HOPE COLLEGE

ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION

The Athletic Training Education Program at Hope College 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 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 Allied Health Education Programs [CAAHEP]). 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 NATABOC certification exam.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Educational 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.

Criteria: Ability to lift a 25 pound weight

Ability to perform CPR

Free of communicable disease following a physician's physical examination

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.

Criteria: Satisfactory performance in the application interview

Satisfactory performance in the application essays

4. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.

Criteria: Satisfactory performance in the application essays

5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.

Criteria: Satisfactory performance in the application interview

6. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.

Criteria: Satisfactory performance in the application interview

7. 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 Hope College Office of Disabled Student 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.

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 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.

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.

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Signature of Applicant

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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 Hope College Office of Disabled Student 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.

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Signature of Applicant

___________________

Date

© 2012 Hope College | Hope College Athletic Training Program | 222 Fairbanks Avenue | Holland, MI 49423
northuis@hope.edu | phone: 616.395.7070 |fax: 616.395.7175