member statement

To focus on NATA’s primary goal of advocating for the athletic training profession, NATA avoids divisive political issues while recognizing and respecting the diverse perspectives within our membership.

Athletic training is among the fastest growing professions in health care. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17%* job growth over the next 10 years, much faster than average growth projections.

In the spring of 2021, the American Medical Association (AMA) issued a statement identifying that when access to gender affirming care is denied, it is “a dangerous intrusion into the practice of medicine.”1 This threat to the basic human rights of individuals in the transgender community has been significantly elevated within the past year.

Note: In August 2022, NATA released an updated statement on gender-affirming care. Please read the most up-to-date version here.

APTA, NATA Update.mp4 from National Athletic Trainers' Assn on Vimeo.

Update: Watch the above video of APTA President Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD, and NATA President Tory Lindley, MA, ATC, discussing the recently released joint policy principles.

NATA 2021 Announcement from National Athletic Trainers' Assn on Vimeo.

No one should be subject to sexual discrimination, harassment or abuse.

On June 3, NATA launched “Listen First,” Phase I of our overall plan in response to the global racial awakening as a result of the murder of George Floyd. Phase I created a virtual safe space for members and leaders to share concerns and feedback on how we can individually and collectively enact change for our Black members and patients.

The past few months have been incredibly difficult. Disparities, inequality, xenophobia and racial injustice have been brought to the forefront of our society. Like many of you, NATA is deeply disturbed and angered by the senseless loss of life due to prejudice and racial injustice.

To promote individual health and well-being and advance population health, NATA and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) have announced a commitment to greater collaboration in a joint statement released Dec. 19. The statement outlines how both organizations can work together to advance patient care and encourages members of the two organizations as well as stakeholders to do the same.