A comparison of career advancement for male and female head athletic trainers at the NCAA division I, II and III levels

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Authors
Rudd, Lorraine L.
Advisor
Ferrara, Michael S.
Issue Date
1997
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.S.)
Department
School of Physical Education
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This study investigated items which influence career advancement of male and female head athletic trainers. Past evidence suggests willingness/ability to relocate, child rearing, an established network, and the "glass ceiling" phenomenon (positions of power that can be seen, but not achieved) affected career advancement. A questionnaire was mailed to 184 female and 75 male NCAA Division I, II and III head athletic trainers. There was a response rate of 70.2% (n=129) females and 86.7% (n=65) males. Major findings included significant (p<_.05) differences between gender in demographics (age, marital status, etc.), and athletic training experience (sport assignments, years a certified athletic trainer, etc.). A large percentage of male head athletic trainers desired change in position title or Division level. Twenty percent of female respondents indicated a career goal to leave the athletic training profession. Female respondents indicated gender did not effect career advancement, and willingness to relocate somewhat helped. Conclusions were that many of the barriers associated with female career advancement were not found to be associated with the profession of head athletic trainer. However, the high percentage of single female head athletic trainers and the lack of female head athletic trainers not experiencing a sport commonly worked by the head athletic trainer are areas of concern.

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