The purpose of this study was to discover Athletic Training recent graduates occupational trends.
Method
A questionnaire was created to address the choices current athletic trainers were making in regards to their careers. The questionnaire was piloted to current athletic trainers and the finalized form was placed on Survey Monkey with a link to the questionnaire. Randomly chosen Athletic Training Program Directors from across the nation were requested to participate. Seventeen program directors representing all regions chose to participate and forwarded the link to their alumni. One hundred twelve completed questionnaires.
Analysis/Results
Eighty nine percent of the respondents graduated from an accredited Athletic Training program. Seventy one percent passed the B.O.C exam in 1-2 attempts. Seventy six percent had pursued post-baccalaureate education. Forty-eight percent pursued a Master's degree in Kinesiology or related field followed by a M.Ed. (21%), a doctorate or master's degree in physical therapy (15%) and other allied health programs. Fifty two percent were currently working as an ATC; 25% were graduate students; 9% were in allied health; 14% were in un-related careers. Forty seven percent did not foresee themselves changing careers within the next 5 years, but 42% were considering it. Under consideration most commonly were physician assistant and physical therapy. Teaching/coaching and areas unrelated to athletic training were also listed. When questioned about the state of current education programs, 22% felt that no change to the curriculum was needed. The rest offered suggestions and insight. Areas that were mentioned most often were more emphasis on rehabilitation techniques, mechanism/pathology of injury, professionalism and management of programs, increased practice time and in-field training, and better preparation for the exam. Many respondents mentioned a need for understanding the changing roles of the ATC in the real world and how the scope of practice has grown past musculoskeletal injuries.
Conclusions
Athletic trainers are expected to be one of the top sport careers in terms of growth. According to the Department of Labor, 24% growth is expected in the next 10 years. But the growth is expanding past the typical school-athletic setting. This may be due to a lack of new opportunities in traditional settings and a growth in client need in the health care industry. Trainers may be finding other occupations appealing due to the long hours required and the relatively low pay (mean salary of $40,000). Utilizing more diverse settings for clinical education is recommended to help with preparation and job placement.
See more of: Research Consortium