International

What is the WFATT?

WFATT is the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy. It is a coalition of national organizations of health care professionals in the fields of sport exercise, injury/illness prevention and treatment. The WFATT seeks to promote the highest quality for health care and functional activity through the collaborative efforts of its members with a vision to promote quality health care worldwide to active populations. The NATA is a Charter Member of WFATT.

How can I become certified by the Canadian Athletic Therapists’ Association so I can work in Canada?

In 2005, the BOC and the Canadian Athletic Therapists’ Association (CATA) developed a Mutual Recognition Agreement. This agreement allows BOC certified athletic trainers in good standing to sit for the CATA (Canadian Athletic Therapists) examination. CATA membership as a Temporary International Candidate is required.

Complete exam information is available by visiting the CATA website: click on the link Mutual Recognition Arrangement.

Working in Canada

Can I work with the US Military in an international setting as an ATC?

There is employment available overseas within the US military system. To see what jobs are available, go to the MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation). Select a general occupation closely related to Athletic Training.

Visit the new Armed Forces Athletic Trainers' Society (AFATS) that is focused on promoting the AT within the military structure.

How do I become a Certified Athletic Trainer?

Certified athletic trainers are allied health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses that occur to athletes and the physically active. To become a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) one must graduate from a bachelors or masters degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) via the Joint Review Committee-Athletic Training (JRC-AT).

Are there any pitfalls working overseas?

Meeting CEU requirements can be difficult depending on your location, however most CEUs can be accumulated online and through international conferences that meet the domains of athletic training. Acquiring current Professional Rescuer certification can to be a greater concern for some. We have had cases where individuals are not recognized in that specific country as a health professional, and thus, are not eligible to take AED certification. Additionally, you are almost never in a situation where you physically have access to/can network with other ATCs/professional colleagues.

Where can I acquire professional liability insurance while working overseas?

Athletic trainers working in Europe will need to purchase "Versicherung" (insurance). US issued liability insurance is NOT VALID in the European Union (EU).

Insurance issued is capped at € 1,000,000 with a € 120.17 annual premium. Insurance is issued from DBV-Winterthur Versicherung (Winterthur Insurance) in Wiesbaden, Germany but must be purchased through a "Versicherung Mittel" (Insurance Agent).

If I work overseas am I eligible for professional insurance coverage?

There are global sportsmedicine organizations who offer their own national members indemnity working in their country. Aside from where your degree is housed; kinesiology, exercise sciences, physical education, etc., if your athletic training credential, is not recognized in that country, then this insurance offer cannot apply to you. Some associations outside the US also construct their membership ‘perks’ to include international assistance obtaining working visas and employment assistance. This isn’t possible either if your credential is not recognized by their government.

Are there international internships available?

Check with your university office of education overseas. They should have internship information available. If your degree is in Kinesiology, Exercise physiology or Physical Education, look specifically at those internship opportunities; your creativity here is important. You may have to design your own internship.

Some reputable internship links:

Can I work internationally with my AT credential?

The symbols/acronyms ATC and the NATA are very recognizable globally. The athletic trainer qualification is not necessarily ‘officially’ recognized outside North America. If your degree is housed in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology or Physical Education, which is easily recognizable internationally, you can translate that degree into an employment search as you present yourself professionally.

What does the NATA International Committee do?

This committee addresses concerns of members who are living, working or stationed outside the continental United States. Review, recommend and execute programs, policies and alliances that affect international members and regular certified members living outside of the United States. Promote the use of ATCs in the international job market and the NATA brand internationally.

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