West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy mandates licensed athletic trainers in all secondary schools

The West Virginia Senate Education Committee convened on March 24, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal aimed at enhancing sports medicine education and support in secondary schools across the state. The primary agenda item focused on a proposed bill in collaboration with the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy, which seeks to implement a five-year program for the placement of licensed athletic trainers in all secondary schools.

The program is set to commence on July 1, 2026, with full implementation expected by February 2027. By this deadline, all secondary schools are required to have a licensed athletic trainer on staff. The bill stipulates that annual funding must be appropriated to the state board to support the expansion of career and technical sports medicine programs throughout West Virginia. This funding will also facilitate the recruitment, hiring, and retention of athletic trainers.

Additionally, the bill acknowledges the existence of non-career and technical education sports medicine programs and mandates the state board to expand these offerings. This expansion aims to ensure that all high school students have access to sports medicine programs that align with the necessary standards for continuing education at higher education institutions in West Virginia.

The legislation also requires the development and maintenance of the program in accordance with the rules of the Secondary School Act. Furthermore, it proposes the use of the Underwood Smith Loan Repayment Program to provide student loan repayments for individuals who commit to working as licensed athletic trainers in public secondary schools. The Policy Commission is tasked with developing criteria for loan repayment eligibility and the distribution of funds.

During the meeting, a question was raised by a senator regarding the applicability of the bill. It was clarified that the program would apply to all secondary schools, including both public and private institutions, not just those affiliated with the Secondary School Activities Commission (SSAC).

In conclusion, the committee's discussions highlighted a commitment to improving sports medicine education and support in West Virginia's secondary schools, with a structured plan for implementation and funding to ensure the program's success. Further steps will be taken to refine the bill and address any additional inquiries from committee members.