George Fox University | Academics | Departments | Athletic Training | Technical Standards for Admissions

Technical Standards for Admission

The athletic training profession requires the athletic trainer to maintain certain physical, cognitive, and attitudinal abilities that meet technical standards to function effectively.

The following standards embody the abilities an entry-level athletic trainer must be able to demonstrate in order to function in a broad variety of clinical situations; and to render a wide spectrum of care to athletes and individuals engaged in physical activity. The standards reflect the necessary and required skills and abilities identified for the entry-level athletic trainer as detailed in the NATA Athletic Training Educational Competencies and the BOC Inc., Role Delineation Study.

An objective of the ATEP 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 educational 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, the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs (CAATE).

All students admitted to the ATEP must meet the following abilities and expectations. 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 BOC certification exam.

Candidates for selection to the ATEP must demonstrate these essential requirements:

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 judgements 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 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 ATEP will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

Disability Services in the Office of Student Life will review documentation submitted by 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.

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 and internships deemed essential to graduation.

In addition to verifying that they can meet the eight technical standards as outlined above with or without accommodation, the prospective student must also pass a physical examination administered by the GFU health center prior to admittance. Physicals will be performed at no financial cost to the student.

ATEP Admission Application