scholarly journals Exploring the Transition to Practice for the Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainer: A Programmatic View

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (10) ◽  
pp. 1042-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Stacy E. Walker ◽  
Ashley Brooke Thrasher
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Graduate Degree ◽  
Transition To Practice ◽  
Graduate Degree Programs ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Orientation Session ◽  
Ongoing Support

Context  Some newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) pursue a postprofessional degree with a curriculum that specifically advances their athletic training practice. It is unknown how those postprofessional programs assist in their transition to practice. Objective  To gain an understanding of initiatives used by postprofessional athletic training programs to facilitate role transition from student to professional during their graduate degree programs. Design  Qualitative study. Setting  Semistructured telephone interviews. Patients or Other Participants  A total of 19 program directors (10 men, 9 women) from 13 Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education-accredited and 6 unaccredited postprofessional athletic training programs. Data Collection and Analysis  Telephone interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. For data analysis, we used the principles of general inductive approach. Credibility was maintained using peer review, member checks, and researcher triangulation. Results  Three facilitators of transition to practice emerged: orientation sessions, mentoring, and assistantship. Participants used orientation sessions ranging from a few hours to more than 1 week to provide and discuss program polices and expectations and to outline roles and responsibilities. Faculty, preceptors, and mentors were integrated into the orientation for the academic and clinical portions of the program. All participants described a mentoring process in which students were assigned by the program or informally developed. Mentors included the assigned preceptor, a staff AT, or peer students in the program. The clinical assistantship provided exposure to the daily aspects of being an AT. Barriers to transition to practice included previous educational experiences and time management. Participants reported that students with more diverse didactic and clinical education experiences had easier transitions. The ability to manage time also emerged as a challenge. Conclusions  Postprofessional athletic training programs used a formal orientation session as an initial means to help the newly credentialed AT transition into the role. Mentoring provided both more informal and ongoing support during the transition.

Professional Master's Athletic Training Programs use Clinical Education to Facilitate Transition to Practice

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Jessica L. Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Transition To Practice ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Master's Students ◽  
Major Facilitator

Context: Athletic training students' ability to transition into professional practice is a critical component for the future of the profession. However, research on professional master's students' transition to practice and readiness to provide autonomous care is lacking. Objective: To determine professional master's athletic training students' perceptions regarding how they were prepared to transition to practice as clinicians. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Professional master's athletic training programs. Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen students, 8 program directors, and 5 faculty members from professional master's athletic training programs. Main Outcome Measure(s): An online questionnaire was distributed via Qualtrics and analyzed using an inductive technique. Participants responded to a series of open-ended questions related to the structure and curricular offerings of their respective programs. We secured trustworthiness through multiple analyst triangulation and peer review. Results: We found that both students and faculty identified clinical education as the major facilitator in the socialization process used to prepare students for the transition into clinical practice. Three further subthemes emerged: (1) Both stakeholder groups felt that students gained experience through diverse and immersive clinical education experiences; (2) Preceptors provided mentorship; and (3) Students developed confidence to enter clinical practice as a result of these supported experiences. Conclusions: Professional master's programs provide clinical education experiences designed to help athletic training students gain the skills and confidence necessary to become autonomous practitioners. The diversity and mentorship contained within these experiences facilitates confidence and preparedness.

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 Athletic Training Educators' Pedagogical Strategies for Preparing Students to Address Sudden Death in Sport

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 85-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Kelly D. Pagnotta ◽  
Anthony C. Salvatore ◽  
Douglas J. Casa
Keyword(s):  
Sudden Death ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Heat Stroke ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
Educational Training ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Hands On Learning

ContextEducational training programs both impart knowledge and allow students to practice skills to gain clinical competence.ObjectiveUnderstand the educational training provided to athletic training students regarding sudden death in sport beyond exertional heat stroke.DesignAn exploratory, qualitative study using telephone interviews and a quantitative survey instrument.SettingAthletic training programs (ATPs) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.Patients or Other ParticipantsTwelve ATP faculty members (7 men, 5 women) currently teaching content related to sudden death in sport participated.Data Collection and AnalysisOne-on-one semistructured telephone interviews were analyzed inductively using a grounded theory approach and open coding. Multiple analyst triangulation and peer review established data credibility.ResultsFour major themes emerged from the data to describe the educational experiences provided to athletic training students regarding sudden death: (1) current trends, (2) regional bias, (3) clinician experience, and (4) instructional methods. The first 3 themes were an illustration of which sudden death conditions were covered in the curriculum, as well as the depth to which each of the concepts was covered. The final theme was a reflection of methods used to deliver the information determined by the first 3 themes.ConclusionsSimilar to previous literature, our participants were guided by the NATA position statements to deliver educational material, used time spent in clinical education to gain hands-on learning, and discourse to facilitate preparedness.

