Table 2.

Semistructured Interview Guide

1. Would you please describe for me your current role in relation to the GAs at your institution?

2. How many athletic training GAs do you currently employ at your institution?

3. How do you feel GAs prepare themselves for their roles at your institution?

4. Can you explain the mentoring process for new GAs at your institution?

5. How are the GAs oriented to their roles at your institution?

a. Is this orientation different from the orientation you received when beginning this job? How so?

6. How long does it typically take for GAs to be successfully oriented into their position?

a. What do you feel contributes to the length of this process?

7. Discuss the expectations you have for GAs in regard to clinical skills.

8. Discuss the expectations you have for GAs in regard to interpersonal skills.

9. What do you feel contributes to the GAs' ability to fulfill obligations or keeps them from fulfilling obligations?

10. Do your expectations (or obligations) change during their second year?

11. How does socialization change during their second year? (eg, Do GAs assist in helping to mentor or socialize the first-year GAs? Do second-year GAs obtain any additional roles?)

12. What shortcomings do you feel the GAs have?

13. What processes are in place to help GAs improve their shortcomings?

14. What challenges do GAs face during their first year as a GA?

15. Are there skills (clinical or interpersonal) that you wish were better?

16. Is there something that you feel should be implemented into the educational preparation of students to better prepare them to transition into being a GA?

17. What advice would you give to an individual about to enter the collegiate setting as a GA?

Abbreviation: GA, graduate assistant.