Technical Standards Policy

The ATP at LVC is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled. An objective of the Program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a broad spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the ATP 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 (CAATE). All students admitted to the ATP must meet the following abilities and expectations. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these Technical Standards with or without accommodations, the student will not be admitted into the Program.
Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Program must demonstrate:

1. The willingness to follow the policies and procedures as stated in the LVC Athletic Training Student Handbook.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.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 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 into the Athletic Training 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. Compliance with the program’s standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC certification exam. All students must sign the Technical Standards Policy Signature Form (Appendix A) as part of their application to the LVC ATP.
 
If a student states he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the College 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 an accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences, and internships deemed essential to graduation.