Inside the New NATA Leadership Institute
Registration is open now through Feb. 6 for the June-to-June cohort of the new NATA Leadership Institute, a cohort-based program designed to intentionally develop leadership skills for athletic trainers across all practice settings.
The NATA Leadership Institute is an evolution of previous NATA leadership programs that have led to the growth of many of today’s leaders in the profession. NATA District Four Director Scott Lawrance, DHSc, ATC, PT, who initiated the creation of the institute, said that although many ATs are outstanding health care practitioners, they still rely on trial and error to develop leadership skills.
“We do an exceptional job preparing clinicians,” he said. “We have not always been as intentional about preparing leaders. This institute is about closing that gap and doing it in a way that respects the realities of our profession.”
The NATA Leadership Institute is designed to support the leadership advancement of all ATs, including NATA volunteers, emerging leaders and established ATs within their organizations, communities and the profession. Housed on NATA EducATe, the NATA Leadership Institute combines a structured mentoring model with leadership content developed by thought leaders to support both personal and professional growth. This combination prepares leadership scholars – the institute’s participants – to not only advance their careers, but also make a meaningful impact on the athletic training profession.
“The institute provides intentional development, practical tools and access to mentors and peers who understand and are passionate about the profession,” Lawrance said. “Participants will leave with greater self-awareness, clearer leadership direction and the confidence to lead with purpose in roles where their voice and perspective matter.”
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Participation in the NATA Leadership Institute is a year-long investment in professional growth and leadership readiness. With a competitive cost of $950 for members and $1,500 for nonmembers, there are several benefits that come with being a leadership scholar.
NATA Director of Education Karly Foster said enrolling in the NATA Leadership Institute provides athletic trainers with practical, transferable leadership skills that strengthen both clinical practice and professional impact. These include professional values, communication, decision-making, relationship building, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and planning, adaptability and resilience developed through real-world scenarios. Together, these skills prepare ATs to lead more effectively as they advance their careers.
Enrollment in the NATA Leadership Institute’s 2026-27 cohort also includes the cost of registration for either the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo June 29-July 2 in Philadelphia or the 78th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo June 21-24, 2027, in New Orleans. With this benefit, leadership scholars can dive into top-notch educational sessions and connect with leaders in the profession during convention events such as the open session portion of the NATA Board of Directors meeting and Committee Day.
Furthermore, athletic trainers will develop leadership skills through the institute’s monthly virtual sessions, in-person networking and a quality improvement capstone project. At the end of their institute experience, leadership scholars will receive the NATA Certified Leader certificate.
“The certificate reflects a commitment to professional growth, leadership readiness and service to the profession,” Lawrance said. “For many athletic trainers, this credential strengthens leadership portfolios, supports advancement conversations and signals readiness for expanded roles within organizations or professional service.”
Along with the certificate, at the completion of the program, participants will be honored with a leadership plaque and recognized through NATA’s communication channels and at the NATA convention.
Certified leaders may be invited to serve as mentors to future cohorts of the institute. Participation complements existing NATA volunteer pathways available to members.
Visit the NATA Leadership Institute’s webpage for more information, frequently asked questions and to register.
