the study, the telephone interviews followed a semistructured format and were recorded to facilitate transcription. We analyzed data using grounded theory and secured trustworthiness by using multiple-analyst triangulation, member checks, and a peer review. Results: Program directors reported athletic training students persist due to their career goals, the personal relationships they create, and because they enjoy and are dedicated to athletic training. The respondents stated that athletic training students leave ATPs because of the academic rigor, the program not meeting expectations, a loss of interest, career considerations, and financial reasons. Conclusions: Program directors should educate prospective athletic training students about athletic training by providing a realistic explanation of the roles and responsibilities of the profession. Selecting clinical education sites with preceptors who enjoy their career choice and good working conditions may help solidify athletic training student commitment to the ATP and the athletic training profession.

scholarly journals Athletic Training Students' Perceptions of Electronic Textbooks and Computer use in the Classroom

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Brown ◽  
Shannon David ◽  
Michele Monaco
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Computer Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Electronic Textbooks ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Secondary Methods

Purpose: Academia is currently seeing a surge in technology integration in the classroom. Electronic textbooks (e-textbooks) is expected to grow exponentially in the future. Although there is a rush in use of technology in academia, few studies have evaluated perceptions of electronic textbooks especially among athletic training students. The purpose of this study is to identify athletic training student computer use, if athletic students are using electronic textbooks, and to help understand their perceptions of those electronic texts. Method: A cross sectional survey design was utilized. Participants completed a self-reported online survey. A survey link was emailed to athletic training faculty in 360 undergraduate programs to be forwarded to their students. The survey contained an informed consent item followed by 37 items (6 demographic) related to perceptions of electronic textbooks. Data analysis used descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 861 athletic training students completed the survey. When students were asked about their preference for e-textbooks or traditional textbooks, 69% prefer a traditional textbook while 22% state they had never had the opportunity to work with an e-textbook. A majority of students (96.4%) feel comfortable with computers. A large number of students (43.1%) respond they are not aware e-textbooks exist for athletic training courses. The primary reasons students prefer traditional textbooks over e-textbooks are ease of reading, followed by ease of note taking. Conclusions: The majority of athletic training students, who fall in the age range of the Millennial Generation, prefer traditional textbooks over e-textbooks. Educators should continue to utilize traditional textbooks as a primary method of learning while incorporating technology such as e-textbooks as secondary methods.

scholarly journals Retention Initiatives Used by Professional Bachelor's Athletic Training Program Directors

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas M. Dodge
Keyword(s):  
Student Retention ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Program Directors ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Athletic Training Student ◽  
Athletic Training Program Directors

Context: Retaining athletic training students has been identified as problematic by approximately half of athletic training program (ATP) directors. It is unknown what ATP directors do to improve athletic training student retention. Objective: To identify initiatives that ATP directors use to improve the retention rates of athletic training students in their programs. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Undergraduate ATPs. Patients or Other Participants: We asked directors of ATPs across the nation to complete an Internet questionnaire. We obtained responses from 171 out of 343 ATP directors (51.6%). In addition, we completed follow-up interviews with 16 randomly selected ATP directors. Main Outcome Measure(s): During the online questionnaire, we asked ATP directors to describe any specific initiatives they or their ATP used that were aimed at retaining athletic training students and ideally what they would like to do to improve athletic training student retention at their institution. During the follow-up telephone interviews, we asked participants to further describe their retention strategies and other techniques not already mentioned in their questionnaire responses to gain further insight. We used a general inductive approach to analyze the data and performed multiple-analyst triangulation, member checks, and a peer review to ensure the trustworthiness of the analysis and results. Results: During data analysis, we identified 3 themes that highlight the ATP directors' initiatives to retain athletic training students. Directors discussed fostering a family atmosphere, strategic planning, and having resources available to support students as ways to improve retention. Conclusions: Athletic training program directors are encouraged to integrate students into their programs early through informal and formal participation opportunities, evaluate student potential prior to formal admissions, plausibly through an interview process, and educate students on scholarship opportunities to help offset tuition and fees associated with program completion.

Prevalence and family factors associated with loneliness during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study from South India

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (02) ◽  
pp. 61-67
Author(s):  
G. Sanjana ◽  
Vijaya Raghavan
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
South India ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Southern India ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Family Discord ◽  
The Impact

Background: Loneliness can affect anyone at any point in their life. It can be detrimental to the wellbeing and quality of life of individuals and communities. In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness is considered as a public health crisis. Hence, the objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of loneliness and family related factors associated with loneliness among general population in south India. Materials and Methods: The study employed a crosssectional online survey design. The data was collected in the first phase of the lockdown in 2020 from adults in Southern India. Socio-demographic profile and family related variables were collected using a semistructured proforma. Loneliness was assessed by UCLA loneliness scale. Results: Of 573 total respondents to the survey, aged between 18-65 years, 43% were male and 57% were female. The overall prevalence of loneliness was 63% (358/573). No significant gender differences were observed in the prevalence of loneliness. Family discord was associated with higher rates of loneliness (p less than 0.01). Other factors associated were younger age and being single. Conclusion: Rates of loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown were high in Southern India. Findings suggest that interventions should prioritize younger people. Increasing social support and improving interpersonal skills, which in turn would help reduce family discord and may reduce the impact of COVID-19 on loneliness.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Predictors of Burnout in Athletic Training Students: A Comparison of Undergraduate and Graduate Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-111
Author(s):  
Ashlyne Paige Vineyard ◽  
Andrew Gallucci ◽  
Kathleen Adair ◽  
Leslie Oglesby ◽  
Kristina White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Social Stress ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Personal Accomplishment ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Survey Responses

