NATA Leadership Institute
Develop your leadership.
Expand your influence.
Make an impact.
A year-long, cohort-based leadership development experience for athletic trainers.
Leadership isn't defined by a title. It's demonstrated through the decisions we make, the relationships we build, and the positive changes we create.
The NATA Leadership Institute is a year-long, cohort-based leadership development experience designed to help athletic trainers become more confident, capable, and effective leaders within their workplaces, communities, and the profession.
Building on NATA's longstanding commitment to developing leaders, the Institute brings together experienced mentors, subject matter experts, association leaders, and athletic trainers from diverse professional backgrounds.
Through interactive learning, meaningful mentorship, practical application, and professional connections, Leadership Scholars develop the skills and perspectives needed to navigate challenges, influence change, and lead with purpose.
Program at a Glance
June 2027 – June 2028
EXPLORE THE EXPERIENCE
Find your leadership path
Who Should Apply?
Who Should Apply?
The Leadership Institute is designed for athletic trainers at all career stages who are ready to strengthen their leadership abilities and expand their impact.
Whether you're preparing for your first leadership opportunity, navigating new responsibilities, or looking to become more effective in an established role, the Institute provides opportunities to grow.
You don't need a formal leadership title to participate. You need a commitment to learning, a willingness to challenge yourself, and an interest in making a difference.
What You'll Gain
What You'll Gain
Practical leadership skills
Develop approaches you can apply immediately to communication, decision-making, relationship-building, strategic thinking, and organizational challenges.
Personalized mentorship
Work with an experienced mentor who will help you reflect on your leadership journey, explore challenges, establish goals, and translate learning into action.
A professional network
Build meaningful relationships with fellow Leadership Scholars, experienced professionals, and NATA leaders who bring different perspectives and experiences.
Opportunities to put learning into practice
Go beyond listening to presentations by engaging in discussion, reflection, real-world examples, and an applied capstone project.
Greater confidence and leadership capacity
Strengthen your ability to lead through uncertainty, navigate difficult conversations, influence others, and contribute to positive change.
Recognition of your commitment
Receive a certificate of completion recognizing your participation in this comprehensive leadership development experience.
Leadership Topics
Leadership Topics
The Leadership Institute curriculum combines foundational leadership principles with the challenges professionals encounter every day. Sample topics include:
- Self-Awareness and Personal Leadership: Understanding your leadership strengths, values, and opportunities for growth
- Building Trust and Leading Relationships: Establishing credibility, cultivating relationships, and influencing others
- Emotional Intelligence and Difficult Conversations: Navigating conflict, delivering feedback, and communicating effectively
- Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making: Understanding complex systems, evaluating competing priorities, and making decisions with incomplete information
- Leading Teams and Collaboration: Building effective teams, fostering engagement, and leading across differences
- Innovation and Leading Change: Approaching challenges creatively and guiding individuals and organizations through change
- Financial and Operational Leadership: Understanding budgets, resources, and the business considerations that inform leadership decisions
- Advocacy and Professional Influence: Using your voice and expertise to advance initiatives and strengthen the profession
- Mentorship and Developing Others: Supporting the growth and success of colleagues and future leaders
Topics and session offerings may evolve to reflect emerging leadership challenges and the needs of each cohort.
Program Investment
Program Investment
Registration includes monthly leadership learning sessions, one-on-one mentorship, program materials, one NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo registration, and completion recognition.
Travel, lodging, and optional activities are the responsibility of each participant.
YOUR YEAR OF GROWTH
The Leadership Institute Experience
June 2027
Kickoff and Orientation
Meet fellow scholars, connect with program leaders, learn about the mentorship experience, and hear from the graduating cohort about their leadership journeys and capstone projects.
July 2027 – April 2028
Interactive Leadership Learning
Participate in monthly virtual sessions led by subject matter experts and experienced leaders. Sessions incorporate practical examples, discussion, reflection, and opportunities to connect concepts to your own professional experiences.
Preparatory materials support each month's learning, and recordings are available for review.
Throughout the Program
One-on-One Mentorship
Connect regularly with your assigned mentor to discuss leadership goals, explore challenges, apply program concepts, and receive individualized guidance.
Throughout the Program · Final Presentations Spring 2028
Capstone Project
Identify an opportunity for improvement in your workplace, community, or the profession. Develop and complete a Quality Improvement project that translates your learning into a meaningful initiative.
June 2028
NATA 2028
Connect with fellow scholars and NATA leaders through professional networking and leadership-focused experiences, with opportunities to learn more about association governance and involvement.
June 2028
Completion and Recognition
Celebrate your growth and accomplishments with fellow scholars and receive recognition for completing the Leadership Institute.
Invest in Your Leadership Journey
Effective leadership develops through experience, reflection, relationships, and a commitment to continuous growth.
The NATA Leadership Institute provides the structure, support, and community to help you take the next step, wherever you are in your leadership journey.
Ready to grow your leadership and make a meaningful impact?
Need more information?
Review the Leadership Institute's Frequently Asked Questions page for additional details.
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