Family Story Shapes Diabetes Learning Lab
Ten years ago, Mike Prybicien, LAT, ATC, CES, shared with NATA News and NATA Now readers how his background in athletic training helped his family navigate his son Aiden’s diabetes diagnosis.
During the 76th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo in Orlando, a now 16-year-old Aiden joined his father to help educate other athletic trainers about caring for those with diabetes during the “Managing the Diabetic Physically Active Patient” Learning Lab June 27.
International Opportunities in Professional Baseball
The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society has provided educational exchange opportunities for international athletic training students interested in gaining experience and learning about baseball sports medicine since 1994. Students from Japan, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Canada have gained valuable experience and knowledge being placed with Major League athletic trainers and their teams during spring training in Florida and Arizona.
Seeking Out Support, Finding PR Success
The November and December NATA News highlight NATA’s many advocacy efforts, including the work being done to increase the public’s understanding of the athletic training profession through media relations and strategic partnerships.
In addition, NATA offers members resources and support to assist in their local and regional PR efforts, ensuring all understand the important role ATs play in their patients’ health, safety and well-being.
New Boot Camps Focus on Reimbursement
The efforts to increase professional recognition of athletic training services by insurance companies for reimbursement are ongoing, and NATA’s Third Party Reimbursement Initiative (TPRI) works continuously to build awareness, especially at the state level.
The Innovation That Started a Movement
In honor of National Native American Heritage Month in November, the NATA Now blog is highlighting some of NATA’s Native/Indigenous American members and their impact on the athletic training profession.
“Hesci, Vn hocēfetv Jasmine,” said Jasmine Velasquez, ATC, MEd, CTE. “V’nē purse-tate. Erv ’.tteyv Mvskoke Kaccvlke. Nakvftécetv vníckv púnakē estv’lkē.”
Celebrating 50 Years of Membership
The December NATA News, our annual report, highlights that 75 members are celebrating 50 years of NATA membership in 2021. Congratulations to them and all of our members celebrating milestones with the association this year! Our 50-year members of 2021 are:

Recognizing the 2021 NATAPAC Donors
The NATA Political Action Committee (NATAPAC) is the sole federal PAC founded for and dedicated to being the voice and advocate of the athletic training profession.
Over the past year, NATAPAC had 932 contributors raise $41,500 between Nov. 1, 2020, and Oct. 31, 2021. View a full list of those 2020-21 donors.
What To Look Forward To in December
There is a lot happening at NATA! Stay up to date on what’s to come each month in advocacy, engagement and development in this NATA Now blog series. Check out what is in store for December, and follow our communication channels throughout the month for more information.
Support for Self, Patients and Native Communities
In honor of National Native American Heritage Month in November, the NATA Now blog is highlighting some of NATA’s Native/Indigenous American members and their impact on the athletic training profession.
Opportunities To Develop as a Leader
As health care providers, athletic trainers are looked to as leaders by their patients, coworkers and communities. But, leadership is not always a natural skill and can take time to develop. NATA ensures members have the opportunities to grow as leaders and develop those skills through educational courses and programming in the NATA Leadership Academy.
Being the Role Model She Needed
In honor of National Native American Heritage Month in November, the NATA Now blog is highlighting some of NATA’s Native/Indigenous members and their impact on the athletic training profession.