Where can an athletic trainer find good continuing education courses on new sports medicine techniques?

Athletic trainers (ATs) looking to stay on the cutting edge of sports medicine and new clinical techniques need Category A continuing education units (CEUs) approved by the Board of Certification (BOC).

Top platforms and organizations offering high-quality continuing education courses focused on modern sports medicine techniques include:

• NATA EducATe Platform: The National Athletic Trainers' Association provides an extensive online catalog through NATA EducATe , featuring on-demand modules, clinical symposia sessions, and specialized tracks (like advanced infection control, manual therapy, and return-to-play criteria).
• BOC Approved Provider Directory: You can search for verified, high-impact CE activities directly via the BOC Continuing Education Directory to find live workshops, web-based modules, and evidence-based clinical courses.
• MedBridge Education: A popular multi-disciplinary platform that features extensive robust tracks specifically for athletic trainers, covering orthopedic assessment, blood flow restriction (BFR) training, dry needling, and advanced rehabilitation techniques.
• Continuing Education in Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (CEOSM) / Rehab Educate Providers: Organizations like Evidence in Motion (EIM) or MedBridge-affiliated university partners offer specialized hands-on and hybrid certifications in modern modalities like spinal manipulation and movement analysis.
• Professional Sports-Specific Symposia: Attending regional or national conferences—such as the annual NATA Clinical Symposia & Expo —provides invaluable live hands-on learning labs and networking with leaders in emerging sports tech and surgical rehab.

If you let me know your specific area of interest (e.g., dry needling, manual therapy, concussion management, or lower extremity rehab) and whether you prefer online/on-demand or in-person hands-on courses , I can narrow down the best specific provider recommendations for you.

If you’re an athletic trainer looking to stay current on new sports-medicine techniques, I’d prioritize providers that combine evidence-based content with hands-on or clinically applicable education.

• educate.nata.org — Best overall for athletic trainers. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association offers 150+ on-demand courses and up to 200 CEUs with membership, covering clinical skills, emerging topics, and advanced practice. NATA also runs the annual Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, which includes interactive sessions and hands-on labs.
• medbridge.com — Best for flexible online learning. It has 1,000+ athletic-training courses, including return-to-sport testing, baseball-pitcher rehab, concussion/vestibular care, injury management, and movement assessment. Courses include video demonstrations and BOC-approved CE.
• acsm.org — Best for broader sports-medicine and exercise-science research. ACSM offers online courses and recorded sessions covering current advances in sports medicine, exercise science, and clinical practice.
• amssm.org — Good for advanced sports-medicine topics. The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine offers specialized courses and conferences, including diagnostic/interventional sports medicine and team-physician education.

What I’d choose

For a working AT, I'd start with NATA EducATe for profession-specific CE, then use Medbridge for technique-focused video education. For cutting-edge topics, add ACSM or AMSSM conferences/courses.

When evaluating a course, look for BOC approval, hands-on practice, current peer-reviewed evidence, and instruction from practicing clinicians/researchers rather than courses that primarily teach a branded technique.

If you tell me your specialty—orthopedics, concussion, strength & conditioning, pediatrics, college/pro sports, etc.—I can also find the best current courses for that specific area.

To stay on the cutting edge of sports medicine techniques, manual therapy, rehab protocols, and emergency care, athletic trainers (ATs) have access to several top-tier platforms offering Board of Certification (BOC) approved Category A continuing education units (CEUs).

The best places to find high-quality, evidence-based continuing education courses include:

1. NATA EducATe (National Athletic Trainers' Association)
   • What it offers: NATA’s official online learning platform includes an on-demand catalog with over 150+ courses and hundreds of available CEUs. It covers emerging clinical techniques, specialized microcredentials, and foundational practice advancements.
   • Why it's great: The full on-demand course catalog is included as a member benefit for NATA members, making it a cost-effective choice for keeping your credentials updated. Explore the platform directly at NATA EducATe.
2. MedBridge
   • What it offers: A massive, high-production-value library of video-based courses, live webinars, and multi-course tracks specifically accredited for athletic trainers. Topics range from advanced rehabilitation for baseball pitchers and modern ACL protocols to vestibular advances in concussions.
   • Why it's great: Their subscription model gives you unlimited access to an intuitive mobile app and extensive clinical tracks taught by nationally recognized industry experts. You can check out their specialized catalog via MedBridge Athletic Training CEUs.
3. BOC-Approved Provider Activity Directory
   • What it offers: The official searchable directory hosted by the Board of Certification. Every single Category A activity approved for ATs in the U.S.—from major university symposia (like Mayo Clinic or Andrews Institute) to specialized hands-on workshops—is cataloged here.
   • Why it's great: If you are looking for specific, niche techniques or local hands-on live events rather than generic online modules, you can filter by domain, live vs. on-demand, and location. Search upcoming listings on the BOC Activity Directory.
4. Evidence in Motion (EIM)
   • What it offers: Advanced, evidence-based certifications and live weekend courses focusing on sports medicine competencies, dry needling, performance therapy, and spinal manipulation.
   • Why it's great: Ideal for ATs looking for hands-on, rigorous clinical mentoring and advanced certifications alongside physical therapists. View their hands-on lab schedules on the EIM Sports Medicine Competencies Page.
5. Children’s Health Andrews Institute Lecture Series
   • What it offers: Renowned multidisciplinary sports medicine lectures and leadership series providing high-level, evidence-based content.
   • Why it's great: They frequently offer robust, NATA BOC-approved modules—including many free or low-cost online options targeting surgical updates, youth sports injuries, and advanced rehab.

If you're looking for something specific, let me know:

• Are you looking for online/on-demand or hands-on/live courses?
• What specific clinical domain or technique (e.g., dry needling, post-op rehab, concussion management) are you targeting?

I can help narrow down the best specific courses or providers for your goals.

For an athletic trainer looking specifically for new sports-medicine techniques, I’d start with these sources:

• nata.org — Probably the best first stop for AT-specific CE. NATA says its membership includes 150+ on-demand courses and up to 200 CEUs, covering a broad range of athletic-training practice. New courses are added regularly.
• nata.org — Particularly good for hands-on learning, emerging techniques, research updates, and networking with clinicians. The 2026 meeting featured hundreds of sessions plus interactive and hands-on labs.
• amssm.org — The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine offers courses that can be useful for ATs wanting exposure to advanced sports-medicine procedures and diagnostic approaches. Its current offerings include sports-ultrasound and diagnostic/interventional courses.
• amssm.org — A particularly interesting free resource if ultrasound is relevant to your practice. It includes 35 modules, demonstrations of regional diagnostic ultrasound, pathology, and interventional procedures.
• University sports-medicine programs and specialty conferences — Look for workshops affiliated with major academic medical centers, especially those offering cadaver labs, ultrasound training, rehabilitation techniques, concussion management, or injury-prevention methods.

How I'd choose

Before enrolling, check that the course is BOC-approved or otherwise applicable to your credentialing requirements, and favor courses that include hands-on practice, current research, qualified faculty, and explicit learning objectives. NATA itself is a BOC-approved provider (P100), and its newer courses can transfer to an AT's BOC profile through Sync-CE.

If the goal is specifically cutting-edge clinical techniques, I'd prioritize NATA hands-on courses + sports ultrasound/interventional education + specialty workshops rather than generic CEU courses.

Certified athletic trainers (ATs) looking to fulfill Board of Certification (BOC) requirements while staying on the cutting edge of new sports medicine techniques have access to several top-tier, accredited platforms and professional networks.

Dedicated Athletic Training & Multi-Disciplinary Platforms

• NATA EducATe : The National Athletic Trainers' Association's official online learning center is a primary destination. It features an extensive on-demand catalog (with hundreds of CEUs covering emergency care, orthopedics, and novel rehabilitation strategies), often included or heavily discounted with an active NATA membership.
• MedBridge Education : Highly popular across sports medicine disciplines, MedBridge offers robust, evidence-based video courses specifically targeted to ATs. Instruction covers advanced movement assessments, specialized low back/spine examinations, and cutting-edge rehab protocols taught by recognized clinical experts.
• Healthy Roster CEU Platform : Provides Category A, BOC-approved continuing education courses designed specifically for and by athletic trainers, focusing on practical, real-world clinical applications.
• Brookbush Institute : Offers specialized tracks ranging from manual therapy and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to complex movement assessments and joint mobilizations tailored for credentialed ATs.