Strategies for Facilitating Ongoing Communication Between Clinical Education Coordinators and Preceptors

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Sara Nottingham
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Phone Calls

Communication between athletic training programs and preceptors is not only an accreditation requirement, but also a mechanism to foster effective clinical education experiences. Communicating regularly with preceptors can provide them with feedback and help demonstrate their value to the athletic training program. Improved communication between academic and clinical education has been identified as a need in athletic training. Ongoing communication can be facilitated in a variety of formal and informal ways, including preceptor newsletters, site visits, questionnaires, meetings, and phone calls. Clinical education coordinators should select methods of communication that meet the needs of their program and preceptors.

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.

Perceived Benefits of Graduate-Level Professional Education in Athletic Training

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 60-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Jessica L. Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Interprofessional Education ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Graduate Degree ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Graduate Level ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
Athletic Training Faculty

The commissioners of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and the Board of Directors of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) have acted to move the professional degree in athletic training from a bachelor’s degree to a graduate degree. The decision was largely based upon growth of the profession and aligning with the face of healthcare education. Therefore, we wanted to understand the perceived benefits of the graduate model. Using a qualitative paradigm, we electronically interviewed 29 students and faculty members (13 athletic training faculty and program directors, 16 students) currently in Professional Masters Athletic Training Programs (PM ATP). These represented 13 of the 29 (45%) CAATE-accredited PM ATPs. Five themes emerged from the data: (1) engagement and time spent in clinical education allows students to prepare for their roles as athletic trainers, (2) faculty stress the importance of interprofessional education, (3) expecting prior foundational knowledge allows focused education training at the graduate level, (4) increased professional commitment to stay in athletic training rather than use the training/education as a stepping-stone to other career paths, and (5) higher student maturity facilitates deeper learning. Based on these results, the perceived benefits of the PM ATP model are multifactorial.

scholarly journals Integration of Interprofessional Education Within the Didactic Aspect of Athletic Training Programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-176
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Manspeaker ◽  
Sharon D. Feld ◽  
Dorice A. Hankemeier ◽  
Jessica L. Kirby
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Interprofessional Education ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Health Care Students ◽  
Time Space ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Didactic Curriculum

Context Accreditation competencies have been updated to include interprofessional education (IPE) as a required focus for health care students. While the development and implementation of IPE learning activities have been documented in other professions, there is a dearth of information describing didactic integration of IPE within athletic training program curricula. Objective To ascertain how IPE is being integrated within the didactic curriculum of athletic training programs. Design Consensual qualitative approach. Setting Higher education institutions with accredited professional master's athletic training programs. Patients or Other Participants Seventeen program faculty (9 women, 8 men; 1 program director, 14 clinical education coordinators, 2 other program faculty) shared their perspectives on integrating IPE. Data Collection and Analysis Semistructured phone interviews were used. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. Upon achievement of data saturation, a consensual qualitative analysis approach was employed to determine themes. Data trustworthiness was achieved through triangulation, member checking, and use of an external auditor. Results More than half of the programs represented in this study (11 of 17) report that IPE activities are a required component of their didactic curriculum. Themes for integration of IPE include delivery methods, educational content and objectives, assessment, and logistics. Sample IPE activities include case-based discussions, dedicated IPE courses, online modules, and simulation. Conclusions Integration of IPE into the curriculum requires logistical considerations such as determining which health care disciplines to include, resources available (time, space, personnel), as well as overall institutional support. Program faculty in our study described varied methods to deliver IPE learning activities that meet content goals and objectives. Prior to integrating IPE into an athletic training curriculum, program faculty should determine the method of delivery and what content will work to achieve the goals of relevant stakeholders. Consideration of these components for didactic integration should work to create cohesive and meaningful learning experiences.

scholarly journals A Theoretical Model of Transition to Practice for Athletic Trainers

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 508-517
Author(s):  
Brianne F. Kilbourne ◽  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Jessica L. Barrett ◽  
Stephanie Mazerolle Singe
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
First Year ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Transition To Practice ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis

Context The transition to practice of newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) has become an area of focus in the athletic training literature. However, no theoretical model has been developed to describe the phenomenon and drive investigation. Objective To better understand the lived experience of the transition to practice and develop a theoretical model of transition to practice for ATs. Design Qualitative study. Setting Telephone interviews. Patients or Other Participants Fourteen professional master's athletic training students (7 men, 7 women, age = 25.6 ± 3.7 years, from 9 higher education institutions) in the first year of clinical practice as newly credentialed ATs. Data Collection and Analysis Participants completed semistructured phone interviews at 3 timepoints over 12 to 15 months. The first interview was conducted just before graduation, the second 4 to 6 months later, and the third at 10 to 12 months. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Results We developed a theoretical model to explain the causal conditions that triggered transition, how the causal conditions were experienced, the coping strategies used to persist through the first year of practice, and the consequences of those strategies. Conclusions The model provides a framework for new athletic training clinicians, educators, and employers to better understand the transition process in order to help new clinicians respond by accepting or adapting to their environment or their behaviors.

