Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

Connect with CAATE at the 2026 NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo! We’ll be in Philadelphia June 29–July 2, sharing updates, insights, and conversations that advance athletic training education. Stop by to connect with our team and learn more about accreditation initiatives shaping the future of the profession.

We’re proud to recognize Christopher Viesselman, EdD, ATC, LAT, for his meaningful contributions to athletic training education and accreditation. Christopher brings extensive experience in patient care, academic leadership, and student mentorship to his volunteer work with the CAATE.

He currently volunteers as Vice Chair of the Professional Accreditation Council and as a Peer Reviewer, helping support quality improvement, innovation, and the advancement of athletic training programs nationwide. Thank you, Christopher, for your dedication and commitment to strengthening the future of athletic training.

Meet Laura Kunkel, EdD, LAT, ATC, PES, FNAP, a dedicated volunteer whose passion for athletic training “fills her cup.” Laura’s energy and commitment to collaboration inspire others and strengthen the profession. Thank you, Laura, for your incredible contributions!

Read more about Laura: https://caate.net/About-CAATE/Latest-News/Latest-News/volunteer-spotlight-laura-kunkel-edd-lat-atc-pes-fnap

Final chance to apply: The CAATE has new opportunities to get involved and make an impact on the profession! The following committees and councils are actively looking for additional members:

- Professional Accreditation Council Chair
- Professional Peer Review Committee
- CAATE Foundation
- Professional Peer Reviewers

Joining a committee or Council is a great way to get involved, connect with colleagues, and apply your unique experience, knowledge, and ideas to further the mission of the CAATE. Learn more about current opportunities and how to apply by tonight, Monday, May 4: https://caate.net/About-CAATE/Volunteer-Opportunities

The CAATE has new opportunities to get involved and make an impact on the profession! The following committees and councils are actively looking for additional members:

- Professional Accreditation Council Chair
- Professional Peer Review Committee
- CAATE Foundation
- Professional Peer Reviewers

Joining a committee or Council is a great way to get involved, connect with colleagues, and apply your unique experience, knowledge, and ideas to further the mission of the CAATE. Learn more about current opportunities and how to apply by Monday, May 4: https://caate.net/About-CAATE/Volunteer-Opportunities

The call for the CAATE Board of Commissioners is open! Apply to serve in the upcoming term to oversee all activities at the CAATE, guiding decisions that make an impact on the lives of students, educators, administrators, and the Athletic Training profession for years to come.

Interested? Complete the online application by Monday, April 27: https://caate.net/About-CAATE/Volunteer-Opportunities

The CAATE has new opportunities to get involved and make an impact on the profession! The following committees and councils are actively looking for additional members:

- Professional Accreditation Council Chair

- Professional Peer Review Committee

- CAATE Foundation

- Professional Peer Reviewers

Joining a committee or Council is a great way to get involved, connect with colleagues, and apply your unique experience, knowledge, and ideas to further the mission of the CAATE. Learn more about current opportunities and how to apply by Monday, May 4: https://caate.net/About-CAATE/Volunteer-Opportunities

During National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2026), we are proud to celebrate our incredible CAATE volunteers whose dedication, expertise, and commitment help advance athletic training education every day. Your service strengthens our mission and creates a lasting impact on the profession. We appreciate your work and dedication every day of the year.

Looking to get involved with the CAATE? View current opportunities available: https://caate.net/About-CAATE/Volunteer-Opportunities

The CAATE is excited to attend these upcoming conferences! See our schedule and make your plan to join us. Stay tuned for additional details about the individual workshops and presentations.

- AAOE Annual Conference | April 20-22 | Louisville, KY
- CATS 2026 Symposium | May 14 | Las Vegas, NV
- 77th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo | June 29-July 2 | Philadelphia, PA

Learn more about where to find us: https://caate.net/Events-Workshops/Upcoming-Events

The Quality Improvement and Innovation Awards applications are due this week! Nominate a program by submitting an application by this Friday, April 10. To learn more and apply, visit: https://caate.net/Quick-Links/CAATE-Awards/Quality-Improvement-Innovation-Award.

🌟 Quality Improvement Award: Recognizes a program’s use of a structured, data-driven process to evaluate systems and outcomes that include identifying areas for improvement, selecting and implementing measurable changes, and analyzing changes to ensure progression toward established quality improvement project benchmarks. Apply Now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NMFRMLP.

🌟 Innovation Award: Recognizes a program’s use of strategic and intentional processes for identifying, implementing, and measuring new initiatives that advance program quality and/or learner achievement. Apply Now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NMX6HBZ.