Free & Research-Backed CEU Sources

• AT-PBRN Online Courses : Run by the Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network, this platform provides a large library of completely free BOC Category A CEU modules featuring narrated video instruction and evidence-based clinical updates.
• Children’s Health Andrews Institute : Frequently highlighted in sports medicine continuing education circles for hosting extensive, high-impact, and often free NATA BOC-approved lecture and leadership series.

Finding and Tracking Official Courses

• BOC Approved Provider Directory : You can search directly through the official Board of Certification activity directory to find verified Category A providers and filter courses by specific content domains or emerging techniques.

If you can share your specific setting (e.g., secondary school, collegiate, clinical, or industrial) or the clinical area you want to focus on (such as manual therapy, concussions, or orthopedics), I can recommend targeted courses or free modules suited to your needs.

If you’re an athletic trainer looking to stay current on new sports-medicine techniques, I’d prioritize courses that are both evidence-based and recognized for athletic-trainer CEUs.

Best places to look

1. NATA EducATe — best overall for athletic trainers

   • The National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s platform has 150+ on-demand courses and up to 200 CEUs included with NATA membership.
   • Courses cover clinical skills, emerging topics, and specialty areas, with new material added regularly.
   • NATA is a BOC-approved provider, so it is particularly convenient for maintaining certification.
   • The 2026 NATA Clinical Symposia on-demand program is currently available through December 31, 2026, with up to 25 CEUs for on-demand participants.

2. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Continuing Education — excellent for evidence-based sports medicine

   • ACSM offers online CEC/CME courses, with new courses added regularly.
   • Its Sports Medicine Essentials course is especially relevant: it covers musculoskeletal examination, diagnostic skills, treatment strategies, concussion/neck injuries, and upper- and lower-extremity problems.
   • ACSM is also a BOC-approved provider for athletic trainers.

3. American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) — particularly good for advanced techniques

   • Its free Sports Ultrasound Online Didactics include diagnostic and interventional ultrasound instruction, regional examinations, pathology recognition, and demonstrations of procedures.
   • This is a particularly interesting option if you're looking to expand into point-of-care ultrasound and newer diagnostic/interventional approaches.

4. Live hands-on conferences

   • For learning techniques rather than simply watching lectures, look for courses with hands-on labs, demonstrations, and case-based sessions. NATA's Clinical Symposia, for example, specifically includes interactive sessions and hands-on learning labs.
   • One upcoming option is the AMSSM/OHSU Sports Ultrasound Course, November 19–22, 2026, in Portland.
   • If you're in Arizona, the Advanced Team Physician Course is December 4–6, 2026, in Phoenix. It is designed for team physicians, certified athletic trainers, PTs and coaches and focuses on current evaluation and treatment of medical and musculoskeletal conditions.

What I'd choose

For most ATs, I'd use NATA EducATe as the foundation, then supplement it with ACSM for broader sports-medicine evidence and AMSSM for specialized skills such as ultrasound.

When evaluating an individual course, check that it:

• Provides BOC Category A CEUs if you need them.
• Includes hands-on or case-based learning when you're learning a technique.
• Is taught by clinicians actively practicing in that specialty.
• Addresses current evidence/guidelines, rather than simply presenting a proprietary technique.
• Clearly states what competencies you'll be able to apply afterward.

If you tell me which techniques you're most interested in (e.g., sports ultrasound, concussion management, manual therapy, rehab, blood-flow restriction, recovery technologies, or injury prevention), I can search for the best current courses specifically for that area.

If the goal is new, evidence-based sports-medicine techniques, I’d prioritize courses that are BOC-approved and include hands-on clinical training.

