Regulatory Process Series – NDBAT Process for Athletic Trainer Licensure

In this series, we present helpful information from regulatory agencies who have made the process of athletic training licensure easy and efficient, while still upholding state guidelines. Board members for the North Dakota Board of Athletic Trainers (NDBAT) including Ray Hall, ATC, Stacy Stoner-Dockter, MA, ATC, Sara Bjerke, MS, ATC, Peggy Person and Dr. Dawn Mattern, MD share their organization’s experience.

Can you walk us through the licensure process for Athletic Trainers in your state?

We utilize an online application process through the BOC. Athletic Trainers (ATs) can access the application by logging into their BOC profile. Most applications can be approved automatically, but a few applications must be reviewed on an individual and manual basis, such as when an applicant has a conviction on record or a new applicant is licensed in another state. ATs who have practiced athletic training in another state must go through a verification process from each state they have been licensed.

What is your typical processing time?

When a new graduate has completed all BOC requirements for certification, the processing time for licensing is one to two days. As mentioned, for initial license applications, ATs that have practiced athletic training in another state require verifications from each state. This process may take one to four weeks. Some state license boards are quicker to respond than others. License renewals in the State of North Dakota are typically completed within 24 hours.

What processes do you use to make athletic training licensure efficient?

Utilizing the BOC online application is the most efficient for the NDBAT. Because the board is comprised of volunteers, consisting of three ATs, one physician and a layperson spread out amongst the state of North Dakota. The board meets biannually.

What challenges do you face regulating the Athletic Trainers practicing in your state?

A) We have some vague wording in our practice act that makes it hard to regulate ATs coming into our state for some events.

B) The North Dakota attorney general office in conjunction with the board, monitors and regulates disciplinary issues.

C) We are a volunteer board. Time requirements of the board can be demanding, when addressing practice act/licensing issues.

How does/will your state use the BOC as a resource?

We utilize the BOC for the online application and verification process, which has improved the process time, and help reduce time requirements by the board. The Disciplinary Action Exchange list that the BOC has compiled is available to the board to review.

NDBAT members

Ray Hall, ATC

Stacy Stoner-Dockter, MA, ATC

Sara Bjerke, MS, ATC

Peggy Person

Dr. Dawn Mattern, MD