Context Burnout is a psychological syndrome consisting of increased emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and decreased personal accomplishment (PA). To date, examinations of burnout among athletic training students (ATS) is limited. Objective To determine prevalence and antecedents of burnout among ATS. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants Students enrolled in athletic training programs (ATP). Intervention(s) A survey assessed demographics, stressors, and burnout measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey. Main Outcome Measure(s) Multiple regression analyses were used to determine relationships between variables. Results A total of 725 students participated. Most respondents were undergraduates (n = 582, 80%), female (n = 518, 71%), Caucasian (n = 564, 78%), and single (n = 422, 58%). Mean burnout scores for EE, DP, and PA were 33 ± 10, 17 ± 4.5, and 39 ± 5.8, respectively. Survey responses showed that 70.8% of undergraduate and 62.9% of graduate students reported high EE. All the students (100%) in both samples reported high DP. Undergraduates pursuing internships or residencies (b = −7.69, P < .001) and who were currently enrolled in non–Division I institutions (b = −2.90, P < .01) had decreased EE. Increased stress revealed increased EE (overall stress: b = 3.11, P < .001; social stress: b = 1.32, P < .05; class stress: b = 1.45, P < .05). Increases in clinical hours also related to increased EE (b = 1.49, P < .001). Those pursuing internships or residencies (b = −2.10, P < .05) and who were female (b = −2.10, P < .05) reported decreased DP. Being married (b = 2.87, P < .01), increased clinical hours (b = 0.77, P < .001), and social stress (b = 0.59, P < .05) resulted in increased DP. Increased PA was seen in students intending to pursue graduate education (b = 1.76, P < .05) and female students (b = 1.17, P < .05). Graduate students' stress levels revealed increased EE (b = 6.57, P < .01) and DP (b = 0.98, P < .05). Conclusions Differences exist between undergraduate and graduate burnout scores and associated predictors. Further research is needed to identify student responses to burnout.

scholarly journals Profilaxia Pré-Exposição para o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana no Currículo Médico em Portugal: Uma Análise Transversal

2022 ◽  
Vol 35 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Duarte ◽  
Nuno Rua ◽  
David Gomes ◽  
Vasco Ricoca Peixoto ◽  
Daniela Azevedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
School Year ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Introduction: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has gained relevance as a method of prevention for HIV in certain people and settings. Following the publication of the guideline on PrEP prescribing in Portugal, we aimed to assess the knowledge of Portuguese Medical Students about PrEP.Material and Methods: An online survey was sent to Medical students of Portuguese Medical Schools. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the results and an analytic cross-sectional study to identify factors associated with “knowing about PrEP”, “having had one class about PrEP” and “identifying eligible groups correctly”.Results: Of the 796 students that responded to the survey, 64.6% were aware of what PrEP is. Of these, 34.44% acquired this knowledge during their training. Out of the total amount of respondents, 4.77% could identify correctly and completely the eligible groups for PrEP. As the training years went by, the probability of being aware of PrEP, having had one class about PrEP, and identifying the eligible groups correctly, increased. Of the sixth-year students, 43.48% had had one class about PrEP and among the students that were aware of PrEP, 28% identified what the eligible groups were. After adjusting for the school year, we found differences between Medical Schools regarding the outcomes. The association between the different ways of learning about PrEP and the ability to correctly identify eligible groups for PrEP was not statistically significant.Conclusion: The differences between Medical Schools could be harmonized through changes in the medical curricula that would allow this topic to be addressed more often.

scholarly journals Factors Associated With the Experience of Cognitive Training Apps for the Prevention of Dementia: Cross-sectional Study Using an Extended Health Belief Model

10.2196/31664 ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. e31664
Author(s):  
Jaegyeong Lee ◽  
Jung Min Lim
Keyword(s):  
Health Belief Model ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Belief Model

Background The prevalence and economic burden of dementia are increasing dramatically. Using information communication technology to improve cognitive functions is proven to be effective and holds the potential to serve as a new and efficient method for the prevention of dementia. Objective The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the experience of mobile apps for cognitive training in middle-aged adults. We evaluated the relationships between the experience of cognitive training apps and structural variables using an extended health belief model. Methods An online survey was conducted on South Korean participants aged 40 to 64 years (N=320). General characteristics and dementia knowledge were measured along with the health belief model constructs. Statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results Higher dementia knowledge (odds ratio [OR] 1.164, P=.02), higher perceived benefit (OR 1.373, P<.001), female gender (OR 0.499, P=.04), and family history of dementia (OR 1.933, P=.04) were significantly associated with the experience of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia. Conclusions This study may serve as a theoretical basis for the development of intervention strategies to increase the use of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia.

Description of Professional Master's Athletic Training Programs

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
William A. Pitney ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas M. Dodge
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Athletic Training Student ◽  
Career Placement ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Using Data

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.

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