Exploring Socialization of Athletic Trainers in Emergent Practice Settings in Athletic Training

An abstract of the study by Sax understanding socialization experiences of athletic trainers (ATs) entering emergent practice settings. Results show that three major themes emerged: 1) anticipatory socialization, 2) organizational socialization, and 3) challenges to socialization. Anticipatory socialization related to the role their professional education and previous work experiences had on their transition into the workplace. Organizational socialization experiences included both formal and informal processes used to orient the AT into their respective roles within their employment setting. Challenges to socialization revolved around two subthemes; 1) how to utilize the AT within the organizational model at their setting and, 2) overcoming the unfamiliarity of the ATs scope of practice.