Purpose: Clinical leadership behaviors demonstrated by nurses delivering patient care are associated with improved patient outcomes and increased job satisfaction. Clinical leadership behaviors have not been studied in athletic training; therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate athletic trainers’ frequency of demonstrating these behaviors. Method: Participates completed an electronically distributed survey consisting of demographic variables, the Clinical Leadership Survey (CLS), and the Global Rating of Clinical Leadership Scale (GRCLS). Results: We found statistically significant differences between the CLS score of those in a supervisory role (M = 65.3 ± 5.4) and those who are not (M = 63.5 ± 5.5, mean difference = 1.8 ± 0.8, t (212) = 2.27, p = 0.02). A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.51, p \u3c 0.001) exists between an individual’s CLS score and perceiving themselves as a clinical leader. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.59, p \u3c 0.001) exists between an individual’s CLS score and believing they demonstrate leadership behaviors in clinical practice. Conclusion: Athletic trainers in supervisory roles report demonstrating clinical leadership behaviors more often than those who are not. A discrepancy exists between athletic trainers’ reported frequency of demonstrating individual clinical leadership behaviors, their belief they are leaders, and their demonstration of leadership behaviors. The data suggest athletic trainers who are not in supervisory roles may believe, because they hold no positional authority, they are not clinical leaders. Organizations can implement strategies to promote clinical leadership in staff and improve patient outcomes
