PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM STANDARDS

The Standards for Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Programs (Standards) are used to guide programs that prepare professional athletic trainers. Each institution is responsible for demonstrating compliance with these Standards to obtain and maintain recognition as a CAATE-accredited professional athletic training program. A list of accredited programs is published and available to the public. These Standards are to be used for the development, evaluation, analysis and maintenance of athletic training programs. Via comprehensive programmatic evaluation, which include both self-study and annual review processes, CAATE is responsible for the evaluation of a program’s compliance with the Standards. The Standards provide the minimum requirements; institutions are encouraged to develop sound innovative educational approaches that substantially exceed these Standards. The Standards also contain a glossary of terms used throughout the process; the definitions provided in the glossary must be applied as stated.

Current Standards for Professional Programs

CAATE Accreditation Standards Video Library

Changes and Updates

CAATE acknowledges that the dynamic nature of Athletic Training Education requires continuous evaluation and updating of the educational standards. This may require the addition of new standards. Within the latest Standards document (2020), you will see some of the significant changes enacted in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The document is inclusive of a full Glossary.