scholarly journals The Professional Socialization of the Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 532-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Christianne M. Eason ◽  
Stephanie Clines ◽  
William A. Pitney
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Professional Socialization ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Graduate Assistant ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Academic Tracks ◽  
Orientation Session ◽  
Board Of Certification

Context The graduate assistant athletic trainer (AT) position often serves as one's first experience working independently as an AT and is also an important aspect of the professional socialization process. The socialization experiences of graduate assistant ATs have yet to be fully explored. Objective To understand the socialization process for graduate assistant ATs during their graduate experience. Design Qualitative study. Setting We conducted phone interviews with all participants. Patients or Other Participants A total of 25 graduate assistant ATs (20 women, 5 men) studying in 1 of 3 academic tracks: (1) accredited postprofessional athletic training program (n = 8), (2) postprofessional athletic training program (n = 11), or (3) a nonathletic training degree program (n = 6). The average age was 25 ± 5 years, and the median age was 24 years. Participants were certified by the Board of Certification for an average of 2 ± 0.4 years. Data Collection and Analysis We analyzed the data using a general inductive approach. Peer review, field notes, and intercoder reliability established trustworthiness. Data saturation guided participant recruitment. Results The ability to gain clinical independence as a practitioner was an important socialization process. Having the chance to develop a relationship with a mentor, who provided support, guidance, and more of a hierarchical relationship, was an important socializing agent for the graduate assistant AT. Participants used the orientation session as a means to understand the expectations and role of the graduate-assistant position. Academic coursework was a way to achieve better inductance into the role via the opportunity to apply classroom skills during their clinical practice. Conclusions Socializing the graduate assistant blends formal and informal processes. Transition to practice is a critical aspect of the profession; thus, supporting autonomous practice with directed mentoring can promote professional maturity.

Influences on Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers’ Career Intentions and Career Goals

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 34-44
Author(s):  
Stephanie Mazerolle ◽  
Christianne M. Eason ◽  
Stephanie Clines
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Career Goals ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Graduate Assistant ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Career Intentions ◽  
Influence Perceptions

The graduate assistant (GA) athletic trainer position often symbolizes an important transitory role from student to autonomous practitioner. The position also is used to help gain valuable experience for future employment. Our purpose was to understand the socialization process of the GA athletic trainer as well as investigate the career intentions as they begin to seek employment following their experiences in that transitory role. Twenty-five (5 males, 20 females) GA athletic trainers were recruited and participated in this study. Findings indicate the experiences of novice athletic trainers serving as GAs have the potential to both positively or negatively influence perceptions of the athletic training profession and, ultimately, career intentions.

scholarly journals Graduate-Assistant Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of the Supervisor's Role in Professional Socialization: Part II

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (10) ◽  
pp. 771-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley B. Thrasher ◽  
Stacy E. Walker ◽  
Dorice A. Hankemeier ◽  
Thalia Mulvihill
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Intercollegiate Athletics ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Professional Socialization ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Graduate Assistant ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Member Checks

Context: Many new athletic trainers (ATs) obtain graduate-assistant (GA) positions to gain more experience and professional development while being mentored by a veteran AT; however, GA ATs' perceptions of the supervisor's role in professional development are unknown. Objective: To explore the supervisor's role in the professional development of GAs in the collegiate setting. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Phone interviews. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 19 collegiate GAs (15 women, 4 men; average age = 23 ± 0.15 years; National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I = 13, II = 3, III = 2; National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics = 2; postprofessional athletic training program = 5). Data Collection and Analysis: Data were collected via phone interviews and transcribed verbatim. Interviews were conducted until data saturation occurred. Data were analyzed through phenomenologic reduction. Trustworthiness was established via member checks and peer review. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) GAs' expectations of supervisors, (2) professional development, and (3) mentoring and support. Participants expected their supervisors to provide mentorship, support, and feedback to help them improve their athletic training skills, but they also realized supervisors were busy with patient care responsibilities. Most participants felt their supervisors were available, but others believed their supervisors were too busy to provide support and feedback. Participants felt their supervisors provided professional development by teaching them new skills and socializing them into the profession. Furthermore, they thought their supervisors provided mentorship professionally, personally, and clinically. Supervisors supported the participants by standing behind them in clinical decisions and having open-door policies. Conclusions: The graduate assistantship allows new ATs to gain experience while pursuing professional development, mentorship, and support from a supervisor. The extent of development is highly dependent on the supervisor, but most supervisors mentor GAs. When looking for graduate assistantships, future GAs should seek positions in which supervisors actively provide mentoring and professional development.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Support Networks During the Graduate-Assistant Athletic Trainer Experience

