Employer Perceptions of the Academic Preparation of Entry-Level Certified Athletic Trainers

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Employer Perceptions of the Academic Preparation of Entry-Level Certified Athletic Trainers
Language: English
Authors: Massie, J. Brett, Strang, Adam J., Ward, Rose Marie
Source: Athletic Training Education Journal. Apr-Jun 2009 4(2):70-74.
Availability: National Athletic Trainers' Association. 2952 Stemmons Freeway Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75247. Tel: 214-637-6282; Fax: 214-637-2206; e-mail: ATEdJournal@gmail.com; Web site: http://nataej.org/journal-information.htm
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 5
Publication Date: 2009
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Employment, Likert Scales, Measures (Individuals), Statistical Analysis, Job Skills, Employer Attitudes, Perception, Athletics, Trainers, Surveys, Employees, Job Satisfaction, Training, Job Performance, Educational Change, Evaluation, Risk Management, Correlation
ISSN: 1947-380X
Abstract: Objective: To determine employers' (clinic based ATs) perceived satisfaction of the academic preparation of entry-level ATs, and to identify perceived inadequacies of the (ATEP) curriculum. Design and Setting: Athletic trainers employed in clinical setting completed an online survey instrument. Subjects: One-hundred-four ATs serving in the NATA defined clinical employment setting who had supervised an entry-level employee. Measurements: Participants completed an online survey evaluating their employee's didactic and clinical preparation for entry-level employment on a 4-point scale and 34 statements on a 5-point Likert scale to ascertain their satisfaction of the employee's academic preparation across the content areas comprising the BOC domains of knowledge and skills. Statistical analysis was conducted using a Cronbach's Alpha to evaluate internal consistency (0.79-0.88) of the scales. Results: Only 104/1716 (6%) of employers responded to the survey. These employers rated the didactic and clinical preparation of their entry-level employees as adequate (75%, N = 77), and there were no apparent deficiencies in employee preparation when comparing across content areas. Employers did report that interpersonal skills, as opposed to technical skills, were an area that could be expanded upon. Conclusions: Employers perceived that ATEPs are adequately preparing students, both academically and clinically, for entry-level positions within the profession, although they should provide students more opportunities for interpersonal communications with coaches, parents, and the medical community. (Contains 5 tables.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 27
Entry Date: 2011
Access URL: https://nataej.org/4.2/EmployerPerception_kk_Massie.pdf
Accession Number: EJ909689
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Objective: To determine employers' (clinic based ATs) perceived satisfaction of the academic preparation of entry-level ATs, and to identify perceived inadequacies of the (ATEP) curriculum. Design and Setting: Athletic trainers employed in clinical setting completed an online survey instrument. Subjects: One-hundred-four ATs serving in the NATA defined clinical employment setting who had supervised an entry-level employee. Measurements: Participants completed an online survey evaluating their employee's didactic and clinical preparation for entry-level employment on a 4-point scale and 34 statements on a 5-point Likert scale to ascertain their satisfaction of the employee's academic preparation across the content areas comprising the BOC domains of knowledge and skills. Statistical analysis was conducted using a Cronbach's Alpha to evaluate internal consistency (0.79-0.88) of the scales. Results: Only 104/1716 (6%) of employers responded to the survey. These employers rated the didactic and clinical preparation of their entry-level employees as adequate (75%, N = 77), and there were no apparent deficiencies in employee preparation when comparing across content areas. Employers did report that interpersonal skills, as opposed to technical skills, were an area that could be expanded upon. Conclusions: Employers perceived that ATEPs are adequately preparing students, both academically and clinically, for entry-level positions within the profession, although they should provide students more opportunities for interpersonal communications with coaches, parents, and the medical community. (Contains 5 tables.)
ISSN:1947-380X