Starting the journey to becoming a Certified Athletic Therapist may seem overwhelming at first. From graduating, successfully completing the NCE and finding your first job, Certified ATs are always learning.
While every stage of a Certified ATs career is significant, earning your education is where it all begins. We’ve put together this guide to help you transition into your career. Read on for more!
In the Beginning: Starting Your Study
Let’s keep it simple. To become a Certified AT, you’ll want to start by applying to a CATA-accredited program to complete the Athletic Therapy education.
Middle Stages: Connecting with CATA and Starting Your Network
At this point, your degree is well underway, and your schedule is likely filled with classes and clinical practicums. Another important milestone is applying to become a CATA member for the first time. You’ll need to be a CATA member for at least 18 months prior to attempting the National Certification Exam (NCE), so it's a good idea to complete this after you’re settled into your studies.
Becoming a CATA member enables you to take advantage of benefits as a Certification Candidate member like access to exam resources, preferred pricing for CATA conferences and webinars, award eligibility, athletic therapy branding materials, web store access, and the Provisional Certification program. Every year, CATA hosts a Candidate Town Hall that answers questions about the certification processes, the NCE, membership benefits and so much more. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to get all the necessary information needed to prepare for the final years of undergraduate study and considerations for the future.
If you aren’t already on LinkedIn, now is a great time to create your profile and start connecting. You’ll also want to follow the CATA LinkedIn channel to learn more about the important work Certified ATs are doing around the country and build your network.
Not sure about where your journey could take you, post-graduation? Taking part in events and activities is an excellent way to network and discuss further steps with Certified ATs and others in the industry. As a candidate or a newly certified member, you’ll be able to take part in CATA’s Mentorship Program to accelerate your career development and access the members-only job board for Certified AT-specific job openings. Certification Candidate members can check out more on that program here (must be logged in to view).
Reaching the Home Stretch: Graduation, the NCE and Provisional Certification Status
This is when all your hard work starts to pay off and certification is within sight. You’ve made sure you’re eligible for the exam by signing up as a Certification Candidate member, you’ve maintained your First Responder Certification, and you’re ready for the next stage. Remember, you’ll need to have completed your degree prior to taking the exam, and you should also schedule to take it within two years of graduation.
The application period for the NCE is one month long and opens on February 15th for the June exams and August 15th for the November exams. As a CATA member, Certification Candidates can take advantage of the resources the association offers that will help prepare for the NCE. You can find these resources through your member login on the CATA website. The new CATA Exam Experience recently launched, allowing you to not only be exposed to questions from previous NCEs, but also gain a better understanding of the examination platform, how the exam is displayed, and what features are available on exam day.
If you’ve met all NCE registration requirements, graduated, and are waiting to take the upcoming NCE, you can apply for a Provisional Certificate (PC). Acting as a modified and additional step, the PC status enables Certification Candidates the ability to begin working in the field or clinical setting while awaiting the upcoming NCE.
The application period for the PC opens when the exam application window opens and ends the day prior to the next NCE. The PC must be requested and is only granted to those who meet all requirements.
Past the Finish Line: Transitioning into Your Career as a Certified AT
Congratulations, you’ve passed the NCE and are ready to start your career! Your membership status will now change to Certified Member, and you’ll be able to call yourself a Certified AT and use the CAT(C) designation. Make sure to check out the Athletic Therapy logo and resources (available to Certified Members only) to add to your signature, your website, or your social media so everyone can celebrate this important moment with you: you are now a Certified AT!
Of course, the learning isn’t over yet. Certified ATs are required to keep their knowledge and skills up to date through maintaining 21 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) every three years, along with BLS and First Responder certifications. As a newly Certified AT, you can claim 7 CEUs given to you as a reflection of the work and study you put in to prepare for your exam.
In the journey towards your certification, preparation and practice aren't just steps in the process– they are the cornerstone of your success. As your partners in this journey, CATA is committed to providing aspiring athletic therapists, Certification Candidates and Certified ATs with the support they need on every step of the journey. No two paths are the same, but each educational and professional career is an opportunity to share experiences and knowledge with the next generation of our industry.
Check out our social channels to learn more about the work of CATA and Certified ATs on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!
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