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (12) ◽  
pp. 1256-1266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Stephanie Clines ◽  
Christianne M. Eason ◽  
William A. Pitney
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Professional Socialization ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Job Descriptions ◽  
Graduate Assistant ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Academic Tracks ◽  
Academic Support Personnel ◽  
Role Responsibilities

Context  The graduate-assistant position can be a highly influential experience because it is often the first time novice athletic trainers (ATs) are practicing autonomously. Objective  To gain an understanding of how graduate-assistant ATs (GAATs) perceive professional socialization and mentorship during their assistantships. Design  Semistructured phone interviews. Setting  Graduate-assistant ATs in various clinical settings. Patients or Other Participants  Twenty-five GAATs (20 women, 5 men) studying in 1 of 3 academic tracks (postprofessional athletic training = 8, athletic training-based curriculum = 11, non–athletic training-based curriculum = 6). Median age was 24 years. Data Collection and Analysis  Phone interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis used principles of the general inductive approach. Credibility was maintained using peer review, field notes, and intercoder reliability. Results  Participants identified peer support throughout their experiences, in both academic and clinical settings. The GAATs frequently relied on other GAATs for support due to shared experiences and understanding of workloads. Participants described difficulty receiving supervisor support from full-time staff ATs due to the supervisors' workload and time constraints, limiting their availability for mentoring. Guidance from academic support personnel occurred only in athletic training-centered academic programs. Communication emerged as helpful for incoming GAATs; the previous GAATs provided formal mentorship via job descriptions highlighting role responsibilities and expectations. Differences between assistantship types were noted only in terms of receiving balanced mentorship between the academic and clinical staffs, such that students studying in postprofessional athletic training programs perceived more balanced support. Conclusions  Our results confirm the literature regarding the GAAT's pursuit of continued formal mentoring. The GAATs perceived less support from full-time AT staff members due to limited availability. Therefore, GAATs leaned on their peers for support during the graduate experience.

Supervising Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers' Professional Preparation

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 275-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley B. Thrasher ◽  
Stacy E. Walker ◽  
Dorice A. Hankemeier ◽  
William A. Pitney
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Professional Preparation ◽  
Program Improvement ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Graduate Assistant ◽  
Professional Programs ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Board Of Certification

Context Recent debate has ensued regarding the readiness of newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) to function as independent clinicians. Some ATs believe the professional preparation of athletic training students is not adequate. Objective To describe supervisors' perceptions regarding the preparation of college graduate assistants (GAs) to practice as independent practitioners. Design Consensual qualitative research. Setting Individual phone interviews. Patients or Other Participants Twenty-one collegiate ATs who had supervised GAs in the collegiate setting for a minimum of 8 years (16 men, 5 women; years of supervision experience, 14.6 ± 6.6 years). Participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited via e-mail from the Board of Certification database and through snowball sampling. Interviews were conducted until data saturation occurred. Main Outcome Measure(s) Data were collected via phone interviews, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed by a 4-person consensus team, who independently coded the data and compared ideas until consensus was reached and a codebook was created. Trustworthiness was established through member checks and multi-analyst triangulation. Results Three themes emerged: (1) previous preparation, (2) shortcomings in GAs, and (3) suggestions for athletic training program improvement. Supervisors felt GAs were prepared academically, but there were some gaps in preparation, such as their ability to independently practice and their rehabilitation skills. Shortcomings were professional communication, role execution, and personality. Supervisors felt preparation could be improved by increasing time in clinical education, developing communication skills, and having increased experience with psychosocial intervention, rehabilitation, and nonorthopedic conditions. Conclusions Didactic preparation of GAs is the best it has ever been, yet new ATs still need more experience while being mentored by experienced ATs. Professional programs could implement standardized patient experiences to provide opportunities for new ATs to practice in communication or in other areas of weakness.

