What does the scope of practice define for athletic trainers in Texas?

• A. The salary structure
• B. The range of professional activities and interventions an athletic trainer is legally permitted to perform within their education and training.
• C. The number of hours required
• D. The permissible venues

Answer: (B)

The scope of practice is the legal boundary that defines what you can do as an athletic trainer, based on your education and training. In Texas, this is established by the state licensure law and the Board’s rules, and it outlines the activities and interventions you are permitted to perform in clinical care. This includes things like injury assessment, planning and delivering treatment and rehabilitation, performing emergency care, and using appropriate modalities, all within the level of training you have completed and under the required medical direction when applicable. It exists to protect patient safety and ensure a consistent standard of care.

It isn’t about how much you’re paid, how many hours you must work, or the venues where you practice; those are separate considerations (salary structure, required hours, and permissible venues) and do not define what you are legally allowed to do as a practitioner.