Dilemmas of Program Directors: Then and Now

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current roles and responsibilities of program directors of athletic training education programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and to address the dilemmas of program directors' credibility with student athletic trainers, tenure and promotion, and clinical involvement in athletics. DESIGN AND SETTING: We sent a survey to all program directors who direct CAAHEP athletic training education programs. SUBJECTS: Eighty-three of 113 program directors of undergraduate programs participated in the study-a response rate of 73.4%. MEASUREMENTS: The survey consisted of demographic data: degree, age, major, years of experience as program director, and route to certification and questions concerning title, job responsibilities, expectations, and academic appointment. RESULTS: Most respondents (72%) indicated that their title was program director, and they had a median of 9 years of experience. Sixty-two percent had been certified as an athletic trainer for a median of 18.5 years. Forty-three percent had doctoral degrees and held the rank of assistant professor. Ninety-six percent indicated teaching was the primary duty and expectation of their program director's position. CONCLUSIONS: The dilemmas of tenure and promotion, decreased clinical involvement, and student athletic trainers' perceptions of program directors remain problematic. The dilemmas still exist as they did 12 years ago and are becoming more involved due to educational reform. Program directors must be able to communicate their roles and responsibilities to their administrators.