scholarly journals Graduate-Assistant Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of Professional Socialization in the Collegiate Setting: Part I

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (10) ◽  
pp. 758-770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley B. Thrasher ◽  
Stacy E. Walker ◽  
Dorice A. Hankemeier ◽  
Thalia Mulvihill
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Professional Socialization ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Role Identity ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Graduate Assistant ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Perceived Success

Context: Many newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) pursue graduate assistantships, which allow them to gain experience while being supervised by an experienced AT. The graduate-assistant (GA) ATs' perception of their socialization process into the collegiate setting is unknown. Objective: To explore the professional socialization of GAs in the collegiate setting. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Phone interviews. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 19 collegiate GAs (15 women, 4 men; average age = 23 ± 0.15 years; National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I = 13, II = 3, III = 2; National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics = 2; postprofessional athletic training program = 6) participated. Data Collection and Analysis: Data were collected via phone interviews and transcribed verbatim. Interviews were conducted until data saturation occurred. Data were analyzed through phenomenologic reduction. Trustworthiness was established via member checks and peer review. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) role identity, (2) initial entry into role, (3) maturation, and (4) success. Before beginning their role, participants envisioned the assistantship as a way to gain independent experience while being mentored. They perceived themselves as the primary care providers for their athletic teams. Those who were immediately immersed into clinical practice adapted to their role quickly despite experiencing stress initially. Participants felt that a formal orientation process and a policies and procedures manual would have alleviated some of the initial stress. The GAs matured as they practiced clinically and developed confidence as they gained experience. Personal attributes, experience, and peer and supervisor support contributed to perceived success as GAs. Factors that hindered perceived success were lack of confidence, an unsupportive environment, and long hours. Conclusions: When looking for graduate assistantships, ATs should seek a position that allows them to practice independently and provides didactic educational opportunities while aligning with their athletic training philosophies.

scholarly journals The Professional Socialization of the Athletic Trainer Serving as a Preceptor

2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Thomas M. Dodge
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Professional Socialization ◽  
Athletic Trainer ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Preceptor Training ◽  
Socialization Processes ◽  
Role Learning

Context: The role of the preceptor requires the athletic trainer to be versed in effective instructional techniques, supervisory skills, and communication skills beyond his or her competence as an athletic trainer, but many have not received formal training in educational techniques. Objective: To gain a better understanding about the professional socialization process for the athletic trainer assuming the role of the preceptor. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Athletic training education programs. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-four preceptors (11 men, 13 women; age = 32 ± 7 years, clinical experience = 9 ± 6 years, preceptor experience = 5 ± 3 years) employed in the collegiate (n = 12) or secondary school (n = 12) setting. Data Collection and Analysis: We gathered data using asynchronous, in-depth interviewing via QuestionPro. We analyzed data using a general inductive approach to uncover the dominant themes. Credibility was secured by using consistency and stakeholder checks and a peer review. Results: We identified 2 main themes by which preceptors develop in their roles as clinical instructors: formal processes and informal processes. The participants used observations, previous experiences or interactions with role models, and self-reflection and evaluation as informal socialization processes. Formal socialization processes included preceptor training/workshops, professional development, and formal teacher certification. Conclusions: Athletic trainers who serve as preceptors learned their roles by a combination of informal and formal processes. Preceptor training sessions appeared to be effective in initially helping preceptors learn their responsibilities, whereby more informal processes seemed to help them refine their skills. Furthermore, one socialization strategy did not appear to dominate role learning; rather, a combination of several processes fostered an understanding.

