Radford University
Department of Exercise, Sport and Health Education
Athletic Training Education Program

Technical Standards for Admission

The Athletic Training Education Program at Radford University is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students 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 completing 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 who graduate from the Athletic Training Educational 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, be allowed to continue, or graduate from the program. Compliance with the program's technical standards does not guarantee a student's eligibility for the NATABOC certification exam.

Athletic Training Education Program students must demonstrate:

1. the mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, and 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 Education Program will be required to verify they understand and feel confident they will meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain reasonable academic accommodations, they can meet the standards.

As appropriate, and in conjunction with the Disabilities Resource Office, Radford University will evaluate, on a case by case basis, a student’s request for reasonable academic accommodations on the basis of a disability. Appropriate documentation will be required to substantiate and evaluate any requests for accommodations. Radford University is committed to providing equal access/opportunity for students with disabilities, while at the same time, reserving the right to deny accommodations that compromise clinician/ patient safety and/or fundamentally alter the nature of the program.

All technical and academic standards will be measured throughout various courses must be met throughout enrollment in the athletic training curriculum. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the program director if during enrollment, circumstances occur and he/she cannot meet the technical standards. Reasonable alternate strategies and techniques will be discussed at this time.

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 with or without reasonable academic accommodations. I understand that if accommodations are required, I will contact the Disabilities Resource Office and provide documentation to begin the process of receiving reasonable academic accommodations. I understand that if I am unable to meet these standards I will not be admitted into, allowed to progress in or graduate from the program.

Signature of Applicant: ________________________________________

Date: ______________