CAATE | Who We Are

Who We Are

The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the public and profession by establishing and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards that facilitate quality outcomes, continuous improvement, innovation and diversity to enhance athletic training education.

The CAATE provides educators and clinicians resources and information to stay informed – and compliant – with accreditation standards. The Commission knows that leading in this way improves health care outcomes.

The CAATE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA).

CAATE’s CHEA Scope of Recognition

The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredits professional and post-professional programs in athletic training at the baccalaureate and master’s degree levels within the United States. (2023)

Learn more about CHEA recognition.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is review of the quality of higher education institutions and programs. In the United States, accreditation is a major way that students, families, government officials, and the press know that an institution and/or program provides a quality education.

Accreditation is:

A voluntary quality assurance process
A peer review course of action
A method of validation
Recognition that an institution/program has met standards set forth by the peer-reviewing body

Mission

Serving the public and profession by establishing and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards that facilitate quality outcomes, continuous improvement, innovation and diversity to enhance athletic training education.

Vision

Advancing clinical practice and improving health care outcomes through promotion of excellence in athletic training education.

Values

Accountability
Transparency
Integrity
Excellence
Leadership
Collaborative

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Within Athletic Training

The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) is committed to equitable representation for all, including students, faculty, staff and key stakeholders regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, age, sex, marital status, socioeconomic status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, or veteran status. An inclusive environment improves the quality of health care in athletic training community relations and positively affects the health and wellness of our communities. Learn more about our commitment and recent work.

History

Always partnering with leading groups striving for excellence in health care, the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Athletic Training (JRC-AT) was incorporated in Texas in October 1991. The JRC-AT was a Committee on Accreditation under the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP); effective June 30, 2006, the JRC-AT became independent from CAAHEP and changed its name to the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).