Abstract
The Dissertation of Clinical Practice Improvement (DoCPI) is the culminating project in the Doctor of Athletic Training program. The DoCPI is used to highlight an athletic trainer’s advancement into scholarly practice. Included in this document are a Plan of Advanced Practice (PoAP), which contains an analysis of current practice, professional goals, strengths and weaknesses, and a plan for goal attainment. The PoAP was developed to identify specific steps needed to develop into an advanced practitioner and a strong educator. Clinical growth, understanding of action research theory and practice-based evidence are provided through the creation of several manuscripts, including an original applied clinical research project. An action research strategy was used to assess the application of the Total Motion Release® technique for treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. This DoCPI illustrates evidence of scholarly development and progress towards advanced clinical practice in athletic training.