Which state regulation of Athletic Trainers is considered the most restrictive?

Licensure is considered the most restrictive form of regulation for Athletic Trainers because it typically requires meeting specific education and examination standards, as well as obtaining a state-issued license to practice. This process often includes rigorous requirements, such as completing an accredited program, passing a national examination, and fulfilling continuing education requirements to maintain the license.

In a licensure model, the state not only recognizes the professional qualifications of Athletic Trainers but also establishes a legal requirement that individuals must be licensed to practice as Athletic Trainers. This means that unlicensed individuals are prohibited from practicing in the state, thereby providing a higher level of public protection compared to other regulatory models.

By contrast, exemptions tend to provide less restriction, allowing certain individuals to perform athletic training without a license, while certification and registration typically involve less stringent requirements than licensure. For example, certification may indicate that an individual has met certain standards, but does not bar others from practicing without certification, and registration often involves a simpler process of notifying the state of one’s practice rather than requiring rigorous testing and educational qualifications. Thus, the licensure option represents the most robust level of regulation, ensuring that only those who have demonstrated competence through defined criteria are allowed to practice athletic training.