Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 300-4-14 — Alabama Athletic Trainer Loan Assistance Program

300 Alabama Commission on Higher Education

Ala. Admin. Code r. 300-4-14-.01 Authorization and Purpose

(1) The Alabama Athletic Trainers Loan Assistance Program was established by the Alabama Act 2025-337 during the 2025 Legislative Session. The program authorizes the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to provide financial support by extending federal student loan assistance to eligible licensed athletic trainers in the State of Alabama through the Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP).

(2) The purpose of the program is to encourage the recruitment and retention of licensed athletic trainers at qualifying public K-12 schools or school systems in the State of Alabama.

History

• Author: Artcola Pettway, Stephanie C. Dolan
• Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, Alabama Act 2025-337
• New Rule: Published September 30, 2025; effective November 14, 2025.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 300-4-14-.02 Organization

(1) The Commission has been authorized to adopt rules and regulations for the administration and implementation of the Athletic Trainer Loan Assistance Program in consultation with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.

(2) The requirements of this article are contingent upon available funding for the AMSTEP program.

(3) The Commission shall appoint staff as needed to ensure the efficient operation of the program and is the final authority in determining eligible program applicants.

(4) A percentage not to exceed 10 percent of any annual appropriations received by the program may be expended for the operation and administrative requirement provided in this article.

(5) The Commission shall consult with the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services in the development of the accountability and evaluation plan for the program per §16-5-104 of ACT 2025-337.

History

• Author: Artcola Pettway, Stephanie C. Dolan
• Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, Alabama Act 2025-337
• New Rule: Published September 30, 2025; effective November 14, 2025.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 300-4-14-.03 Definition of Terms

(1) APPROVED DEGREE. A completed master’s degree recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education for an athletic training program through which students become eligible for an approved degree.

(2) APPROVED INSTITUTION. A public or private nonprofit institution of higher education that satisfies both of the following:

(a)Is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges or by a nationally recognized accrediting agency that provides the institution with eligibility to receive Title IV federal student aid.

(b)Is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education for an athletic training program through which students become eligible for national certification upon successfully completing the Board of Certification, Inc. examination.

(3) ATHLETIC TRAINING SERVICES. Services provided by a licensed athletic trainer within the scope of athletic training practice pursuant to Chapter 40 of Title 34.

(4) CERTIFICATION. National recognition by successfully completing the Board of Certification, Inc. examination for athletic training.

(5) CHARTER SCHOOL. A public K-12 school established pursuant to Chapter 6F of Title 16.

(6) COMMISSION. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

(7) ELIGIBLE APPLICANT. An individual who satisfies the criteria set out in this article and is eligible under rules adopted by the commission in consultation with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.

(8) LICENSED ATHLETIC TRAINER. A healthcare professional who is legally authorized to perform athletic training services within this state upon satisfying all of the following requirements:

(a) Graduated from an approved athletic training program at the master’s degree level from an approved institution.

(b) Passed the Board of Certification, Inc. examination.

(c) Holds a valid license from the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers that verifies the individual meets state-specific requirements, including continuing education.

(9) LOAN ASSISTANCE SUPPORT. Financial assistance provided to a licensed athletic trainer who provides athletic training services at a qualifying institution and has an outstanding federal student loan balance.

(10) PROGRAM. The Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP), or any successor program, administered by the Commission in consultation with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.

(11) QUALIFYING INSTITUTION. A public K-12 school or school system in this state that requires athletic training services for sanctioned activities governed by an organization, including the Alabama High School Athletic Association or the Alabama Independent School Association.

(12) YEAR. The fall, spring, and summer semesters of an academic year of a qualifying institution.

History

• Author: Artcola Pettway, Stephanie C. Dolan
• Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, Alabama Act 2025-337
• New Rule: Published September 30, 2025; effective November 14, 2025.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 300-4-14-.04 Applicant Eligibility and Award Amounts

(1) Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, eligible licensed athletic trainers in the State of Alabama will be eligible to receive student loan assistance of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) per year worked or three thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($3,750) per semester worked for a maximum of four consecutive years. To be an eligible applicant, an applicant shall satisfy all of the following:

(a) Is a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

(b) Holds an approved degree from an approved institution.

