Strategies for Increasing Enrollment in Graduate-Level Athletic Training Programs
Includes a Live Web Event on 10/18/2024 at 12:35 PM (CDT)
Abstract:
In the January 2024 Job Report, Cailee Welch Bacon, Julie M Cavallario and Chad Starkey reported job availability for athletic trainers with 189 jobs listed in January; 165 full-time positions and 24 part-time positions. Compared to January’s report that identified three existing positions to every one new position in 2024, February job postings reflected a 4:1 existing to new position ratio. This, in combination with a decline in the number of existing athletic training programs and students sitting for the BOC exam, have led to a shortage of graduating athletic training students to fill needed positions. In addition, Bacon, Cavallario and Starkey, in their study “Benchmarking Professional Master’s Degree Athletic Training Program Enrollment Data,” found that enrollment per program ranged from two (n = 5) to 70 students (n = 1) and it was found that Power 5 schools (n = 29) have a statistically significant higher average enrollment (28.4 students) than other athletic divisions (Group of 5, 18.6; Division I, 17.9; Division II, 15.1; Division III, 15.8; and NAIA, 11.3). Low enrollment and the challenges faced at institutions to increase enrollment or face extinction is something that can and should be addressed. Data also suggested that there were no statistically significant differences in average program enrollment for programs who had an accelerated option (mean = 18.7 students) as compared to those who don't have an accelerated option (mean = 19.1). This is one method of recruitment and this lecture will aim to outline several strategies for increasing program enrollment through a variety of modalities.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss different enrollment management techniques that can be used at their institution.
- Design a recruitment plan based on institutional data.
- Identify internal and external strategic partners at their institution related to enrollment management.
Track: Program Administration
Format: Lecture
This Session is Not Eligible for CEUs.
Shari Bartz-Smith, PhD, ATC
For 24 years, Dr. Shari Bartz-Smith has spent her career at Grand Valley State University and is an Associate Professor and Program Director of Athletic Training in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. Prior to her position as Program Director at GVSU, she held the positions of Head Women’s Athletic Trainer and Assistant Head Football Athletic Trainer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
She earned her Doctoral degree in Health Promotion and Health Education from the University of Alabama and UAB in 2003. Current research interests involve athletic training practices in the secondary school setting.
Eliza MacDonald, MPA, AT, ATC
Eliza MacDonald is the Admission Coordinator and Affiliate Faculty Member for the GVSU Master of Athletic Training Program. Originally from the Upper Peninsula, Eliza obtained her bachelor’s degree from GVSU in Athletic Training in 2006 and her Master’s in Public Administration with a Health Care Administration emphasis in 2008. Eliza has experience in the High School and Collegiate settings. As an faculty member she has 16 years primarily instructing intro to athletic training courses and 10 years as the Admissions Coordinator.