Closing the Gap: Rethinking Compensation and Value in Athletic Training

The NATA-Cast

The NATA-Cast
Closing the Gap: Rethinking Compensation and Value in Athletic Training
Apr 17, 2026
The National Athletic Trainers' Association

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In this episode of NATA-Cast, hosts Mollie Pillman, MS, MBA, CAE and Katie Scott, MS, ATC, CAE are joined by Tyler Lesher, DHSc, ATC, CSCS, a private practice performance therapist, Adam Annaccone, EdD, LAT, ATC, CES, PES, a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at The University of Texas at Arlington, and Murphy Grant, LAT, ATC, NASM-PES, chair of the NATA AT Compensation Task Force, for a candid conversation on athletic trainer compensation and professional value.

Sparked by concerns around pay, workload and responsibility, the discussion explores why compensation continues to lag and what can be done to address it. The group examines factors such as cost of living, workload demands and the need to better demonstrate the value athletic trainers bring through clearer documentation and communication of ROI.

They also take on broader structural questions, including autonomy, reimbursement, employer education, potential title changes and the role of associations versus unions. Throughout the episode, the conversation stays candid and solutions-focused, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and engagement across the profession.


NATA-Cast is produced by Association Briefings.

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Episode Artwork Closing the Gap: Rethinking Compensation and Value in Athletic Training 1:03:37 Episode Artwork Advocacy in Action: Inside NATA’s Hit the Hill Day 28:54 Episode Artwork From Idea to Impact: Building Visibility on the Today Show Plaza 33:40 Episode Artwork NATA’s Next President: The Process, the Candidates, and Your Vote 49:56 Episode Artwork The AT Alliance in Action: A Unified Vision for the Profession 1:09:28 Episode Artwork The NATA-Cast is Back! 3:15 Episode Artwork Addressing Sexual Misconduct in Athletic Training 31:56 Episode Artwork NATA Restructured: What It Means for You in 2025 21:44 Episode Artwork CompensATion ConversATion: Health Care Economics 30:48 Episode Artwork DedicATed: Scott Galloway, Secretary/Treasurer/D6 Director 30:28 Episode Artwork DedicATed: Rob Marshall, Vice President/D5 Director 49:38 Episode Artwork Where You AT: Exploring International Immersion Opportunities 46:16 Episode Artwork DedicATed: Kasee Hildenbrand, D10 Director 45:20 Episode Artwork DedicATed: Tanya Dargusch, D2 Director 33:06 Episode Artwork DedicATed: Ray Davis, D3 Director 41:47 Episode Artwork CompensATion ConversATion: Separation 1:05:14 Episode Artwork Where You AT: Mastering International Opportunities 43:39 Episode Artwork DedicATed: Valerie Herzog, D7 Director 1:00:55 Episode Artwork Where You AT: Adaptability in Athletic Training Abroad 41:27 Episode Artwork DedicATed: Ryan Wilkinson, D11 Director 54:33 Episode Artwork DedicATed: Vicky Graham, D1 Director 40:58 Episode Artwork DedicATed: Scott Lawrance, D4 Director 44:29 Episode Artwork Where You AT: Collaborating to Promote Athletic Training 33:46 Episode Artwork From Vision to Reality: The Collegiate Standard of Care Toolkit Unveiled 50:28 Episode Artwork DedicATed: Donna Wesley, D9 Director 38:05