The NATA-Cast

The National Athletic Trainers' Association

The NATA-Cast is the official podcast of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, providing in-depth conversations about health care topics that interest you – the athletic trainer. Have an idea for an episode or series? Email us at podcast@nata.org! For more information about athletic training and the National Athletic Trainers' Association, visit www.nata.org.

  1. May 29

    Different Career Stages, One Community: What NATA Convention Means to Athletic Trainers

    In this episode of NATA-Cast, hosts Mollie Pillman, MS, MBA, CAE, and Katie Scott, MS, ATC, CAE, explore what NATA's annual convention means across different stages of an athletic training career. Joining the conversation are Axel Moncada, MA, LAT, ATC, a fourth-year certified athletic trainer; Michelle Holt, MA, ATC, OPE-C, an athletic trainer for thirteen years and working in physician practice with an orthopedic surgeon; and Tom Abdenour, DHSc, ATC, CES, a Hall of Famer with nearly five decades in athletic training spanning professional basketball and collegiate athletics. Together, they reflect on the energy, connection and professional growth that define the convention experience. Axel shares lessons learned from attending early in his career, Michelle discusses the value of reconnecting with colleagues and getting involved through volunteering and Committee Day, and Tom highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the significance of his Hall of Fame induction. The episode also offers practical advice for first-time attendees, including finding a convention buddy, stepping outside your comfort zone and taking advantage of opportunities ranging from networking to on-demand education and pre-conference programming. NATA 2026 is June 29 - July 2 and happening in Philly.  Learn more and register to attend at convention.nata.org. NATA-Cast is produced by Association Briefings. We'd like to thank our partners at Human Kinetics for their support of NATA-Cast. Follow The National Athletic Trainers' Association on social media! Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn Have an idea for an episode or series? Send us an email!  thenatacast@nata.org

    Different Career Stages, One Community: What NATA Convention Means to Athletic Trainers
  2. May 15

    To Per Diem or Not?

    In this episode of NATA-Cast, hosts Mollie Pillman, MS, MBA, CAE and Katie Scott, MS, ATC, CAE, are joined by Andy Carter, MS, LAT, ATC, Michael Donahue, DAT, MEd, ATC, and Mary Housel, MS, LAT, ATC, from NATA’s Council on Practice Advancement to discuss the growing role of per diem athletic trainers. Drawing from survey data collected from 394 per diem ATs across 44 states, the conversation explores why athletic trainers pursue per diem work, with many citing supplemental income and nearly one-third reporting it as necessary to earn a livable wage. The guests examine the wide range of compensation rates and unpack the operational, legal and clinical challenges that often accompany per diem assignments, including inconsistent physician oversight requirements, confusion around liability coverage, documentation continuity concerns, emergency action planning and varying interpretations of state practice acts. The episode also highlights practical considerations and best practices for both ATs and employers, including the importance of professional liability insurance, written contracts, informed consent, legal compliance and developing stronger physician relationships to support safe and effective patient care. NATA-Cast is produced by Association Briefings. We'd like to thank our partners at Human Kinetics for their support of NATA-Cast. Follow The National Athletic Trainers' Association on social media! Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn Have an idea for an episode or series? Send us an email!  thenatacast@nata.org

    To Per Diem or Not?

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The NATA-Cast is the official podcast of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, providing in-depth conversations about health care topics that interest you – the athletic trainer. Have an idea for an episode or series? Email us at podcast@nata.org! For more information about athletic training and the National Athletic Trainers' Association, visit www.nata.org.

You Might Also Like