Technical Standards

Each student must demonstrate sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to:

1. perform appropriate physical examinations and treatments using accepted techniques
2. use tactile, auditory, and visual senses to appropriately evaluate and treat patients
3. twist, bend, squat down, and get up from the floor, or from seated or kneeling position
4. withstand extended periods of standing, sitting, or kneeling
5. ambulate indoors and outdoors over various terrains
6. exert force to push, pull, or lift and carry essential equipment, including assisting with patient transfer

Each student must demonstrate the cognitive capacity to:

1. assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate diagnostic and therapeutic judgments
2. accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients
3. follow safety policies and procedures
4. follow privacy policies and procedures
5. be substance-free when attending all classes and clinical assignments

Each student must demonstrate:

1. the capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high physical, mental, or emotional stress
2. perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training program as outlined and sequenced
3. flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations
4. affective skills, demeanor, and rapport appropriate to professional education and quality patient care
5. respect for the rights, welfare, and dignity of all program constituents
6. behavior during class and clinical education that is not a distraction to others

Each student must demonstrate 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:

1. establish rapport with patients
2. communicate judgments and treatment information effectively
3. record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately
4. clearly and honestly relay information
5. read, write, speak, and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion, in communication with patients and preceptors, and in medical documentation

Each student must certify that the above technical standards are met at the beginning of each academic year. If a student does not meet any of these technical standards, that student may be removed from clinical experiences until all technical standards can be met.

Students with documented disability will not be precluded from participating in the program; however, such students will need to be able to perform all functions with reasonable accommodation.

Accommodations for Students via Student Accessibility Services

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified students with documented disabilities through an interactive process. Students seeking accommodations must register with Student Accessibility Services and provide appropriate documentation before accommodations can be provided. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, so timely contact with Student Accessibility Services is encouraged. To discuss accommodations or the accommodation process, students should schedule to meet with a SAS specialist. 607-274-1005 | sas@ithaca.edu.

Please note that accommodations may not fundamentally alter course or practicum expectations.

Additionally, some accommodations may be unavailable due to the minimum technical standards described above, which are required in the athletic training clinical setting or to protect patient privacy. Examples of accommodations that would not be available to an Athletic Training Student include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Alternative to cold calling
• Low distraction environment during laboratory, clinical, or practical exams
• Extended time for any laboratory, clinical, or practical exams
• Classroom breaks during clinical practicum rotations
• Modified of attendance for laboratory courses or clinical practicum rotations
• Audio or visual recordings during clinical practicum rotations