Organizational Socialization Experiences of Athletic Trainers Working in the Clinical Context

According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), the clinical setting is where the highest percentage of certified athletic trainers who are also NATA members is employed (21.5%). However, little data exist related to their organizational socialization in this setting. The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain insight and understanding about the organizational socialization of athletic trainers working in multidisciplinary clinical rehabilitation settings. Fifty-two (27 women; 24 men; 1 undisclosed) athletic trainers participated in this study. In some instances, an athletic trainer's role was relegated to assist or support other health care providers. Most participants' socialization experiences were informal and unstructured, which may allow athletic trainers entering the multidisciplinary clinical setting to negotiate their roles to more fully use their professional capabilities. Study participants perceived that settings that encourage professional collaboration lead to improved patient care outcomes.