- Application process
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Send completed application and appropriate fee(s) to the Department of Health at the address listed on the application (P.O. Box 1099, Olympia WA 98507). The application form must be handwritten in blue or black ink. Typed or computer generated (modified) applications will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will hold up the licensing process. The application must be filled out completely.
When the application is received, the credentialing department will enter application information into the licensing database. Once the application is entered into the database a credential number will be created. This credential number will be visible on the department's Provider Credential Search webpage and indicate a pending status.
A fingerprint packet will be sent to all out-of-state applicants. It's recommended that fingerprints be taken at a local law enforcement agency or any similar location which is proficient at taking fingerprints. If fingerprints sent to the department are unclear, they may be rejected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If fingerprints are returned by the FBI, they must be retaken and a new fingerprint packet must be submitted to the department. This will cause a delay in processing the application. Please note: FBI fingerprint background checks may be delayed due to federal backlog. The department isn't able to rush background checks.
Applicants who have successfully completed all other licensure requirements and are only waiting on a fingerprint based background check may be eligible to receive a temporary license. Please notify the department of health credentialing department if interested in a temporary license.
For additional information, see our fingerprint background check information webpage.Educational material from an approved program must be submitted in one of three ways:
- Mailed in a sealed envelope from university to the applicant and then the sealed envelope submitted with application packet to the department.
- Mailed directly from the university to the department.
- Sent digitally from the university to the department.
- A score card must be requested by the applicant and sent directly from the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) to the department by mail.
- A score card must be requested by the applicant and sent directly from the BOC to the department via the BOC's secure website.
The department will attempt to verify license(s) of all applicants who currently hold or who have ever held a healthcare license in another state. If the department can verify the out-of-state license(s) online, the applicant should note this on the application. The other state's online verification must list whether or not the applicant has ever been subject to disciplinary action. If disciplinary information is not available online, we won't be able to use the online verification, and applicant must request a hard copy be sent from the other state(s). If the department is unable to verify all necessary information online, a deficiency email will be sent to the applicant.
Our goal is to have all applications reviewed and a credential issued within 14 business days from the date that the last piece of required documentation was received.Common Application Holdups
- Demographic information incomplete or incorrect
- Incomplete application.
- Criminal history disclosed but no legal documentation provided. Incorrect verification from BOC.
- Scores not requested from BOC.
- Educational material not received from university.
- Name change not noted on the application. If a name change is not listed on the application, educational transcript(s) or other supporting documentation may not be matched with the proper application.
Please note: If any documentation or required information is missing from the application, the department will send a deficiency email(s) to the applicant. It's important to keep the department updated with a current email address. The department recommends checking spam email folders in case the deficiency email is marked as spam by the applicants email provider. The notice of deficiency outlines the deficiency and how to correct it.
More information on the profession of athletic training and common health issues related to physical activity are available here:
- Apply online
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Getting started
Online Application Instructions
Online application instructions are on our website.
Once you have completed the process, and submitted your application, you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you may look on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.
- Apply on paper
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The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms.
- Renewal requirements
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Athletic trainers must renew their license every year on or before their birthday. They're required to submit the appropriate fee.
Fee Schedule
2024 Fiscal Year in Review (PDF)
- See licensing fees below
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- Application - $115
- License renewal - $135
- Late renewal penalty - $70
- Inactive license renewal - $40
- Expired license reactivation - $100
- Expired inactive license reactivation - $40
- Duplicate license - $15
- Verification - $25
Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are non-refundable, per WAC 246-12-340.
Understanding your Application
All professions within the Department of Health (DOH) are unique. While the sections identified below can often be found on most applications, it is important to be aware of the requirements and rules of your specific credential(s).
After you submit your application, please watch for email communication from DOH. Throughout the application process promptly reply to all questions and requests. Delayed responses cause a longer wait for your credential to be issued. We highly encourage using our online application services.
- Demographic Information
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Demographic data is used to create an account within the DOH database, verify your identity, and collect contact information. Please carefully provide accurate and complete answers to all applicable demographic questions.
- Military
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It is valuable to indicate your military or spouse status on your DOH application. Appropriate documentation is necessary for all military related applications, and it is important to be aware of documents you need to provide to DOH. In some cases, military education, training, and experience may count towards attaining certain health care professional credentials. As a spouse or registered domestic partner of a service member, you may be eligible to have the processing time of your application expedited.
To find information and resources for military personnel and their spouses visit the Military Resources website.
- Personal Data Questions
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All applicants must respond to the personal data questions, which focus on their ability to demonstrate the essential skills required for their profession.
Carefully review all questions. Please note that “yes” answers require an explanation and additional documentation as outlined on your application. If applicable, please be aware of the necessary documentation and provide it to DOH as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your application.
- Other Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
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DOH must verify all other credentials. List all states, including Washington State, where credentials are or were held. If you have applicable credentials to list, you may be required to provide an Out-of-State Credential Verification form. This form can be found in the paper application packet or on the Apply for License page. The form must be sent to each state listed and returned to DOH.
Please remember to provide all in-state and out-of-state credentials, including active, expired, and in-renewal. Individual states may require a fee for sending your verification to us, please check in advance to help expedite this process.
- Education
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To verify your qualifications, we must review all educational preparation and post-graduate training. Applicants must request official transcripts from the school(s) attended and the school needs to send them directly to DOH .
- Exam
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In some cases, passing an exam may be required to receive your credential. It is important to be aware of whether this applies to your credential. Exam scores must be sent from the exam host to the department. For more information on exams that may apply to your credential, visit your profession page.
- Supervised Experience
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Supervised experience may be necessary to receive your credential or maintain it as you practice. Supervision rules and requirements vary from profession to profession, please visit your professions page to learn more about supervision requirements for your credential.
Important Reminders
- Fees
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Fees must be paid when an application is submitted. You can pay online while using the online application portal, or by sending a check or money order to the appropriate PO Box as listed on your application.
Applications with unpaid fees cannot be processed until payment is received.
- Background Check
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A background check is processed for every applicant. DOH may need to obtain a fingerprint-based background check with Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If this is required for your application, you will be contacted by DOH and it is your responsibility to complete the required steps to submit this background check.
Process for Approving/Denying Applications
We finish the final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete and complies with requirements in chapter 18.250 RCW and chapter 246-916 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted the required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.