Curricular Satisfaction Levels of National Athletic Trainers' Association–Accredited Postprofessional Athletic Training Graduates

Abstract

Academic programs rely on outcomes assessments to determine if changes in the curriculum are necessary. To examine the overall satisfaction levels of graduates (2005-2006) of National Athletic Trainers' Association-accredited postprofessional athletic training education programs as related to the 2002 Standards and Guidelines for Development and Implementation of NATA-Accredited Post-Professional Graduate Athletic Training Education Programs. Original survey instrument and demographic questionnaire. Online survey instrument. Of 211 survey recipients, 123 returned surveys (58.29% response rate). Demographic information and satisfaction levels in 10 standard areas (depth of learning, breadth of learning, critical thinking, instructor availability, theoretic basis, writing skills, scholarly growth, community return, leadership, and overall program satisfaction) were obtained. Satisfaction scores were categorized into 10 percentage brackets (eg, 80%-89%) for each standard area. No differences were noted in relation to any of the standard satisfaction areas for evaluation of time off from school. However, graduates who required more than the allotted amount of time to complete their degree were less satisfied in the areas of depth of learning (P = .027), breadth of learning (P = .001), instructor availability (P = .005), writing (P = .022), and overall program satisfaction (P = .016). Graduates were generally satisfied across all areas of their didactic curriculum. However, satisfaction levels were affected if graduates required more than the allotted amount of time to complete their degrees.