Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE): Transition from Bachelor to the Entry-Level Master’s–A Changing Landscape for Athletic Training Education

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE): Transition from Bachelor to the Entry-Level Master’s–A Changing Landscape for Athletic Training Education.

Small colleges and universities are reviewing if they choose to transition from an existing undergraduate degree in athletic training to an entry-level Master’s degree; or starting a Master’s program from the ground up. In addition, there will be discussion of the current status of master’s programs and their future.

The landscape of the athletic training education program is changing. This is not new, this has been going on for almost five years. However, looking at small colleges and universities that offer athletic training education, this could be disastrous. I wish to point out the future of Athletic Training education is a changing landscape in more than one way. Let me explain; for years, the bachelor’s degree in athletic training was the entry-level degree for sitting for the national board exam, (the Board of Certification exam or BOC). In 2015, there were major changes made to the process
of preparing students to enter the profession of Athletic Training. The Strategic Alliance composed of the BOC; the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, (CAATE); the
National Athletic Trainers Association, (NATA); and the NATA Foundation, announced that the professional degree for Athletic Training be the master’s degree

In terms of the entry-level Master’s degree, there are currently, one hundred, thirty-three (133) CAATE accredited programs. There are nineteen new programs seeking initial accreditation, which translates to hiring two new faculty, purchasing or leasing modalities and rehabilitation equipment, in addition finding a space for teaching and labs. This could be a substantial investment by the institution.

Sport Exerc Med Open J. 2019; 5(1): 21-22. doi: 10.17140/SEMOJ-5-171