Changes in Athletic Training Education as a Result of Changing From NATA-PEC to CAAHEP

THE PURPOSES OF THIS STUDY WERE TO: 1) identify the major differences between the CAAHEP athletic training educational essentials and NATA educational essentials, and 2) address the potential impact of those changes on educational programs. Three of the five athletic trainers on the JRC-AT responded to an eight-item questionnaire. Responses from the survey were compared and contrasted. CAAHEP accreditation guidelines will permit more flexibility in teaching methods than did the NATA guidelines. CAAHEP does not mandate a minimum of 800 hours of clinical experience, but the NATA Board of Certification requires the completion of 800 hours before taking the certification exam. CAAHEP policies regarding fair practice and nondiscriminatory policies were believed to be more strict, thus assuring that students are not misused in a service capacity, and are exposed to a variety of male and female sports. Financially, the accreditation fees were increased. Long-term changes were anticipated as: 1) administrative and content essentials being weighed separately, 2) departmental move to medical or allied health departments, and 3) increased academic responsibilities for program directors.