Athletic Training Program Commitment: Four-Year Longitudinal Analysis of Behavioral Outcomes

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Windee M. Weiss ◽  
Peter J. Neibert
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Board Of Certification

Context: Changes in commitment and the predictors of commitment to an athletic training program (ATP) across the academic 4-year program is important for facilitating students' continued success in ATPs and on the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. Objective: The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) examine changes in 1 cohort's perceptions of commitment across 4 academic years, and (2) to determine if commitment constructs could predict BOC scores. Design: Longitudinal and cross-sectional survey. Setting: Commission on Accrediting Athletic Training Education accredited ATP at a midsize Division I University. Patients or Other Participants: For purpose (1), 24 ATP students (male = 12, female = 12) participated, and ranged in age from 21–23 years (mean = 21.50 ± 0.59). For purpose (2), a total of 75 male and female senior ATP students participated. Main Outcome Measure(s): Repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted on each predictor of commitment and ATP commitment to determine significant changes in scores from 1 year to the next. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine if commitment constructs could predict BOC scores. Lastly, a multivariate analysis of variance compared successful and unsuccessful first attempt BOC candidates on the commitment constructs. Results: Commitment, enjoyment, and benefits decreased significantly from the first year in the ATP to the second year in the program. Attractive alternatives and investments significantly increased during this same timeframe. No significant changes occurred in students' perceptions of perceived social constraints or support from professors, parents, peers, or best friends. Lastly, commitment constructs failed to predict who would pass the BOC exam, and no differences emerged for commitment constructs between students who passed the BOC exam on the first attempt and those who did not. Conclusions: Athletic Training Program students' commitment, enjoyment, investments, attractive alternatives, and perceived benefits fluctuate throughout their time enrolled in an ATP.

scholarly journals Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of Professional Preparation for Their Role as Collegiate Graduate Assistants

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley B. Thrasher ◽  
Stacy E. Walker ◽  
Dorice A. Hankemeier
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Intercollegiate Athletics ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Professional Preparation ◽  
Graduate Assistant ◽  
Graduate Assistants ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association

Context: The professional preparation of newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) has been passionately debated. Understanding how newly credentialed ATs feel they are prepared will help enhance professional preparation. Objective: Explore newly credentialed ATs' perceptions of their professional preparation for their role. Design: Phenomenological qualitative. Setting: Phone interviews with graduate assistant ATs in the collegiate setting. Patients or Other Participants: Nineteen collegiate graduate assistants (15 female, 4 male; average age = 23 ± 0.15 years; National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I: 13, II: 3, III: 2, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics: 2; postprofessional athletic training program: 6). Main Outcome Measure(s): Participants were recruited via an e-mail from the National Athletic Trainers' Association database sent to all certified students. Data were collected via phone interviews, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews were conducted until data saturation occurred. Data were analyzed through phenomenological reduction, with data coded for common themes and subthemes. Credibility was established via member checks and peer debriefing. Results: Two themes emerged: facilitators and barriers. Overall, participants felt academically prepared for their role, but preparedness was often dependent on the facilitators of academic rigor, hands-on opportunities in clinical education, and their preceptor. Barriers included a lack of rigor in the academic setting, lack of active opportunities in clinical education, the culture of clinical experiences, and incongruence. Incongruence existed when students were exposed to all the competencies during didactic education, but never gained experience with some skills (eg, rehabilitation, documentation, communication) if situations never arose or they were not actively involved clinically. Conclusions: Athletic training students are being exposed to a variety of learning experiences academically, but often do not gain clinical experience if situations do not arise or preceptors do not allow active participation. To ensure new ATs are prepared, academic programs need to ensure rigor and place students with preceptors who provide active learning opportunities.

