Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
DOI
10.4085/1062-6050-0073.24
Publication Title
Journal of Athletic Training
Volume
60
Issue
1
Pages
70-81
Abstract
Context: As new athletic trainers (ATs) transition into their roles, some employers provide orientation and onboarding to assist with the transition to practice. Research in which authors outline the ideal onboarding process for new ATs transitioning to practice is lacking.
Objective: To examine the onboarding process for new ATs.
Design: Grounded theory.
Setting: College or university, secondary school, and hospital or clinic.
Patients or other participants: Seventeen newly credentialed, employed ATs who recently graduated from professional masters' programs (11 female, 6 male; 25.6 ± 2.2 years) and 12 employers (6 female, 6 male; years in role supervising new ATs: 8.5 ± 4.9) participated in this study.
Data collection and analysis: Participants were recruited via purposive sampling. Each participant was interviewed via phone using a semistructured interview guide. Employees were interviewed approximately 3, 6, 9, and 13-15 months after beginning employment. Employers were interviewed 1 time. Data saturation guided the number of participants. Data were analyzed through grounded theory, with data coded for common themes and subthemes. Trustworthiness was established via peer review, member checks, and multianalyst triangulation.
Results: Two themes emerged. Initial orientation and continued onboarding. Participants reported receiving organizational, departmental, and site-specific orientations for initial orientation. For continued onboarding, participants reported mentoring, site visits, feedback and evaluation, regular meetings, and continuing education and professional development.
Conclusions: Onboarding is vital in transitioning to practice for newly credentialed ATs, as it provides support and helps new employees understand and adapt to their roles. Onboarding should go beyond initial orientation and include regular meetings with supervisors, other ATs, and site visits to provide feedback and ensure new ATs adapt to their roles. New ATs should seek support from supervisors and local ATs to help better understand their role.
Rights
© 2025 National Athletic Trainers' Association. All rights reserved.
Included with the kind written permission of the publisher.
ORCID
0000-0003-3171-9141 (Cavallario)
Original Publication Citation
Thrasher, A. B., Walker, S. E., & Cavallario, J. M. (2025). Newly credentialed athletic trainers' onboarding process during the transition to practice. Journal of Athletic Training 60(1), 70-81. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0073.24
Repository Citation
Thrasher, Ashley B.; Walker, Stacy E.; and Cavallario, Julie M., "Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers' Onboarding Process During the Transition to Practice" (2025). Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications. 135.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/pt_pubs/135
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons
