The Role and Load of the Athletic Training Clinical Education Coordinator

Abstract

Context: The position of clinical education coordinator has been identified as a required one in athletic training education. However, the literature has yet to address the job responsibilities of clinical education coordinators and the commensurate work load/release time needed to accomplish these responsibilities in athletic training education. Objective: To determine the current practices of clinical education coordinators in athletic training program, their current load compensation, whether or not they feel their load compensation is appropriate, and what their ideal load compensation should be. Design: Mixed methods. Setting: Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited education programs. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 120 clinical education coordinators. Main Outcome Measure(s): A survey was administered including both quantitative and qualitative questions. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically and qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive approach, revealing themes. Results: Statistically significant differences were found when comparing tenure with clinical track in the areas of scholarship and athletic training room coverage. Common job responsibilities for the clinical education coordinator were identified. The study also identified the current and perceived ideal load/release credit for clinical education coordinators based on their program size. Conclusions: Clinical education coordinators are incredibly valuable to all athletic training education programs. This study attempted to solidify their value through identifying job responsibilities and load credit criteria to ensure quality clinical education experiences for students.