The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) represents and empowers athletic trainers through advocacy, education, and professional growth. As health care and sports medicine continue to evolve, the profession needs leaders who are prepared to guide its future. The NATA Leadership Institute equips athletic trainers with skills, mentorship, and experiences that strengthen the profession today and shape its direction for tomorrow.

The Institute also builds on the foundation of the STARTracks program and the Leadership Development Certificate, which helped develop many of today’s leaders. Launching in 2026, it combines a structured mentoring model with leadership content from subject matter experts to support both personal and professional growth, preparing Leadership Delegates to make a meaningful impact in their organizations, communities, and the Association.

A year-long, cohort-based program for athletic trainers to build real-world leadership skills, expand their network, and contribute to the profession.

Register Now

Registration Open from December 1 to February 6

Quick Facts

  • Length: 12 months (June → June)
  • Format: Monthly virtual sessions + in-person experiences
  • Mentorship: 1:1 mentoring
  • Capstone: Quality Improvement (QI) project
  • Cohort size: Target is 20 Scholars
  • Includes: One (1) NATA Clinical Symposia registration

Who Should Join

  • Early- to mid-career athletic trainers ready to step into leadership, or established athletic trainers looking to take the next step in their leadership journey.
  • ATs seeking practical skills: strategy, advocacy, communication, finance, and change.
  • Individuals motivated to grow as leaders in ways that can influence their workplace, community, and professional pathways.

What You’ll Gain

  • A curated leadership curriculum with monthly live sessions and prep materials.
  • A dedicated mentor for context, feedback, and accountability.
  • Networking with association leaders and peers at NATA events.
  • A completed QI project you can leverage at work, in your community, or in the profession.
  • Recognition upon completion and a certificate of completion.

Program Investment

  • Members: $950
  • Non-members: $1,500
  • Includes: One NATA Clinical Symposia registration, all sessions, completion recognition & certificate.
  • Notes: Travel and optional events are participant expenses.

Sample Timeline for Leadership Institute

  • Kickoff (Early June) – Virtual orientation, introduction of the new cohort, and showcase of Quality Improvement (QI) projects from the graduating cohort.
  • Monthly Learning Sessions (July – April) – One to two hours of preparatory material followed by a live webinar with subject matter experts. Recordings are available for all sessions.
  • Mentorship (Monthly, July – April) – Delegates meet individually with their assigned mentor to apply program concepts, reflect on challenges, and receive guidance on their QI project.
  • Capstone Project Development (Spring) – Delegates complete and prepare a concise presentation of their QI project outcomes and implications.
  • NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo (June) – Delegates attend leadership-focused events such as the NATA Board of Directors open session, Committee Day, NATAPAC lunch, and networking receptions.
  • Completion & Recognition (June) – Delegates are formally recognized as Leadership Institute completers and receive a certificate of completion.

Sample of Leadership Institute Topics

Delegates will engage each month with subject matter experts who deliver focused sessions that blend leadership theory with practical application, providing tools that can be applied immediately in professional and personal settings.

  • Leadership Fundamentals: leadership styles, self-assessment, and personal development planning
  • Strategy and Vision: strategic planning and articulating a compelling vision
  • Communication: messaging for influence, presentation skills, and facilitation
  • Teams and Collaboration: leading teams, managing conflict, and negotiation skills
  • Ethics and Professionalism: ethical decision-making and professional standards
  • Finance for Leaders: budgeting, resource allocation, and grant writing
  • Innovation and Change: design thinking and change management
  • Mentorship and Coaching: developing others and effective coaching conversations
  • Advocacy and Policy: advocacy strategies and navigating regulations

Need more information?

Review the Leadership Institute's Frequently Asked Questions page for additional details.