Attrition and Retention Factors of Dual-Appointment Athletic Trainers

Abstract

The factors leading to athletic trainer (AT) job attrition and retention and the impact and on the profession regularly appear in athletic training literature and research. This literature and research found work-life balance, including work-family conflict, burnout, and work factors, such as hours worked and compensation, to be the primary attrition and retention factors for athletic trainers that are currently in traditional athletic training roles or have left the profession1-14. Similar to athletic trainers, research shows university faculty job attrition, regardless of specialty, is caused by work-life balance, specifically work-family conflict. However, unlike athletic trainers, faculty attrition is also due to job dissatisfaction, including poor department climate and fit, lack of opportunity and support for professional growth, and low financial compensation15-35. While athletic trainers and university faculty attrition and retention factors have been studied individually, little research includes dual-appointment athletic trainers (DAAT). DAAT are BOC certified and state licensed athletic trainers that work at a university in both a traditional educational role and in the athletic training room providing sports medicine coverage36. The purpose of this study was to evaluate DAAT insights regarding attrition and retention.