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Important Update – Athletic Training Licensure in New York State (Effective December 22, 2025)

Dear Athletic Trainer,

We are pleased to inform you that, effective December 22, 2025, the profession of athletic training will officially become a licensed profession in New York State. This transition recognizes the essential role athletic trainers play in the health and safety of athletes and communities.

Licensing Transition

  • All athletic trainers currently certified in New York will automatically be transitioned to licensed Athletic Trainers on December 22, 2025.
  • No additional application or requirements are needed for this transition.
  • Registration dates for any currently registered athletic trainers will not be changing. New registration certificates will be issued at the time of renewal listing it as a license.
  • New license parchments can be issued upon request through our website for a fee. Read more information about obtaining a new license parchment.

Mandated Training Requirements

At the time of registration renewal, you must submit proof of completion of:

Written Protocols with Physicians

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.

Continuing Education (will go into effect in December 2028)

  • A minimum of 45 hours of continuing education from a New York State approved provider every 3-year renewal period.
  • No more than 15 hours may be completed through self-study.
  • For licensees whose registration periods begin before 12/22/2028 and end after, the number of hours required for this renewal period will be pro-rated at 1.25 hours/month beginning after 12/22/28 and ending at the time of renewal.

Expanded Scope of Practice

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; and
  • 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.

Athletic trainers must make a written or oral referral to a physician for any individual being treated for an orthopedic athletic injury whose symptoms have not improved for a period of four days from the day of onset.

An individual treated for an orthopedic athletic injury by an athletic trainer in a healthcare organization or a physician's private practice will receive a medical evaluation or reevaluation if the treatment by the athletic trainer exceeds 2 weeks.

Athletic trainers may also conduct initial evaluation and triage of emergent neurological conditions such as potential concussions, spinal cord injuries or nerve injuries that result from engagement in athletic activity, and following the individual's clearance by the supervising physician, the athletic trainer may work with the individual pursuant to the signed written physician agreement or physician protocol to manage, monitor and treat concussions and peripheral nerve injuries in such settings, as part of the rehabilitation to return to athletic activity subject to the limitations of subdivision one section. Definitions of such settings and limitations are described in §8351 of Article 162 of Education Law.

Practice Locations

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. 

Disclaimer: Law, rules and regulations, not guidance, specify the requirements for practice and violating them constitutes professional misconduct. Not adhering to this guidance may be interpreted as professional misconduct only if the conduct also violates pertinent law, rules and regulations.