How License Revocation Works
When a state athletic trainer board revokes a license, it means the trainer can no longer legally practice athletic training in that state. Revocation is permanent unless the board later reinstates the license through a formal process — which is rare and requires meeting specific conditions set by the board.
Revocation differs from suspension (temporary removal) or surrender (voluntarily giving up the license). A revoked license means the board found serious violations of state law or professional standards. The trainer cannot work as a licensed athletic trainer, cannot use the credential, and cannot legally perform the duties that require licensure in that state.
The board that revoked the license is a state agency, usually called the Athletic Training Licensure Board or a division within the state's Department of Health or Professional Regulation. Each state has its own board and its own rules about what triggers revocation and how the process works.
Key Takeaways
- A revoked license means you cannot legally practice as a licensed athletic trainer in that state, even if you move to a different city within it.
- Revocation is usually triggered by criminal conviction, patient harm, substance abuse, fraud, or repeated violations of state practice rules.
- You have the right to a hearing before revocation takes effect, and you can present evidence and witnesses in your defense.
- If you want to work as an athletic trainer again, you will need to move to another state, work in a setting that does not require licensure, or pursue reinstatement through your state board.
- A revoked license in one state may affect your ability to obtain a license in other states, because most states check disciplinary history.
Why the Board Revokes a License
State boards revoke athletic trainer licenses for serious violations. The most common reasons are criminal conviction (especially felonies or crimes involving dishonesty), patient harm or negligence, substance abuse or impairment while working, fraud or misrepresentation of credentials, repeated violations of scope of practice rules, and sexual misconduct.
Some boards also revoke for financial misconduct (billing fraud, theft from employers or patients), abandonment of patients, or failure to maintain required continuing education over an extended period. The specific grounds vary by state — your state's athletic training practice act lists the violations that can lead to revocation.
Revocation is the most severe penalty the board can impose. Before reaching revocation, boards typically issue warnings, fines, probation, or suspension. Revocation means the board determined the violation was serious enough that public protection requires permanent removal from practice.
Your Right to a Hearing Before Revocation
You have the legal right to a hearing before the board revokes your license. This is called due process. You must receive written notice of the charges against you, the specific violations alleged, and the date and location of the hearing — usually at least 10 to 30 days before the hearing, depending on your state.
At the hearing, you can present your own evidence, call witnesses, cross-examine the board's witnesses, and have an attorney represent you. The hearing is usually conducted by an administrative law judge or a hearing officer, not the full board. You can request a transcript of the hearing and appeal the decision if you disagree with it.
If you cannot afford an attorney, you will need to hire one yourself — the board does not provide one. Many attorneys who handle professional licensing cases work on a flat fee or hourly rate. Some offer payment plans. If you believe the board violated your rights during the process, you may be able to appeal to the state court system, though this is expensive and the court will only overturn the board's decision if it was clearly wrong or violated your legal rights.
Working in Another State After Revocation
You may be able to obtain an athletic trainer license in a different state, but most states will see the revocation on your disciplinary record. When you explore for licensure in a new state, that state's board checks the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) disciplinary database and may contact your previous state board directly.
Some states will deny your process outright if you have a revocation on record. Others will review the circumstances and may grant a license if enough time has passed, if you can show rehabilitation, or if the violation was not serious. A few states have reciprocity agreements that make it easier to move between them, but even those states will investigate a revocation.
Your best chance in another state is to be honest about what happened, show that you have addressed the underlying problem (completed treatment, paid restitution, changed your practice), and demonstrate that you understand what led to the revocation. Some boards will grant a license with conditions — such as supervision, additional training, or regular monitoring — rather than denying you outright.
Working Without a License in Your Field
In most states, you cannot legally call yourself an athletic trainer or hold yourself out as one without a license. However, you may be able to work in related roles that do not require the athletic trainer credential. These include strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, fitness specialist, or rehabilitation aide — the exact titles and requirements vary by state and employer.
Some employers in non-licensure settings (private gyms, corporate wellness programs, some sports teams) do not require an athletic trainer license and will hire people with relevant experience or certifications. You would need to be clear with employers about your background and what you can and cannot do.
You cannot perform duties that are restricted to licensed athletic trainers, such as injury evaluation and diagnosis, treatment planning, or certain hands-on therapies — the exact restrictions depend on your state's practice act. Violating these restrictions can result in criminal charges for practicing without a license.
Pursuing Reinstatement of Your License
Most state boards allow reinstatement of a revoked license only after a waiting period — typically 5 to 10 years, though some states require longer. You must petition the board in writing, usually with supporting documentation showing that you have addressed the reason for revocation.
The board will review your petition and may grant a hearing. You will need to show evidence of rehabilitation, such as completion of treatment programs, letters of reference, proof of employment in related fields, or testimony from professional colleagues. The board may also require you to pass the Athletic Training Licensure Examination (ATLE) again, complete additional continuing education, or agree to probation or supervision.
Reinstatement is not may provide even after the waiting period. The board has discretion to deny your petition if it believes you have not sufficiently addressed the underlying problem or if public protection still requires keeping you out of practice. Some boards are more willing to reinstate than others, and some violations (such as sexual misconduct or serious harm to a patient) are rarely forgiven.
Understanding Your Disciplinary Record
Once your license is revoked, the revocation becomes part of your public disciplinary record. Most state boards publish this information on their websites, and it is searchable by name. The NATA also maintains a disciplinary database that other states can access.
This record will appear if a future employer, school, or licensing board searches for you. You cannot have it removed or sealed — it is a permanent part of the public record. You can request that the board correct factual errors in the record, but you cannot have the revocation itself deleted.
When explore for jobs or licenses in the future, you will likely be asked whether you have ever had a license revoked or disciplined. You must answer truthfully. Lying on an process can result in additional legal consequences and will make reinstatement or future licensure even harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still work as an athletic trainer if I move to a state where I was never licensed?
No. You would need to obtain a license in that new state, and most states will deny your process because of the revocation in your previous state. Some states may consider your case individually, but you should expect the revocation to follow you and affect your ability to practice anywhere.
What if I disagree with the board's decision to revoke my license?
You can appeal the decision, usually to the state court system. An attorney can review whether the board followed proper procedures and whether the evidence actually supported revocation. Appeals are expensive and the court will only overturn the board if it made a clear legal error, not straightforward because you disagree with the decision.
How long does it take for a revocation to become final?
The timeline depends on your state and whether you appeal. The board typically issues a final order within 30 to 90 days after the hearing. If you appeal to court, the process can take one to three years. During this time, you may be able to continue practicing while the appeal is pending, depending on your state's rules.
Will a revoked license affect my ability to work in other healthcare fields?
It depends on the field and the reason for revocation. If you want to become a physical therapist, nurse, or physician, you will need to disclose the revocation on your process. Some programs will deny admission because of it; others will review your case. Criminal convictions are more likely to disqualify you than professional violations alone.
Can I get my license back if I complete additional training or education?
Additional training may help your case for reinstatement, but it does not automatically restore your license. You would still need to petition the board after the waiting period and show that you have addressed the underlying problem. The board will consider additional education as evidence of rehabilitation, but it is not a substitute for meeting the board's reinstatement requirements.