History of Athletic Training(NATA)

Foundation of Athletic Training

Jun 1, 1950

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) was founded in 1950 when the first meeting of the NATA took place in Kansas City. About 200 athletic trainers assembled to discuss the future of their profession. The mission of NATA is to enhance the quality of health care for athletes and those engaged in physical activity, and to advance the profession of athletic training through education and research in the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilition of injuries.

Athletic Curriculum Model

Dec 5, 1959

The first athletic curriculum model was devolped to prepare students with proper athletic training skills as well as teaching skills. This model emphasized attaining a secondary-level teaching credential. The athletic curriculim included courses that were a prerequiste for the acceptance in physical therapy schools.

Subcommittee on Certification and Professional Education

Oct 14, 1969

At this point the implementation of new athletic training programs needed more emphasis. The committee on gaining recognition was split into two subcategories. These two committess were the Subcommittee on Professional Education and the Subcommittee on Certification.

First Certification Examination

Oct 1, 1970

This was the year of the first certification examination. The first certification examination was held in Waco, Texas at the Southwestern Athletic Training meeting.

Approval of programs by NATA

Jun 10, 1980

NATA approved all undergraduate programs to offer a major in athletic training in all athletic education programs.

Publication of Guidelines

Dec 1, 1983

The publication in the Guidelines magazine noted the athletic training major as well as two other features to the program. The first was the inclusion of specific subject matter requirements instead of specific courses and the second was the Competencies in Athletic Training which replaced the behavioral objectives of the 1970's.

AMA Recognition

Jun 29, 1990

AMA recognizes Athletic Training as an allied health profession. AMA also included credibilty of profession.

Establishment of CAAHEP

Jul 5, 1994

The CAHEA was disbanded and a new organization was then formed which became known as the Commission on Accredidation of Allied Health Education Programs.

National Athletic Training Association Board of Certification

Apr 28, 1995

NATABOC recommended all Athletic Training education programs be accredited by CAAHEP (Commision Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program) by 2004 or students will be ineligible for the NATABOC certification exam.

NATA adopts recommendations

Dec 5, 1996

What is Athletic Training?The NATA Board of Directors adopted several reccommendations submitted by the NATA Education Task Force to address the education and proffesional preparation of certified athletic trainers.

Education Council

Apr 28, 1997

NATA established the Education Council to dictate the course of educational preparation for Athletic Training students.