What is the purpose of licensure in athletic training?

The purpose of licensure in athletic training is primarily to protect the public by regulating who is permitted to practice in this field. This system ensures that only those individuals who have met specific educational and professional standards can serve as athletic trainers. By enforcing these regulations, licensure helps to maintain a high standard of care and safety for athletes, ensuring that they receive appropriate treatment and guidance based on qualified expertise.

While aspects such as ensuring a high level of training among practitioners can be a byproduct of licensure, the core objective is focused on public protection. The regulation is vital in preventing unqualified individuals from practicing, which could lead to harmful consequences for athletes and patients. This protective measure contributes to the credibility and professionalism of the athletic training profession.

Other options like allowing unqualified individuals to practice, establishing a fee structure, or merely ensuring training levels do not encapsulate the legal and ethical responsibilities that licensure aims to uphold. Thus, the emphasis on public safety and regulation is what fundamentally underscores the necessity of licensure in athletic training.