scholarly journals Accuracy of Undergraduate Athletic Training Student Performance Factors for Determining Board of Certification Exam First-Time Pass Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-223
Author(s):  
Zachary Ryan Hobson ◽  
Sayers John Miller ◽  
Danielle Symons Downs ◽  
Giampietro Luciano Vairo
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Composite Score ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Performance Factors ◽  
Athletic Training Student ◽  
Board Of Certification ◽  
First Time

Context There is a lack of current evidence to help athletic training programs identify students poised for first-time Board of Certification (BOC) exam success as a means to ensure compliance with contemporary accreditation standards. Various academic variables have been previously identified as predictors of first-time success; however, these investigations reflect prior versions of the credentialing examination based on what are now obsolete editions of the professional practice analysis. Objective To determine the accuracy of undergraduate athletic training student performance factors as indicators of successfully passing the current version of the BOC exam on a first attempt. Design Casual-comparative (ex–post facto) quasi-experimental. Setting An accredited undergraduate athletic training program. Patients or Other Participants A recent sample of athletic training program graduates (n = 43). Intervention(s) Archived data were collected from student academic records and analyzed. Main Outcome Measure(s) Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis computed the area under the curve (AUC), which was used to determine accuracy of variables. Optimal thresholds for passing the BOC exam on a first attempt were computed for each variable by the index of union method. Results The AUC and associated thresholds for factors were as follows: cumulative grade point average (GPA) upon entry to the major (AUC = 0.67, threshold = 3.20); preprofessional-phase course GPA (AUC = 0.81, threshold = 3.48); averaged admission interview score (AUC = 0.49, threshold = 8.46); averaged preceptor evaluation of applicant score (AUC = 0.53, threshold = 93.88%); unique composite score (AUC = 0.80, threshold = 7.34); cumulative GPA upon graduation (AUC = 0.68, threshold = 3.19); combined math and reading SAT score (AUC = 0.90, threshold = 960); clinical education hours (AUC = 0.61, threshold = 1131.08). Conclusions Preprofessional-phase course GPA provided the greatest accuracy of the secondary admissions criteria; however, the combined math and reading SAT score provided the greatest accuracy of all examined variables. Furthermore, the unique composite score may represent an accurate, all-inclusive indicator of success. Program administrators and athletic training educators may use these outcomes to shape their related programmatic operations.

Exploring Senior Level Athletic Training Students' Perceptions on Burnout and Work-Life Balance

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-118
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Barrett ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Christianne M. Eason
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Professional Socialization ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Cumulative Impact ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
The Future ◽  
Negative Findings

Context: The professional socialization process enables athletic training students (ATSs) to gain insights into behaviors, values, and attitudes that characterize their chosen profession. However, the process often focuses on skill development over professional issues. ATSs may be exposed to burnout and work-life conflict, which may impact their professional perceptions. Objective: Examine the cumulative impact of professional socialization on the ATS regarding their perceptions of burnout and work-life balance. Design: Qualitative research. Setting: Semistructured interviews with 6 individuals and 4 focus groups. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-three ATSs enrolled in their final semester of Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited programs at 5 universities (9 male, 14 female; average age = 22 years). Main Outcome Measure(s): Data collection occurred from 2 cohorts over a 2-year period. Participants completed focus group or individual interviews following the same interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. A general inductive analysis was used to evaluate the data. Themes were enumerated by counting the frequency with which a viewpoint was mentioned. Not all students answered each question. Member checks and a peer review established data credibility. Results: Three major themes emerged from our analysis, where ATSs reported (1) perceiving burnout, (2) recognizing burnout in their preceptors and professors, and (3) that work-life imbalance may be a challenge in the future. Athletic training students described experiencing feelings they attributed to burnout while recognizing similar signs in classmates and preceptors or professors, and acknowledged that having a family could be difficult in the future. Conclusions: Despite these seemingly negative findings, this group of ATSs was not influenced to leave the profession. Observing their preceptors use strategies and positive behaviors gave them hope for the future. Professionals must understand the importance of appropriate socialization when students are exposed to potentially negative situations so they remain optimistic about entering the field.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document