What does the $950 (or $1,500 for nonmembers) cover specifically?

Your registration covers the full 12-month Leadership Institute experience, including:

• Monthly virtual leadership sessions and all pre-session materials
• One NATA Clinical Symposia registration
• Access to asynchronous session recordings
• A dedicated mentor for the year
• Facilitation and presentations by leadership experts
• Participation in a guided Quality Improvement (QI) project
• End-of-program recognition and certificate

What should I expect after registration?

• Save the Dates: The program begins June 2026 with a virtual orientation and cohort welcome.
• Watch Your Inbox: You’ll receive onboarding details, mentor-matching information, and early access to materials in the spring.
• Prepare to Connect: You’ll join a small, motivated cohort of peers committed to leadership development and advancing the profession.

I have questions. Who should I ask?

Reach out to District 4 Director, Scott Lawrance at selawrance@gmail.com with any program or registration questions.

Is there a syllabus for this offering?

Yes. A full syllabus with monthly topics, expectations, deliverables, and QI milestones will be provided during onboarding and housed in the learning platform.
Content areas include:

• Leadership fundamentals and self-assessment
• Strategy and vision planning
• Communication and influence
• Team building and collaboration
• Ethics and professionalism
• Financial literacy for leaders
• Innovation and change management
• Mentorship and coaching
• Advocacy and policy engagement

How much time per month will I need to dedicate?

Most scholars will spend 4–6 hours per month, which includes:

• The live or recorded monthly session
• Readings, reflections, or short applied activities
• A monthly conversation with your mentor
• Ongoing progress on the QI project

Time may vary during months with major project milestones or in-person events.

Are the monthly virtual sessions mandatory or can they be watched later?

Live participation is encouraged, but all sessions are recorded. Delegates must complete at least 75% of sessions (live or recorded) to earn program completion.

What are the expectations for mentorship meetings?

• Frequency: Monthly check-ins are recommended (minimum every 6–8 weeks)
• Format: Zoom or phone; in-person if convenient
• Reporting: No formal reports required. These meetings are meant to be flexible, reflective, and supportive.

How is the Quality Improvement (QI) project chosen?

You will choose a project in consultation with your mentor. A strong QI project:

• Addresses a real need in your workplace, institution, or community
• Is feasible within 12 months
• Has clear aims, a defined intervention, and measurable outcomes

Examples include workflow improvements, policy or procedure development, communication strategies, or community initiatives.

Is the program self-paced or cohort-based?

The program is cohort-based. Everyone progresses together through monthly content, shared discussions, and key milestones. Independent work (such as the QI project) is self-paced.

Will CEUs be offered?

• Monthly engagement may qualify for Category D CEUs.
• Completed QI projects may earn 10 Category A CEUs through the BOC (requires a $30 submission fee).

Are graduate students or recently certified ATs eligible?

Yes. Anyone may apply. The Institute is designed for individuals preparing for or currently serving in leadership roles. Graduate students with significant professional responsibility or leadership aspirations are welcome.

Can my employer or district pay directly?

Yes. Employers or districts may pay directly. Contact the Education team at education@nata.org to request an invoice or set up payment.

If I can’t attend Convention, can the registration value be deferred?

You may use your included registration at either the kickoff or concluding Convention. Additional flexibility may be considered individually, though attendance is strongly encouraged as part of the leadership experience.

How are mentors selected and matched?

During onboarding, you’ll share your goals and interests. You will then have an opportunity to rank-request 3–5 mentors. Institute Leaders will pair you with a mentor whose background aligns with your needs.

Are mentors NATA leaders or external professionals?

• Experienced NATA leaders
• Clinicians, administrators, and educators
• Select external professionals when appropriate

Their backgrounds vary intentionally to provide wide-ranging leadership perspectives.

Is mentorship continued after the 12-month program?

Formal mentorship concludes at the end of the program, but many pairs continue informally. Graduates also join a growing alumni network.

What happens after I complete the Institute?

You’ll become an NATA Certified Leader and gain opportunities to:

• Serve as a mentor in future cohorts
• Apply for Institute Leader roles
• Engage with NATA committees, advocacy work, and leadership pathways
• Serve your institution, organization, and/or community using the skills gained

How is the completion recognized?

• A leadership plaque
• Publication in NATA News
• Recognition at the NATA Clinical Symposia

Additional credentialing (such as digital badges) may be added in the future.

Will the QI projects be published or showcased publicly?

QI projects are presented during the closing session to your cohort and the new incoming cohort. Additional showcasing may occur through NATA platforms or future Leadership Institute activities.

How is this different from the Leadership Development Certificate or STARTracks?

The Leadership Institute is a cohort-based, immersive, yearlong program that:

• Combines virtual learning, mentorship, and real-world application
• Requires a structured QI project with measurable impact
• Builds community and shared accountability
• Develops leadership skills relevant to workplaces, institutions, communities, and the association

It replaces the outdated Leadership Development Certificate with a more modern, sustainable, and transformative leadership experience.

Cancellation, Refund, and Deferral Policy

Registration for the NATA Leadership Institute represents a commitment to a year-long, cohort-based program that includes limited enrollment, dedicated faculty and mentors, and significant advance planning. As such, the following policy applies:

Refunds Prior to Program Start

• Participants who withdraw on or before June 1 (prior to the start of the program) are eligible for a full refund of the registration fee.
• All withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing to NATA.

Withdrawals After Program Start

• No refunds will be issued once the Leadership Institute has begun.

Extraordinary Life Circumstances

• In the event of extraordinary life circumstances (e.g., serious illness, death in the immediate family, or other significant, unforeseen events), NATA will consider requests for:
• Deferral to the next Leadership Institute cohort (preferred), or
• A refund, at NATA’s discretion.
• Requests under this provision must be submitted in writing and no later than 10 days after the circumstance occurs.
• Supporting documentation may be requested.

Deferrals

• Approved deferrals allow the participant to retain their registration and roll it forward to the next available cohort, subject to space availability.
• Deferrals may be granted one time only.