How a license revocation works for athletic trainers
When an athletic trainer's license is revoked, a state licensing board has permanently taken away their legal right to practice. This is different from a suspension, which is temporary. A revocation means the person cannot work as a licensed athletic trainer in that state unless they go through a formal reinstatement process — which may take years, if it's possible at all.
The board that issues licenses is also the one that can revoke them. In most states, this is the state athletic training licensure board or a combined health professions board. The revocation becomes part of a public record, so employers, schools, and sports organizations can see it when they check someone's license status.
Once revoked, an athletic trainer cannot legally perform the duties that require a license in that state — things like evaluating injuries, creating treatment plans, or working as the sole medical provider at a sporting event. Working without a license after revocation can result in criminal charges.
Key Takeaways
- A revoked license is permanent unless the athletic trainer successfully petitions for reinstatement, a process that varies by state and may take several years.
- Common reasons for revocation include criminal convictions, repeated violations of practice standards, substance abuse, or sexual misconduct.
- The revocation appears on public license lookup databases, making it visible to any employer or organization that checks the person's credentials.
- An athletic trainer with a revoked license can still work in non-licensed roles, such as fitness coaching or general athletic support, but cannot perform licensed clinical duties.
- Each state has its own reinstatement rules; some states allow it after a waiting period and additional education, while others make reinstatement extremely difficult or impossible.
Why licenses get revoked
State boards revoke licenses for serious violations of professional standards or the law. The most common reasons include criminal convictions (especially those involving violence, fraud, or drugs), repeated violations of practice rules despite warnings, substance abuse that affects patient safety, and sexual misconduct or abuse of a patient.
Other grounds for revocation vary by state but often include practicing without proper supervision when required, falsifying patient records, abandoning patients during treatment, or losing the ability to practice safely due to a medical or mental health condition. Some states also revoke licenses when an athletic trainer fails to maintain required continuing education or lets their certification lapse.
The board does not revoke a license on a whim. Most states require a formal hearing where the athletic trainer can present their side. The board presents evidence of the violation, and the athletic trainer has the right to respond, bring witnesses, and have legal representation. After the hearing, the board issues a written decision explaining why it revoked the license.
What happens to employment and credentials
An athletic trainer with a revoked license cannot legally work in any position that requires a license in that state. This includes jobs at schools, colleges, professional sports teams, hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Employers are required to check license status before hiring, and hiring someone with a revoked license can expose the employer to liability.
The revocation also affects national credentials. If the athletic trainer holds a Board of Certification (BOC) credential, the BOC may suspend or revoke it as well, depending on the reason for the state license revocation. A BOC revocation makes it nearly impossible to work as a licensed athletic trainer in any state.
Some athletic trainers look for work in related fields that do not require a license — such as fitness coaching, personal training, strength and conditioning work, or general athletic support roles. These positions do not require state licensure, though they also do not allow the person to perform clinical athletic training duties.
How reinstatement works, if it's possible
Reinstatement rules differ significantly by state. Some states allow reinstatement after a waiting period (often 5 to 10 years) if the person shows evidence of rehabilitation. Others make reinstatement extremely difficult or do not allow it at all. A few states have no formal reinstatement process — once revoked, the license is gone permanently.
When reinstatement is possible, the athletic trainer typically must petition the board in writing, provide evidence of rehabilitation or changed circumstances, and sometimes undergo a new background check or medical evaluation. The board may require additional education, supervised practice hours, or a new examination. The entire process can take 6 months to 2 years or longer.
The athletic trainer bears the burden of proof. They must convince the board that the reason for revocation no longer applies and that they are safe to practice again. This is a high bar, especially for revocations based on criminal conduct or abuse. Many people with revoked licenses never pursue reinstatement because the process is expensive, uncertain, and emotionally demanding.
Finding the specific rules for your state
Each state's athletic training board has its own website with information about revocations, suspensions, and reinstatement. You can find your state board by searching "[your state] athletic training board" or "[your state] athletic trainer license board." The board's website usually lists current license holders and people with disciplinary actions.
Many state boards publish a disciplinary history or enforcement actions page that shows who has had licenses revoked, suspended, or restricted. This is public information. If you need details about a specific revocation, you can contact the board directly and ask for the disciplinary decision, which is usually a public document.
If you are looking for reinstatement information, contact your state board's licensing department and ask for their reinstatement policy. Some states have a written policy; others handle each case individually. The board can tell you whether reinstatement is even an option in your state and what the process would look like.
What an athletic trainer can do after revocation
An athletic trainer with a revoked license in one state may be able to move to another state and explore for licensure there. However, most states ask about disciplinary history in other states during the process process. Some states will deny licensure if there has been a revocation elsewhere, while others evaluate the circumstances and may grant a license anyway. This varies widely.
Within the same state, the person can work in roles that do not require athletic training licensure. Strength and conditioning coaches, fitness coaches, personal trainers, and general athletic support staff do not need a state license in most places. These roles do not allow the person to perform clinical duties like injury evaluation or treatment planning, but they offer a way to stay in the athletic field.
Some people pursue education in a different field entirely — such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or sports medicine — though this requires going back to school. Others leave the athletic field and work in unrelated industries. The path forward depends on the person's circumstances, the reason for revocation, and what they want to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an athletic trainer with a revoked license work in another state?
It depends on that state's rules. Most states ask about disciplinary history in other states when you explore for licensure. Some will deny you automatically if you have a revocation elsewhere; others will review the circumstances. You would need to contact the specific state's athletic training board to find out whether they would consider your process.
Is a revoked license the same as a suspended license?
No. A suspension is temporary — the license is inactive for a set period, after which it may be restored automatically or after meeting certain conditions. A revocation is permanent unless the person successfully petitions for reinstatement, which is a separate and difficult process. Revocation is the more serious action.
Can I find out why someone's license was revoked?
Yes. Most state athletic training boards publish disciplinary decisions online or make them available as public records. You can search your state board's website for a disciplinary actions page, or contact the board directly and ask for the decision. The decision explains the violation and the board's reasoning.
What if I think a revocation was unfair?
The athletic trainer can appeal the board's decision in court, usually within a set time frame (often 30 to 60 days). An appeal challenges whether the board followed proper procedures or whether the evidence actually supported the revocation. This requires a lawyer and is expensive. The athletic trainer should consult an attorney who specializes in professional licensing if they believe the revocation was wrongful.
Can someone with a revoked license ever practice as an athletic trainer again?
Only if their state allows reinstatement and the board approves their petition. Not all states allow it, and even when they do, the process is difficult and uncertain. The person must show they have addressed the reason for revocation and are safe to practice. Many people with revoked licenses never regain licensure.