History of Athletic Training

National Athletic Trainers' Association was founded

Jun 1, 1950

NATA Video The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is the professional membership association for certified athletic trainers and others who support the athletic training profession.The mission of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association is to enhance the quality of health care provided by certified athletic trainers and to advance the athletic training profession

First Athletic Curriculum Model Developed

Dec 5, 1959

This model emphasized attaining a secondary-level teaching credential. This curriculum would prepare a student not only for athletic training but teaching as well. The curriculum also included courses that were a prerequiste for the acceptance in physical therapy schools.

Undergraduate Athletic Training Programs Recognized

Sep 7, 1969

In 1969, the first undergraduate athletic training programs were officially recognized by NATA.

Committee on gaining recognition was formed

Oct 14, 1969

It was clear at this point that the implementation of new athletic training programs needed more emphasis. The committee on gaining recognition was split into two subcategories, the Subcommittee on Professional Education and the Subcommittee on Certification.

First Certification Examination Held

Oct 1, 1970

The first certification examination was held during 1970.

NATA approved curriculum to have an athletic training major of study

Jun 10, 1980

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

Guidelines publication

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 Recognized Athletic Training as an Allied Health Profession

Jun 22, 1990

In June 1990 the American Medical Association recognized athletic training as an allied health profession for the first time.

Entry Level Programs

Feb 5, 1994

The first two entry level athletic training education programs accredited by the CAHEA were at Barry University and High Point University.

Education Task Force Formed

Jun 5, 1994

The Education Task Force reviews all aspects of athletic training education at the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education levels.

CAAHEP was established

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.

NATA Board of Directors Adopted Reccomendations

Dec 5, 1996

NATA Meeting 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.

World Federation of Athletic Training Task Force Created

Aug 1, 1997

The task force was created to explore an international system for the athletic training system.

World Congress on Exploring Globalization of Healthcare for the Physically Active was held

Jun 16, 1998

The first event of the federation was held. More than 50 practitioners and educators from more than 10 countries were in attendance.