Registration for the NATA Virtual Athletic Training Educators’ Conference 2024 is now open with CEU content lined up for athletic trainers interested in learning about pedagogy and program administration. Educators and non-educators are welcome, and NATA members can use their $150 membership credit toward registration.
Taking place live Oct. 17-18 with on-demand access through Dec. 1, VATEC 2024 will be hosted on the NATA EducATe platform for attendees to enrich their teaching skills through the exploration of pedagogical concepts and delve into the world of program administration.
NEW THIS YEAR
As reported on p. 20 of the July NATA News, the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer has expanded CEU offerings for educators. Now courses that help educators and preceptors improve their teaching effectiveness qualify for CEUs.
“We are in exciting times in AT education,” said ATEC Subcommittee Chair Kim Peer, EdD, ATC, FNATA. “We have continued to disseminate quality information regarding pedagogical and administrative issues in AT education throughout the years through virtual conferences. However, as educators, this is the first time, historically, that we can garner CEUs for education-based content uniquely tailored for the educator.”
With the theme “Reconnecting and Reenergizing Athletic Training Education,” VATEC 2024 provides a host of courses as seen on the On-Demand Sessions webpage on the NATA EducATe platform. Attendees can earn up to 11.75 CEUs for courses offered in a new two-track format during VATEC 2024.
Peer said VATEC 2024 presents a broad range of professional development opportunities in pedagogy and athletic training program administration.
“Through a variety of delivery formats, this conference will allow AT educators to spend virtual time together sharing best practices in AT education,” she said. “This conference will allow educators to share ideas and strategies to further enhance the work we do every day to facilitate the advancement of the athletic training profession.”
Also new is a poster contest providing poster authors the opportunity to feature their research and be recognized by their colleagues.
“Highlighting key pedagogical and administrative topics, the new format offers opportunities for participants to engage with scholars across the country in breakout, plenary, model practice and poster sessions,” Peer said. “With limited time and space on continuing education programs, posters provide a rich experience for attendees to engage with a range of topics.”
Peer said VATEC 2024 will help validate the importance of athletic training education as a necessary aspect of advancing the profession.
NON-EDUCATORS BENEFIT, TOO
At VATEC 2024, non-educators can acquire new skills and best practices in athletic training education that could be applied across settings. They include simulations, interprofessional education, technology, policy development, budgeting, crisis intervention, accessibility and more. Another perk is that non-educators can also earn CEUs.
As a non-educator, you also have access to model practices and latest research to enhance your professional development.
Mentorship training is another VATEC benefit for non-educators. Many non-educator ATs are mentors and can benefit from understanding pedagogy and program administration.
For those interested in moving into education, VATEC 2024 is an opportunity to build some background knowledge to advance your career further.
With the collaborative opportunities VATEC 2024 provides, learning from and engaging with educators is an opportunity to provide feedback and input that might influence the direction of AT education.
Register for VATEC 2024 now on NATA EducATe.
