Building a Winning Culture: Addressing the Labor Challenges in Athletic Training
Abstract:
The highly competitive job market in athletic training has led to what some have called a “labor crisis”. Young employees frequently cite the institutional or workplace culture as a critical point in accepting a job offer and for continued retention within positions. One key aspect in the decision-making process of many employees when considering leaving the workplace are feelings of “lacking value and support” from supervisors. The importance of culture and desire to feel valued highlight the need for further leadership development within organizational/institutional cultures in athletic training. By examining evidence from a variety of industries as well as within athletic training, AT leaders can improve their recruitment and retention initiatives for employees allowing a greater focus on providing patient health care.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key strategies across industries that can be applied to athletic training to improve recruitment and retention of employees.
- Appraise the evidence on interventions that seek to improve leadership skills in athletic trainers.
- Integrate targeted methods to drive retention and recruitment within the athletic training workplace.
Level:
Advanced
Domain(s):
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility
Orthopedic Domain(s):
N/A
CEUs:
1.0 Category A
Keywords:
Recruitment, Retention, Stakeholders
In order to earn your CEUs, you must watch the session video in its entirety and complete the assessment.
Course Expiration:
All sessions of the NATA 76th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by October 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.
Matthew Mills, EdD, ATC, CHSE
Matt Mills, EdD, ATC, CHSE, is an Assistant Professor and Pre-Professional Athletic Training Program Director at Springfield College. He specializes in interprofessional education, simulation, and athletic training education, utilizing advanced educational technologies to enhance student learning.
Dr. Mills' research focuses on simulation's impact on self-efficacy and anxiety in healthcare students, with numerous publications and presentations at national conferences. He has a strong background in athletic training clinical education and healthcare simulation, holding certifications in simulation education and athletic training. Dr. Mills is dedicated to mentoring future professionals and advancing innovative teaching practices in athletic training education.
Jessica Barrett, PhD, LAT, ATC
Dr. Jessica Barrett, PhD, LAT, ATC, is the Chair of the Department of Athletic Training and Director of the Athletic Training program at Springfield College, where she also serves as an Associate Professor of Athletic Training. Before her current role, she worked at the University of Connecticut, Neumann University, and at West Chester University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Springfield College in 2005, her master’s degree in athletic training education from Old Dominion University in 2007, and her doctorate of philosophy in kinesiology from the University of Connecticut in 2018.
Dr. Barrett has published and presented regionally and nationally on subjects related to work-life balance, burnout, mentoring, challenges for junior faculty, and faculty socialization. She is involved in professional service initiatives with the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) serving as the Chair of the Quality Assurance/Improvement Committee, a member of the Professional Accreditation Council, and has served as a Peer Reviewer since 2013.