1. Tony Fitzpatrick, ATC, LAT
Athletic Training
Tony Fitzpatrick, ATC, LAT
Boise, ID
Rachael Oats
NATA
Jon Almquist, ATC
Fairfax, VA

2. What is the ‘NATA’ National Athletic Trainers’ Association
Professional Association for Athletic Trainers
31,000+ Members
34% of ATCs are employed in High Schools
4500+ College Students in Professional Education Programs
Involved in Development of Profession’s Accredited Education Programs
Based in Dallas, Texas

3. Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are unique health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses that occur to athletes and the physically active.

4. Professional Athletic Training Curricula
Assessment and Evaluation
Acute Care
General Medical Conditions and Disabilities
Pathology of Injury and Illness
Pharmacological Aspects of Injury and Illness
Nutritional Aspects of Injury and Illness
Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic Modalities
Health Care Administration
Professional Development and Responsibilities
Psychosocial Intervention and Referral

5. Athletic Training Domains
Prevention
Recognition, Evaluation & Assessment
Immediate Care
Treatment, Rehabilitation & Reconditioning
Organization & Administration
Professional Development & Responsibility

6. Certification Requirements
BS or Masters in Athletic Training through a curriculum approved by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Successful completion of the NATA Board of Certification exam
Continuing Education Required to Maintain Certification
Licensed in majority of states

7. NATA Board of Certification (BOC) Accreditation
Since 1982, the BOC has been continuously accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. The BOC is the only accredited athletic trainer credentialing program in the United States.
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is the accreditation body of NOCA. Certification programs may apply and be accredited by the NCCA if they demonstrate compliance with each accreditation standard. NCCA's Standards exceed the requirements set forth by the American Psychological Association and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (source:

8. State Regulation
Athletic Training Profession is Regulated in Many States
in an Effort to Protect the Public

9. Employment Settings Professional Sports College University Athletics
Secondary School Athletics
Clinical Physical Therapy Outpatient & Hospital
Corporate & Industrial
Military

10. Athletic Training Student Aide
ATSA – An “AIDE” vs “Student Athletic Trainer”
Must Work Under the Direction of an ATC
Opportunity to Become Involved in High School Activities
Gateway to Career Opportunities

11. Resources Available from NATA
Print Material on Athletic Training Profession
Scientific Journal
Position Statements (Heat Illness, Lightning, Fluid Replacement, Concussion, etc)
Tools to Develop Proposals to Hire an ATC
Professional Contacts to Offer Curriculum Development Assistance
Information on Accredited College/University Athletic Training Programs

12. QUESTIONS? NATA 1 800-TRY-NATA www.NATA.ORG THANK YOU
Tony Fitzpatrick, ATC LAT
Rachael Oats
Jon Almquist, ATC