On June 19, 2023, Governor McMaster signed Act No. 77 related to athletic trainers into law. The Act amends the South Carolina Code of Laws by repealing Chapter 75, Title 44, relating to the regulation of athletic trainers by DHEC and adding Article 11 to Chapter 47, Title 40, so as to transfer regulatory authority of athletic trainers to the Board of Medical Examiners.
Athletic trainers holding current, unexpired certifications remain certified under the law. DHEC has continued processing and issuing timely submitted renewal applications for certifications. Issuance of certifications for new certification applicants, reciprocal certification applicants, and late renewal applicants was temporarily delayed due to the transition. DHEC has been working collaboratively with the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (LLR) on issues related to the transition. As of Friday, July 21, 2023, DHEC has resumed the issuance of certifications for all qualified applicants, including timely and late renewal applicants, new certification applicants, and reciprocal applicants. We are emailing digital copies of certifications to approved applicants and simultaneously placing hard copies in the mail. Please be patient with us as we process the backlog of applications.
"Athletic Trainer" is defined as an allied health professional with specific qualifications as set forth in South Carolina Code Section 44-75-50 who, upon the advice and consent of a licensed Physician, carries out the practice of care, prevention, and physical rehabilitation of athletic injuries, and who, in carrying out these functions, may use physical modalities, including, but not limited to, heat, light, sound, cold, electricity, or mechanical devices related to rehabilitation and treatment.
No person may hold himself out as an Athletic Trainer or perform, for compensation, any activities of an Athletic Trainer as defined above without obtaining certification from DHEC.
Athletic Trainer Certification Portal
Athletic Trainer Certification Verification
Certification Application Instructions
- Go to the Athletic Trainer Certification Portal.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Create Account”.
- Once you are on your account page, the “Applications” button is in the upper left corner.
Regulations and Laws
Contact ATcerts@dhec.sc.gov for any questions about the electronic certification applications or online fee payments.