Perceptual and Contextual Sources of Athletic Training Confidence: The Transition to Professional Entry Level Master’s Programs

Authors

Craig E. Pfeifer, Lander UniversityFollow
Erin MooreFollow
Brian Seiler, Charleston Southern UniversityFollow
Caroline ThomasonFollow
Eva V. Monsma, University of South Carolina - ColumbiaFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/jsmahs.04.03.02

Abstract

Introduction: The shift of athletic training education from undergraduate degrees to professional master’s degrees and the prominence of computer-based credentialing may impact the hands-on experiences beneficial for developing confidence in athletic training competency domains. Health care provider confidence is critical for clinical skill development, performance and enhancing patient care. Purpose: To examine domain specific efficacy, its sources, learning contexts (i.e., classroom, laboratory, clinical settings) and clinical characteristics by program types. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional design where 178 Athletic Trainers (AT; age 24.25 + 3.76, n = 72 male, n = 106 female) participated in the study (Master’s Program (MP) = 38; Undergraduate Program (UG) = 140). A questionnaire examining athletic training confidence was administered throughout multiple universities with accredited athletic training programs. Background characteristics, certification exam attempts, and programmatic characteristics were also ascertained. Results: Clinical settings were similar in both program types and there were few differences in domain-specific efficacy. Imaginal experiences, verbal persuasion and emotional states sources of efficacy differentiated master’s from undergraduate students. Conclusions: Sources of efficacy (e.g. vicarious experiences) occur naturally in athletic training educational settings; however, these sources need to be utilized. Educators should be informed about efficacy sources and devise strategies targeting each source for implementation across evolving learning contexts.

Recommended Citation

Pfeifer, Craig E.; Moore, Erin; Seiler, Brian; Thomason, Caroline; and Monsma, Eva V. (2019) "Perceptual and Contextual Sources of Athletic Training Confidence: The Transition to Professional Entry Level Master’s Programs," Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association: Vol. 4: Iss. 3, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/jsmahs.04.03.02
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/jsmahs/vol4/iss3/2