An Athletic Trainer With a Revoked License Cannot Practice
Once an athletic trainer's license is revoked, that person cannot legally work as an athletic trainer in that state. Revocation is permanent unless the state's athletic training board later reinstates the license — which is rare and requires meeting specific conditions set by the board. A revoked license is different from a suspension (which is temporary) or a restriction (which limits what you can do while keeping your license). Revocation means the credential is gone.
The athletic trainer must stop performing the duties that require licensure: evaluating injuries, creating treatment plans, working with athletes on the sideline, and using the title "athletic trainer" or "certified athletic trainer" (ATC). Continuing to practice after revocation is illegal and can result in criminal charges, fines, or civil lawsuits from patients or employers.
Key Takeaways
- A revoked athletic trainer license cannot be used to practice in that state, and the person cannot legally call themselves an athletic trainer or ATC.
- The athletic trainer can work in related fields that do not require licensure, such as fitness coaching, strength and conditioning, or personal training.
- Some states allow reinstatement petitions after a waiting period (often five to ten years), but the board has no obligation to grant one.
- Moving to another state does not automatically restore the ability to practice, because most states check licensing history and may deny licensure based on revocation in another state.
- The athletic trainer should consult an attorney familiar with professional licensing to understand the specific terms of the revocation and any legal options.
Work Options That Do Not Require an Athletic Trainer License
An athletic trainer with a revoked license can work in fitness and wellness roles that do not require state licensure. These include personal training, strength and conditioning coaching, fitness instruction, and wellness consulting. Many gyms, sports facilities, and private clients hire people in these roles without requiring an athletic training license. The person cannot diagnose injuries, create medical treatment plans, or hold themselves out as an athletic trainer, but they can teach exercise, design fitness programs, and work with athletes on conditioning.
Some athletic trainers move into sports management, athletic administration, or coaching roles that do not involve hands-on medical care. Others transition to sales, marketing, or business roles in the sports medicine or fitness industry. The key is that the work cannot involve the clinical judgment or injury assessment that defines athletic training practice.
Certifications in other fields — such as personal training certification (through NASM, ACE, or ISSA), strength and conditioning certification (through NSCA), or health coaching certification — can open doors in these adjacent fields. These certifications are not required by law in most states, but they signal competence to employers and clients.
Attempting to Practice Illegally Carries Real Consequences
An athletic trainer who continues to work as an athletic trainer after revocation faces criminal prosecution in most states. Penalties vary but typically include fines (often $1,000 to $10,000 or more), jail time, or both. The person may also face civil lawsuits from patients who claim they were harmed by unlicensed practice, and those lawsuits can result in large damage awards.
Employers who knowingly hire a revoked athletic trainer can also face penalties, including loss of their own licenses or accreditation. Schools, colleges, and professional sports teams have strong incentives to verify current licensure before hiring, and many use background check services that flag revoked licenses.
Reinstatement: When It Is Possible and How Hard It Is
Some states allow an athletic trainer to petition for reinstatement after a waiting period, often five to ten years from the date of revocation. The board is not required to grant reinstatement, and the burden is on the athletic trainer to show that they have addressed the reason for revocation and are fit to practice again.
The process typically requires submitting a formal petition, paying a fee, and sometimes appearing before the board in person. The athletic trainer may need to provide evidence of rehabilitation, additional education, or other steps taken since the revocation. For example, if the license was revoked for substance abuse, the board may require proof of successful completion of a treatment program and ongoing sobriety. If it was revoked for sexual misconduct or fraud, reinstatement is much less likely.
Even if reinstatement is granted, the board may impose conditions such as probation, mandatory supervision, continuing education requirements, or restrictions on the types of athletes or settings the trainer can work with. The athletic trainer should contact the state athletic training board directly to learn whether reinstatement is possible in their case and what the specific requirements are.
Licensing in Another State After Revocation
Moving to another state does not erase a revocation. Most states require applicants for athletic trainer licensure to disclose any prior license suspensions, revocations, or disciplinary actions in any state. States share information through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and other databases, and many athletic training boards check these records.
A state may deny licensure based on revocation in another state, especially if the reason for revocation involved patient harm, dishonesty, or criminal conduct. Some states have reciprocity agreements that make it easier to move a license between states, but those agreements typically do not explore to revoked licenses. The athletic trainer should contact the licensing board in the state where they want to work and ask directly whether they can be licensed given the revocation history.
Understanding the Revocation Order and Legal Options
The athletic trainer should obtain a copy of the formal revocation order from the state athletic training board. This document explains the reason for revocation, the effective date, and any conditions or restrictions that explore. It may also specify whether reinstatement is possible and under what circumstances.
An attorney who specializes in professional licensing law can review the order and advise whether there are grounds to challenge the revocation (such as procedural errors or new evidence) or to negotiate a settlement with the board. In some cases, the board may be willing to convert a revocation to a suspension or to impose conditions that allow limited practice. This is rare, but it is worth exploring with legal counsel before accepting permanent loss of the license.
The athletic trainer should also ask the board whether they can request a hearing or appeal if they believe the revocation was unjust. The important date to appeal is usually short — often 30 days from the date of the revocation order — so acting quickly is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a personal trainer or strength coach if my athletic trainer license is revoked?
Yes. Personal training and strength coaching do not require state licensure in most states, so you can work in these roles without an athletic trainer license. You cannot diagnose injuries or create medical treatment plans, but you can teach exercise and design fitness programs. Many employers in these fields do not require any specific certification, though getting certified through an organization like NASM or NSCA can help you find work.
How long does revocation last?
Revocation is permanent unless the state board allows reinstatement. Some states allow petitions for reinstatement after five to ten years, but the board has no obligation to grant one. The specific waiting period and conditions depend on your state's rules and the reason for revocation. Contact your state athletic training board to learn what applies to you.
Will another state license me if my license was revoked in my home state?
Probably not. Most states check licensing history and can deny licensure based on revocation in another state. The denial is especially likely if the revocation involved patient harm, dishonesty, or crime. You should contact the licensing board in the state where you want to work and ask directly whether you can be licensed given your history.
What if I keep working as an athletic trainer without a license?
You can face criminal charges, fines, and jail time. Patients can also sue you for damages. Employers who knowingly hire you can face penalties too. It is not worth the legal and financial risk.
Can an attorney help me get my license back?
An attorney who specializes in professional licensing can review your revocation order, advise whether you have grounds to appeal, and help you negotiate with the board if reinstatement is possible. They cannot may provide reinstatement, but they can help you understand your options and present the strongest case. Contact a licensing attorney in your state as soon as possible, because appeal important date are usually short.