Athletic Training Advisory Committee

General Questions

1. What is athletic training?

   Athletic training is the practice of physical conditioning and reconditioning of athletes and the prevention of injuries incurred by athletes. Athletic training also includes the application of physical treatment modalities to athletes under a plan of care designed and overseen by a New Jersey licensed physician.

2. Is an athletic trainer the same as a personal trainer?

   No. A personal trainer is a fitness professional who has a one-on-one relationship with a client. Currently, personal trainers are not licensed healthcare professionals.

3. What are the requirements to become a licensed athletic trainer in New Jersey?

   To be eligible for licensure you must:

   • Be 18 years of age or older;
   • Be of good moral character and not be engaged in the habitual use of alcohol, narcotics or other habit-forming drugs;
   • Have graduated from a high school approved by the Department of Education or has obtained equivalent education acceptable to the Board of Medical Examiners; and
   • Have graduated from an athletic training education program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education; and
   • Have successfully passed the Board of Certification examination for Athletic Trainers.

4. How do I apply to become a licensed athletic trainer in New Jersey?

   You will need to complete the application along with the submission of:

   • A nonrefundable application fee of $100.00 and the licensure fee. The fee for initial licensure is $80.00 if paid during the first year of a biennial renewal period (odd years) or $40.00 if paid during the second year of a biennial renewal period (even years).
   • A clear, full-face passport-style photograph of your head and shoulders attached to the front page of the application.
   •  A resume that describes in detail your full employment history.
   • A notarized copy of the Athletic Training Education Program certificate issued by your college/university that verifies your completion of the curriculum approved by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs or the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education as per N.J.S.A. 45:9-37.42.
   • You will need to have your college/university provide an official transcript in a sealed envelope forwarded directly to the Committee's office.
   • If you are licensed in other states, you will need for the board in each state where you are or have been licensed to fill out a Verification of State License form, stamp it with the board's official seal and mail it directly to the: State Board of Medical Examiners, Athletic Training Advisory Committee, P.O. Box 183, Trenton, New Jersey 06625. Please contact each state office to find out about the necessary processing fees for verification before mailing out your verification forms.
   • If you have been employed as an athletic trainer, you will need for each employer to complete a Verification of Professional Employment form.

5. What is the continuing education requirement?

   The Continuing Education requirements to maintain a New Jersey Athletic Trainers License are covered in the Athletic Trainers regulations N.J.A.C. 13:35-10.21 through 13:35-10.25.
   

6. Where can I send my supporting documents?

   You may send your supporting documents to BMEAT@dca.njoag.gov.
   

7. Must I be a citizen of the United States to be eligible for licensure?

   No. New Jersey State law allows for all individuals, regardless of citizenship status, to obtain a professional or occupational license in New Jersey if all requirements for licensure are met. Individuals with undocumented status are eligible for licensure and a social security number is not required for licensure.