(c) Is licensed and in good standing with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers pursuant to Chapter 40 of Title 34.

(d) Provides an average of at least 20 hours of athletic training services per week at qualifying institutions throughout the year in this state.

(e) Has outstanding subsidized or unsubsidized federal student loans.

(f) Satisfies additional continuing eligibility criteria established by the Commission in consultation with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers.

(g) Is not receiving a grant from the Athletic Trainer Secondary School Incentive Program.

History

• Author: Artcola Pettway, Stephanie C. Dolan
• Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, Alabama Act 2025-337
• New Rule: Published September 30, 2025; effective November 14, 2025.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 300-4-14-.05 Application Procedures

(1) The Commission shall make the Alabama Athletic Trainer Loan Assistance Program award available to eligible students at participating institutions by the following:

(a) Applicants may obtain the application from the Commission's website or the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers' website.

(b) Applicants must submit their applications to the Commission by August 1 each year. A completed application and the following required documentation is to be submitted for approval:

1. Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence,

2. Proof of approved degree from an approved institution,

3. Proof of license and good standing with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers pursuant to Chapter 40 of Title 34,

4. Proof of outstanding subsidized or unsubsidized federal student loans,

5. Proof of additional continuing eligibility criteria established by the Commission in consultation with the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers, and

6. Proof of not receiving a grant from the Athletic Trainer Secondary School Incentive Program.

(d) In addition to the initial application, each eligible applicant shall be required to submit the following documentation per semester (fall, spring, or summer) of employment:

1. Proof of an average of at least 20 hours of athletic training services per week worked at qualifying institutions throughout the year in Alabama,

2. Proof of outstanding subsidized or unsubsidized federal student loans,

3. Proof of not receiving a grant from the Athletic Trainer Secondary School Incentive Program.

(e) Incomplete applications will not be considered.

History

• Author: Artcola Pettway, Stephanie C. Dolan
• Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, Alabama Act 2025-337
• New Rule: Published September 30, 2025; effective November 14, 2025.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 300-4-14-.06 Award Procedures

(1) Loan assistance awards shall be distributed directly to eligible applicants in two disbursements during the applicable year with one disbursement being made after January 1 and the second disbursement being made after June 1.

(2) If the award amount exceeds the loan balance, the award amount will be reduced to match the loan balance.

(3) The Commission shall determine the necessary procedures for awarding loan assistance if the eligible applicants' total awards exceed available funding.

(4) The Commission shall prioritize loan assistance to eligible educators prior to awarding loan assistance to eligible licensed athletic trainers.

(5) Recipients shall notify the Commission in writing of any change in status within 30 days after the change. Failure to notify the Commission of a change in status shall affect future eligibility. A change in status includes all of the following:

(a) A change in name.

(b) A change in residence.

(c) A change in employment status.

(6) A recipient who receives an Alabama Athletic Trainer Loan Assistance award and continues to satisfy employment criteria shall continue to receive an award for the four-year consecutive limit unless the recipient becomes ineligible. If a recipient leaves a qualifying institution and accepts employment in a school or school system that does not require athletic training services for sanctioned activities or is not governed by the Alabama High School Athletic Association or the Alabama Independent School Association, the recipient shall no longer qualify to receive federal student loan assistance.

(7) A loan assistance award is considered income by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and must be reported as such.

History

• Author: Artcola Pettway, Stephanie C. Dolan
• Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, Alabama Act 2025-337
• New Rule: Published September 30, 2025; effective November 14, 2025.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 300-4-14-.07 Appeal Procedures

Any individual or institution not satisfied with the Commission’s actions in its administration of the program may submit a written petition to the Commission within 30 days after notice of the action. If not satisfied with the response of the Commission to the written petition, the individual or institution may request a rehearing within 20 days after the response of the Commission is made. The Commission shall schedule the rehearing within 20 days after receipt of the rehearing request. The individual or institution may present written and oral evidence supporting the petition and may be represented by counsel. The decision of the Commission following the rehearing is final.

History

• Author: Artcola Pettway, Stephanie C. Dolan
• Authority: Code of Alabama 1975, Alabama Act 2025-337
• New Rule: Published September 30, 2025; effective November 14, 2025.