AATE Conversations: Best Practices Recommendations in Athletic Training Admissions: A Report from the Association for Athletic Training Education

The transition of professional athletic training education to the graduate level substantially changed the admissions landscape, yet little profession-specific guidance exists regarding which admissions practices best identify candidates while promoting equitable access to professional education. In 2026, the Association for Athletic Training Education (AATE) convened the AdmiT Work Group to examine contemporary athletic training admissions practices and develop evidence-informed recommendations. Through literature review, examination of program-level practices, and iterative expert discussion, the work group developed recommendations across 18 domains encompassing common admissions policies, requirements, and procedures. This session will introduce the recommendations, explore their rationale and practical implications, and facilitate discussion about their application to program-level admissions practices and continuous quality improvement.