Best places to start

1. NATA EducATe — Probably the best all-around option for certified athletic trainers. NATA currently offers 150+ on-demand courses and up to 200 CEUs with active membership, covering clinical practice, emerging techniques, and professional development.

   • Particularly useful for concussion, rehabilitation, emergency care, therapeutic interventions, and evidence-based practice.
   • NATA is a BOC-approved provider (P100).

2. NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo — Excellent if you want to actually practice new techniques, rather than just watch lectures. The 2026 Philadelphia meeting included 30+ hands-on learning labs and interactive sessions covering current techniques and technologies.

3. AMSSM Education — Although primarily aimed at sports-medicine physicians, AMSSM's educational programs can be valuable for athletic trainers working closely with team physicians. Its offerings include sports ultrasound, diagnostic/interventional techniques, and team-physician education.

4. Kinetic Seminars — A particularly interesting regional option in Pennsylvania. It offers evidence-based continuing education for physical therapists and athletic trainers, with courses focused on orthopedic and sports-medicine problems and hands-on manual therapy.

5. Philadelphia Sports Medicine Congress — Worth watching for regional sports-medicine education and BOC continuing-education opportunities.

What I'd look for in a course

For someone specifically trying to learn new techniques, I'd favor courses that have:

• BOC Category A CEUs
• Hands-on laboratory components
• Faculty who actively practice or publish in the specialty
• Recent systematic reviews/research incorporated into the curriculum
• Skills such as sports ultrasound, blood-flow restriction, advanced rehabilitation, concussion assessment, manual therapy, load management, or emerging recovery technologies
• A clear explanation of when not to use the technique, not just how to perform it

Best combination: use NATA EducATe for convenient CEUs throughout the year, then attend one high-quality hands-on conference/workshop annually for practical skill development.

If you're looking specifically for courses within driving distance of Harrisburg/Central Pennsylvania, I can narrow this down to upcoming 2026 options and identify which ones offer BOC Category A CEUs.

Certified athletic trainers (ATs) looking for Board of Certification (BOC) Category A continuing education units (CEUs) and advanced training in new sports medicine techniques have access to several top-tier digital platforms, institutional lecture series, and professional associations.

Search Directories & Official Tools

• BOC Activity Directory : The official searchable directory provided by the Board of Certification. It allows you to filter every approved Category A activity available to athletic trainers in the U.S. by domain, format, and CEU value.

Comprehensive On-Demand Learning Platforms

• MedBridge : Highly popular among athletic trainers, MedBridge offers robust, video-based courses taught by industry experts. Topics range from advanced movement systems and modern rehabilitation protocols to specialized joint assessments.
• NATA EducATe : The National Athletic Trainers' Association online learning center features a massive library tailored specifically by and for ATs, keeping you connected to evidence-based practice standards.
• Summit Professional Education : Offers flexible formats including on-demand videos, live streams, and multi-hour deep dives into specific therapeutic modalities and clinical techniques.
• HomeCEU Connection : Provides extensive text and video-based libraries covering emergency care, biomechanics, concussion management, and orthopedic rehabilitation.
• PESI HealthCare : Features targeted clinical certifications and courses on emerging techniques like blood flow restriction (BFR) training, advanced movement assessment, and modern concussion protocols.

Specialized & Free CEU Sources

• Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) : Offers a large catalog of complimentary, BOC-approved CEU courses focused heavily on exercise physiology, sports nutrition, and hydration science.
• Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN) : A stellar resource providing dozens of free, evidence-based online modules and CEUs specifically geared toward clinical research and application.
• Children's Health Andrews Institute Sports Medicine Lecture Series : Frequently hosts no-cost, NATA BOC-approved lectures and leadership series highlighting multidisciplinary expert perspectives in youth and competitive sports medicine.

Are you looking for free options, hands-on in-person lab courses , or do you have a specific technique or injury domain (like dry needling, IASTM, or emergency spine boarding) in mind?

Athletic trainers looking for continuing education (CE) on emerging sports medicine techniques have several strong options, especially those that provide BOC-approved CEUs and focus on evidence-based clinical practice.

