If I work overseas, am I eligible for professional insurance coverage?
There are global sports medicine organizations (see International Resources) that offer their national members indemnity working in their country. If your athletic training credential is not recognized in that country, then this insurance offer can’t apply to you. Some associations outside the U.S. 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. Visa/work permit decisions are governmental mandates. It is misleading to state that they can “be of assistance” to you to get a working visa.
How could I meet CEU requirements while living outside of the U.S.?
Meeting CEU requirements can be difficult depending on your location, however, most CEUs can be accumulated online through the NATA Professional Development Center (nonmembers may still purchase and use, but not at discounted member rates). CEUs can also be earned at international conferences that meet the domains of athletic training (see International Conferences). Acquiring current CPR/AED certifications can 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 CPR/AED certification courses.
How do I become eligible to work in the U.S. if I practice in another country?
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 an athletic trainer one must graduate from a bachelor’s or master’s degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Universities that offer CAATE-accredited programs can be found through the search, if you click on “Accredited Programs.” The candidate must then pass the certification examination conducted by the Board of Certification Inc. (BOC). For additional information on becoming an athletic trainer, view the Athletic Training Education Overview document.
If you are a certified athletic therapist in Canada and member of the Canadian Athletic Therapists’ Association (CATA), or a Certified Athletic and Rehabilitation Therapist in Ireland and a member of the Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI), you may automatically qualify to take the BOC based on the Mutual Recognition Agreement. Visit the BOC website for more information.