(a) To be eligible for a license to engage in the practice of athletic training, the applicant must:

(1) Be at least 18 years of age;

(2) Submit an application in the form prescribed by the board;

(3) An athletic trainer registration issued by the board prior to January 1, 2020, is considered a license issued under this article: Provided, That a person holding a license issued prior to January 1, 2020, must renew the license pursuant to a registration and renewal schedule adopted by the board and the provisions of this article;

(4) If subsequent to January 1, 2020, be a graduate of an accredited institution as approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education or successor organization;

(5) Pass a national examination approved by the board;

(6) Complete a criminal background check as required by §30-1D-1 of this code;

(7) Pay the required fee;

(8) Not be an alcohol or drug abuser, as these terms are defined in §27-1A-11 of this code: Provided, That an applicant in an active recovery process, which may, in the discretion of the board, be evidenced by participation in a 12-step program or other similar group or process, may be considered;

(9) Not have been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction within 10 years preceding the date of application for license which conviction remains unreversed;

(10) Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in any jurisdiction if the offense for which he or she was convicted related to the practice of athletic training, which conviction remains unreversed; and

(11) Has fulfilled any other requirement specified by the board.

(b) An athletic trainer shall use the letters "LAT" immediately following his or her name followed by the "ATC" credential to designate licensure under this article.