Current Literature Summary

Professional socialization is grounded in symbolic interactionism in which one actively and continuously interacts with others and the environment while transitioning from education to professional life. There is noted concern that the increased theoretical focus of professional education programs has diminished clinical training thereby leaving health care providers with a sense of inadequacy when entering the profession. The transition from education into the profession is multifaceted and some experience difficulties taking on the professional role. We will provide brief synopses of current research on professional socialization and discuss possible applications to athletic training.