NEWSROOM

IDEAS Committee Update: Demographics Expand the View of ATs

Share on Social Media

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advocacy Strategies (IDEAS) Committee began assessing the demographic profile of Athletic Trainers (ATs) as one of its first projects in 2020. Members evaluated what data was being collected from ATs through their individual administrative profiles.

To gather a broader perspective and be able to better serve the individualized needs of ATs, the range of specific attributes were expanded to better encompass a wider range of AT demographics. In preparation for the launch of the new BOC360 portal in 2021, new demographic fields were added to the BOC’s AT profile collection.

Following completion of the 2020-2021 certification renewal, as well as the reactivation period which closed Feb. 28, 2022, updated demographic data collected within BOC360 for ATs was pulled. The IDEAS Committee analyzed this expanded scope of data to assess demographics related to ethnicity and gender information, as well as other background details. In addition, they expanded choices for professional settings. As a result of expanded fields, the BOC was able to reduce the total of “Unknown” respondents in the Race/Ethnicity category

from 20.48% to 3%. This new data is enabling the BOC to assess issues around diversity within the athletic training profession, related to everything from exam administration to certification renewal.

Going forward a work group within the IDEAS Committee has been formed to continually assess and examine shifts in demographics, as well as proactively address such impacts on programs and processes at the BOC and within the athletic training profession. Additional demographic fields will be added, as needed.

“Having a better view of the characteristics that impact ATs allows us to more specifically and proactively meet their needs,” said IDEAS Committee co-chair Cathy Ortega, EdD, PT, ATC, OCS.

For more information visit the IDEAS Committee page.

This article was originally published in the 2022 winter "Cert Update" newsletter.

Subscribe
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to use this website, you agree to allow cookies. More Info Close and Accept