Athletic Trainers

Athletic Trainers: Overview and Contact Information

The Athletic Trainers Practice Board licenses athletic trainers and ensures protection of the public from unprofessional, improper, incompetent, and unlawful practice of athletic training.

“Athletic trainer” means a person who, with the advice and consent of a licensed physician, practices the treatment, prevention, care, and rehabilitation of injuries incurred by athletes. “Athlete” means a person trained to participate in exercise requiring physical agility and stamina.

The practice of athletic training includes the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of an athlete’s injuries. Athletic trainers may evaluate and treat athletes pursuant to the written prescription, standing order, or protocol of a licensed physician, provided that an athletic trainer may treat post surgical conditions only pursuant to the written prescription of that athlete’s surgeon. To carry out these functions, an athletic trainer may use exercise and physical modalities such as heat, light, sound, cold, electricity, or mechanical devices related to rehabilitation and treatment. Nothing in the Athletic Trainer Practice Act [Chapter 61, Article 14D NMSA 1978] shall be construed to allow an athletic trainer to provide the initial treatment or evaluation of an athlete injured in a non-athletic setting.

The board assures continued professional competence by requiring all licensed athletic trainers to show proof of continuing education, current cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and certification in the use of automated electrical defibrillator units for every renewal cycle.

The board also investigates complaints from the public about unprofessional or unethical conduct, and takes disciplinary action when required.