Programmatic Factors Associated with Undergraduate Athletic Training Student Retention and Attrition Decisions

Abstract

Context Athletic training programs (ATPs) are charged with meeting an increased demand for athletic trainers with adequate graduates. Currently, the retention rate of athletic training students in ATPs nationwide and the programmatic factors associated with these retention rates remain unknown. Objective Determine the retention rate for athletic training students nationwide and the programmatic factors associated with retention. Design Cross-sectional online survey. Setting Undergraduate ATPs. Patients or Other Participants Program directors (PDs) of all Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited undergraduate ATPs were surveyed. We obtained responses from 177 of the 343 PDs (51.6%). Intervention(s) The survey asked PDs for information about their institution, ATP, and themselves. Main Outcome Measure(s) Self-reported retention rate. Results The participants reported an average retention rate of 81.0% ± 17.9%. We found a significant prediction equation (F4,167 = 16.39, R2 = 0.282, P < .001), using the perceptions of student success factor (P < .001, R2 = 0.162), the timing of formal admission (P < .001, R2 = 0.124), the number of years the ATPs had been accredited (P = .001, R2 = 0.039), the number of students admitted to the ATP annually (P = .001, R2 = 0.037), and the number of years the PDs had held their position at their current institution (P = .03, R2 = 0.018). Conclusions Program directors should work to provide a stimulating atmosphere to motivate students. Delaying the formal admission of prospective students may allow athletic training students to make an informed decision to enter an ATP. A rich history of success and consistent leadership can provide an ATP environment that fosters retention. Program directors should carefully consider how many students to admit into the ATP annually, as individual attention may alter retention decisions of athletic training students.