Clinical Preceptors' Perspectives on Clinical Education in Post-Professional Athletic Training Education Programs

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 103-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelvin Phan ◽  
Cailee W. McCarty ◽  
Jessica M Mutchler ◽  
Bonnie Van Lunen
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Clinical Education ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Athletic Training Education ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Professional Students ◽  
Guided Practice ◽  
Telephone Interviews

Context: Clinical education is the interaction between a clinical preceptor and student within the clinical setting to help the student progress as a clinician. Post-professional athletic training clinical education is especially important to improve these students' clinical knowledge and skills. However, little research has been conducted to assess the pedagogical principles for clinical education at this level or what factors are necessary to enhance the clinical skills and decision-making abilities of post-professional students. Therefore, exploring the perspectives of clinical preceptors involved in post-professional education will help educators understand what strategies are necessary to improve post-professional athletic training education programs (PPATEPs). Objective: To qualitatively investigate clinical preceptors' perspectives and experiences regarding clinical education within PPATEPs. Design: Consensual qualitative research (CQR) with an emergent design. Setting: Telephone interviews were conducted with all participants. Patients or Other Participants: Eleven collegiate post-professional clinical preceptors (7 males, 4 females; average age = 38±7.3 years; average years as an athletic trainer = 15±6.6 years) who were affiliated with a PPATEP were interviewed, representing 11 out of 16 PPATEPs. Data Collection and Analysis: Interview transcripts were coded for themes and categories. Triangulation included a consensus process by the research team and member checking to verify the data. Results: Data analysis yielded four themes relating to clinical education in PPATEPs: importance of clinical education, clinical preceptor responsibilities, clinical preceptor qualities, and barriers to clinical education. Participants indicated that clinical education was important for students to develop clinical skills and give them opportunities to make patient care decisions, and that several fundamental responsibilities and qualities contribute to being an effective clinical preceptor at the post-professional level. Conclusions: Post-professional clinical preceptors recognized that an appropriate balance between autonomy and guided practice in clinical experiences fostered an effective learning environment which allowed post-professional students to improve their clinical and decision-making skills beyond their entry-level skill set. Preceptors should also demonstrate attributes of a clinician, educator, and communicator to be an effective mentor.

scholarly journals Athletic Training Student Socialization Part II: Socializing the Professional Master's Athletic Training Student

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Thomas M. Dodge
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Professional Socialization ◽  
Program Directors ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Athletic Training Student ◽  
Student Socialization ◽  
Member Checks ◽  
Undergraduate Programs ◽  
Social Engagements

Context Professional socialization is a key process in the professional development of athletic training students. Literature has focused on many perspectives regarding socialization and has primarily focused on the undergraduate level. Objective Gain insights from the program director at professional master's (PM) athletic training programs on methods used to socialize students into programs and the profession. Design Qualitative study. Setting One-on-one telephone interviews. Patients or Other Participants A total of 8 PM program directors volunteered for our study. The Table provides information on the institutions represented by these participants. Our program directors had 8 ± 6 years of experience in their current roles and were 41± 4 years old. Data Collection and Analysis We conducted 1-on-1 phone interviews and transcribed the interviews verbatim. We performed a general inductive analysis of the data. We also completed member checks, multiple analyst triangulation, and peer reviews to establish data and methodological credibility. Results Our findings indicated that PM programs utilize a combination of formal and informal processes to orient the student, which is comparable to those processes used by undergraduate programs to socialize their students. The formal processes included orientation sessions and introductory courses. Social gatherings and program outings along with peer mentoring were also methods employed by PM programs to assist in socializing the student, but these methods were informal in nature. Conclusions Program autonomy allows for athletic training programs to personalize their tactics to socialize the student, but it does appear that the use of orientation sessions and introduction courses allows PM programs to formally introduce the profession and program. Less structured socialization strategies include peer-driven mentoring and social engagements that promote interaction and stress-relief. Programs are encouraged to evaluate their current socialization tactics and take advantage of the benefits of peer support and times to directly communicate with their students.

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