Professional organizations

• National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) — One of the best starting points. Its NATA EducATe platform offers on-demand courses, webinars, certificates, and specialty content covering areas such as concussion management, musculoskeletal health, therapeutic interventions, sports science, and mental health.
• Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) — Use its approved provider directory to find CE activities that meet certification maintenance requirements.

Conferences and hands-on learning

• National Athletic Trainers' Association Clinical Symposia & AT Expo — Offers lectures, workshops, labs, and sessions on new approaches in sports medicine and athlete care.
• Regional and state athletic trainer associations often host workshops with practical labs (e.g., taping techniques, rehabilitation methods, emergency care, and injury prevention).

Specialty areas to explore

Depending on your practice setting, look for CE courses in:

• Advanced rehabilitation and return-to-play testing
• Concussion assessment and management
• Injury prevention and performance optimization
• Ultrasound and emerging diagnostic tools
• Manual therapy and therapeutic exercise
• Sports nutrition and recovery science
• Mental health and athlete wellness
• Heat illness and exertional emergencies

Academic and research-based sources

• University sports medicine programs and continuing education departments often offer courses led by physicians, researchers, and clinicians.
• Reading journals such as the Journal of Athletic Training and attending related journal clubs can help identify techniques that are supported by current evidence.

Tips for choosing a course

• Confirm it offers CEUs accepted by the BOC or your state licensing board.
• Prioritize courses with hands-on components when learning procedures or rehabilitation techniques.
• Look for instructors actively practicing or publishing in the specialty area.
• Compare course objectives with your current patient population (high school, collegiate, professional, clinic, industrial, etc.).

If you tell me your setting (e.g., high school, college, professional sports, clinic, military, or industrial athletic training) and your interests (rehab, concussion, strength/performance, emergency care, etc.), I can suggest more targeted CE options.

Finding quality continuing education units (CEUs) that focus on cutting-edge sports medicine techniques requires looking at platforms specifically approved by the Board of Certification (BOC) for the Athletic Trainer.

Top platforms, organizations, and institutional series offering robust, modern education for athletic trainers include:

• Comprehensive Online Learning Platforms
  • MedBridge Athletic Training CEUs : Highly popular for its video-based courses, multi-modal tracks, and expert instructors covering advanced biomechanics, movement systems, and modern rehabilitation protocols.
  • HomeCEU Connection : Features hundreds of on-demand videos, case studies, and scenario-based learning modules spanning emergency care, concussions, and orthopedics.
  • Summit Professional Education : Offers extensive text and on-demand video courses, live webinars, and focused deep-dives into physical evaluations and therapeutic interventions.
• Professional Associations & Specialized Institutes
  • NATA EducATe : The National Athletic Trainers' Association platform provides tailored educational libraries, virtual events, and targeted clinical content directly from leaders in the profession.
  • American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) : Excellent for advanced surgical and non-surgical curricula, continuing medical education (CME/CEU) credits, and multidisciplinary perspectives.
  • Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) : Offers robust, science-backed and often complimentary courses focusing on exercise physiology, hydration, and advanced sports nutrition.
• Free & Research-Backed CEU Providers
  • Athletic Training Practice-Based Research Network (AT-PBRN) : Provides a massive library of peer-reviewed, free narrated video modules and assessments explicitly approved for BOC Category A CEUs.
  • Children’s Health Andrews Institute Sports Medicine Lecture Series : Renowned for hosting high-level, evidence-based pediatric and adult sports medicine lectures that frequently offer free Category A credit.
  • EBPcentral : Focuses heavily on integrating clinical expertise and research evidence into practical, time-flexible courses.
• Official Search Tools
  • BOC Activity Directory : If you are hunting for a niche or brand-new technique, use the official searchable directory provided by the Board of Certification (BOC) to filter active Category A courses by domain, format, or sponsor.

If you have a specific clinical focus in mind (such as upper extremity biomechanics, emergency sideline response, or concussion management), I can narrow down which specific platform or course series fits your practice setting best.