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Athletic Trainer (ATC/LAT)
Athletic trainer licensing requires a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and passing the BOC certification exam. AT Compact membership, dry needling privileges, physician direction requirements, and scope of practice vary significantly by state.
51
Total States
50
Require License
0
AT Compact States
42.1 hrs
Avg CE Hours
Athletic trainer licensing involves earning a master's degree, passing the BOC exam, and meeting state-specific requirements for scope of practice, physician direction, and continuing education.
The Board of Certification (BOC) exam is the standard certification for athletic trainers. It is a computer-based exam with multiple-choice and alternative item formats. Passing the BOC is required for licensure in nearly every state that regulates athletic training.
The Athletic Trainer Licensure Compact (AT Compact) allows licensed athletic trainers to practice in other compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. This is especially valuable for athletic trainers who travel with sports teams across state lines.
Athletic trainers provide emergency care, injury evaluation, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation. Dry needling privileges vary by state, with some states explicitly permitting it and others restricting or prohibiting the practice for athletic trainers.
Side-by-side fees, hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states. Sort by cost, hours, or any column.
Compare All StatesFind out if your license transfers to another state and what extra steps are needed.
Check ReciprocityBrowse approved programs by state — compare costs, requirements, and timelines.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements.
| State | Credential | Licensed | Regulation | BOC | Compact | Dry Needling | CE Hours | Fees | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | Yes | 25 | $550 | March 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $675 | March 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | Yes | 50 | $675 | March 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | L.A.T. (Licensed Athletic Trainer) | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 25 | $575 | March 2026 |
| California(CA) | ATC | No | Not Regulated — confirmed by absence of any California regulatory agency in NATA directory and BOC FAQ stating California does not have licensure | Yes | No | No | — | $375 | March 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | RAT | Yes | Registration | Yes | No | No | 75 | $475 | March 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 10 | $775 | March 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 40 | $575 | March 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 40 | $695 | March 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | Yes | 24 | $580 | March 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 | March 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | RAT | Yes | Registration | Yes | No | No | 75 | $520 | March 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 25 | $525 | March 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT) | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | Yes | 40 | $550 | March 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | LAT (Licensed Athletic Trainer) | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 40 | $475 | March 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $550 | March 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 | March 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | Yes | 50 | $575 | March 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 25 | $575 | March 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 25 | $475 | March 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | Yes | 40 | $825 | March 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 30 | $675 | March 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 75 | $525 | March 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | RAT | Yes | Registration | Yes | No | No | 50 | $525 | March 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 25 | $525 | March 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 40 | $475 | March 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 25 | $575 | March 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | LAT (Licensed Athletic Trainer) | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $550 | March 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | Yes | 50 | $675 | March 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $595 | March 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $595 | March 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 | March 2026 |
| New York(NY) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 45 | $691 | March 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | Yes | 25 | $575 | March 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 25 | $575 | March 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $505 | March 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | LAT (Licensed Athletic Trainer) | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 25 | $525 | March 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 | March 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | CAT | Yes | Certification | Yes | No | No | 50 | $475 | March 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | LAT (Licensed Athletic Trainer) | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $485 | March 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | LAT (Licensed Athletic Trainer) | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 | March 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 25 | $525 | March 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 | March 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | LAT (Licensed Athletic Trainer) | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 40 | $695 | March 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $499 | March 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $525 | March 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | LAT (Licensed Athletic Trainer) | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $640 | March 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 25 | $725 | March 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | LAT (Licensed Athletic Trainer) | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | Yes | 50 | $525 | March 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 40 | $531 | March 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | LAT | Yes | Licensure | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 | March 2026 |
Athletic trainers often work alongside other licensed healthcare professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.
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