Satisfaction and Importance Factors in Athletic Training Education

Objective: To examine various institution and student demographics and the ratings of Satisfaction (SAT) and Importance (IMP) for several programmatic variables within Athletic Training Education Programs (ATEPs). Design and Setting: A survey of SAT and IMP ratings of programmatic variables conducted with accredited, entry-level ATEPs. Subjects: Students enrolled in their final semester/term. Measurements: Students' SAT and IMP was measured by asking students to rate, on a 10-point Likert scale, seven programmatic factors. Various institution/program (state versus private affiliation, athletic division, Carnegie classification, and university enrollment) and student (age, gender, self-reported grade point average) demographic data were collected. Results: The sample consisted of 403 students from 99 institutions. Total SAT and IMP was computed by calculating the mean score across all seven factors. An analysis of variance showed a significant difference (F2,275 = 4.25, P = .01) for SAT within Carnegie classification with master's institution students more satisfied than doctoral institution students. A repeated measures analysis found significant differences (F6,292 = 34.77, P < .001) between SAT factors with students more satisfied with instructor availability than the other factors A repeated measures analysis found significant differences (F6,292 = 53.64, P < .001) between IMP factors with the quality of instruction in the major and quality of clinical experiences rated higher than the other factors Conclusions: Our results revealed that the type of institution has a greater effect upon student ratings of SAT and IMP than the student characteristics themselves.