Certified Athletic Trainer Program
The certified athletic trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the ATC functions as an integral member of the athletic healthcare team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, industrial settings and other healthcare environments.
The Athletic Trainers' Act of South Carolina (S.C. Code of Laws: Title 44, Chapter 75) gives regulatory authority over the certification of athletic trainers to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. The certification program is administered by DHEC's Division of Emergency Medical Services.
DHEC-EMS, with the advice of the Athletic Trainers' Advisory Committee, develops standards and prescribes regulations for the improvement of athletic training services in South Carolina.
The Athletic Trainers' Advisory Committee consists of nine members appointed by the DHEC board. Two members are DHEC staff, one is from the State Board of Medical Examiners, four are certified athletic trainers, and two are from the general public who are not certified or licensed in any health care field and are not connected in any way with athletic trainers.
The committee meets at least once each year to review the standards and regulations for improving athletic training services and make recommendations to the department.
Requirements for certification
An applicant for an athletic trainer certification must pass the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification, Inc., (BOC) examination and have met the athletic training curriculum requirements of a college or university and give proof by means of a certified transcript.
For more information, contact Donald Whiteley (803) 545-4204
For additional information, contact: please e-mail DHEC-EMS Director Alonzo Smith or call him (803) 545-4204.