Athletic Training

Regulations of the Commissioner

Subpart 79-7, Athletic Training

§79-7.1 Definitions.

As used in this Subpart:

1. Acceptable accrediting agency shall mean an organization accepted by the department as a reliable authority for the purpose of accreditation at the post-secondary level, applying its criteria for granting accreditation in a fair, consistent, and non-discriminatory manner, such as an agency recognized for this purpose by the United States Department of Education.
2. Certification shall mean authorization to use the title certified athletic trainer.
3. Acceptable United States certifying body shall mean an organization which certifies athletic trainers on a nationwide basis in the United States and has standards for membership or to become certified satisfactory to the department, including but not limited to, completion of significant post-secondary course work in athletic training or a related field and successful performance on an appropriate examination.

§79-7.2 Education requirements.

To meet the professional education requirements for certification in this State, the applicant shall present satisfactory evidence of completing:

1. a program in athletic training leading to the baccalaureate degree, its equivalent or a higher degree that is either registered by the department pursuant to section 52.27 of this Title, or accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency, or the equivalent of such a registered or accredited program; or
2. a program, other than a program described in subdivision (a) of this section, that leads to the baccalaureate degree, its equivalent or a higher degree, and includes or is supplemented by didactic course work and clinical experience that meet the requirements to become certified by an acceptable United States certifying body at the time such course work and clinical experience are completed, provided that the following requirements are met:
   1. the applicant has completed at least 1500 hours of clinical or work experience in the practice of athletic training, as defined in section 8352 of the Education Law, that provided the applicant with an equivalent type of experience to the clinical experience obtained in a practicum offered within a program of athletic training registered pursuant to section 52.27 of this Title; and
   2. the applicant has completed at least 12 semester hours or its equivalent of post-secondary course work at a level that is equivalent to that offered in a program registered pursuant to section 52.27 of this Title in the professional athletic training content area, as defined in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of section 52.27 of this Title; and
   3. the applicant has completed at least 9 semester hours or its equivalent of post-secondary course work at a level that is equivalent to that offered in a program registered pursuant to section 52.27 of this Title in the human biological and physical sciences and social and behavioral sciences content area, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of section 52.27 of this Title.

§79-7.3 Experience requirements.

An applicant shall meet the experience requirement for certification by completing the practicum, or clinical or work experience which the applicant must complete as part of the professional education requirements for certification, as prescribed in section 79-7.2 of this Subpart.

§79-7.4 Professional licensing examinations.

1. Except as provided in section 79-7.5 of this Subpart, each applicant for certification shall pass an examination that is determined by the department to measure the applicant's knowledge of and judgment concerning the content areas that constitute a registered program leading to certification in athletic training, as defined in section 52.27 of this Title.
2. Education requirements for admission. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 59.9 of this Title, an applicant for certification shall not be required to satisfy all education requirements before being admitted to a professional licensing examination in athletic training. Such education shall be completed prior to certification.
3. Grade retention. The grade retention limitations of subdivision (f) of section 59.5 of this Title shall not be applicable to a professional licensing examination in athletic training.
4. Passing standard. The passing standard for each examination shall be a standard acceptable to the State Board for Medicine in consultation with the State Committee for Athletic Trainers.

§79-7.5 Special provisions.

An applicant shall not be required to meet the examination requirements for certification as prescribed in section 79-7.4 of this Subpart, provided that by February 7, 2000, the applicant:

1. has filed an application and paid the required statutory fees to the department;
2. has met the education requirements prescribed in section 79-7.2 of this Subpart;
3. is at least 21 years of age; and
4. has either:
   1. been actively engaged in the practice of athletic training, as defined in section 8352 of the Education Law, for at least four years during the seven years immediately preceding August 2, 1993; or
   2. been certified by an acceptable United States certifying body.