Athletic Training Education Program Technical Standards

The Athletic Training Education Program at Bethel University is a  rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements  and demands on the student enrolled in the program. An objective  of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment  settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged  in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Education Program establish the essential qualities  considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve  the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic  trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program's accrediting  agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education  [CAATE]). The following abilities and expectations must  be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Education  Program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student  will not be admitted into the program. Compliance with the program's  technical standards does not guarantee a student's eligibility  for the Board of Certification examination.

 Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations  using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently  use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment  of patients.
3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with  patients and colleagues, including individuals from different  cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited  to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate  judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must  be able to understand and speak the English language at a level  consistent with competent professional practice.
4. The ability to record the physical examination results and  a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function  well during periods of high stress.
6.  The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
7. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations  and uncertainty in clinical situations.
8. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that  relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Educational  Program will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations,  they can meet the standards.

The Bethel University Health Services will evaluate a student who states he/she could meet the program's technical standards with  accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as  a disability under applicable laws. The Office of Disability Services  coordinates meeting the disability-related needs of students. Documentation  of the disability is necessary to receive services from this office.  Information can be requested from the Director of Disability Services.

If a student states he/she can meet the technical standards with  accommodation, then the University will determine whether it agrees  that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable  accommodation; this includes a review of whether the accommodations  requested are reasonable, taking into account whether accommodation  would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process  of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical  experiences, practical or internships deemed necessary to graduation.

I certify that I have read and understand the technical standards  for selection listed above, and I believe to the best of my knowledge  that I meet each of these standards without accommodation. I understand  that if I am unable to meet these standards I will not be admitted  into the program.

 Name of applicant ________________________Signature______________________________Date____________

 Alternative statement for students requesting accommodations I  certify that I have read and understand the technical standards  of selection listed above and I believe to the best of my knowledge  that I can meet each of these standards with certain accommodations.  I will contact the Office of Disability Services to determine what  accommodations may be available. I understand that if I am unable  to meet these standards with or without accommodations, I will  not be admitted into the program.

 Name of applicant ________________________Signature______________________________Date____________