Frequently Asked Questions for Athletic Trainer

Effective December 22, 2025, the profession of athletic training will officially become a licensed profession in New York State (NYS). This will expand the athletic training scope of practice in NYS, and this transition recognizes the essential role athletic trainers play in the health and safety of athletes and communities.

All athletic trainers currently certified in NYS will be automatically licensed on December 22, 2025.  No additional application or requirements are needed for this transition.

Your renewal is still based on your current registration. New registration certificates will be issued at the time of renewal, listing your credential as a license. New license parchments will only be issued upon request through our website for a fee. Read more information about obtaining a new license parchment.

At the time of your next registration renewal after December 22, 2025, you must submit proof of completion of:

• Mandated Training Related to Child Abuse
• Mandated Training in Infection Control

Athletic trainers will practice under the continuous supervision of a physician. While direct physical presence of the supervising physician at the time and place of services is not required, a signed written protocol must be in place for supervision and practice, which:

• Describes of the nature and scope of athletic training services.
• Is mutually agreed upon by the physician and athletic trainer.
• Is reviewed annually.

Creating this document will be the responsibility of the athletic trainer and their supervising physician.  Protocols will not be collected or pre-approved by the Department. Should a professional conduct complaint be made concerning a licensed athletic trainer, such agreement or protocol may be reviewed by the Department at that time. 

Effective December 22, 2025, the practice of the profession of athletic training will be defined as:

• The prevention, recognition, examination, evaluation, assessment, management, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries;
• The recognition of illness and referral to the appropriate medical professional with implementation of treatment pursuant to physician's orders;
• Instruction to coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, and communities in the area of care and prevention of athletic injuries;
• The use of clinically appropriate therapeutic modalities and techniques, including the use of physical, chemical, and mechanical means including the use of heat, cold, light, air, water, sound, electricity, massage, mobilization as it relates to athletic training, including non-thrust mobilization, and exercise; and
• appropriate preventative and supportive devices and temporary splinting or bracing.

Licensed athletic trainers can perform athletic training under physician supervision and limits their practice to:

• Secondary and postsecondary schools
• Professional, amateur, non-profit, and dance organizations
• Military academies and facilities of the United States
• Fire and police training programs and academies
• Healthcare organizations and physicians’ private practices

We encourage all New York certified athletic trainers to review these changes carefully and ensure compliance with the new requirements under Education Law Article 162 effective December 22, 2025.

Individuals practicing athletic training in NYS without a license may constitute unauthorized practice. Education Law Section 6512(1) makes it a class E felony for anyone not authorized to practice as an Athletic Trainer who practices or offers to practice or holds themselves out as being able to practice as an Athletic Trainer. Education Law Section 6509 defines professional misconduct as, among other things, permitting, aiding or abetting an unlicensed person to perform activities requiring a license. Furthermore, Education Law Section 6512(2) makes it a class E felony for anyone, to knowingly aid or abet three or more unlicensed persons to practice a profession requiring a license or employs or holds such unlicensed persons out as being able to practice in any profession in which a license is a prerequisite to the practice of the acts.

Beginning on December 22, 2028, athletic trainers must complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education from a NYS approved provider every 3-year renewal period. No more than 15 hours may be completed through self-study. 

The term “self-study” refers to the delivery method of approved continuing education coursework. Examples of self-study coursework include watching a video presentation or reading through a slideshow. 

Online courses where the student can interact with the instructor are considered the same as an in-person class. An example of this would include a video conference. The delivery method should be listed on the certificate you receive for completing a course (i.e. “Self-study/non-interactive distance” or “live/attended”). If you are unsure about the delivery method of a particular course, you can confirm this with the provider beforehand.

For licensees whose registration periods begin before December 22, 2028 and end after, the number of hours required for this renewal period will be pro-rated at 1.25 hours/month beginning after December 22, 2028 and ending at the time of renewal.