Athletic Training Education Program Technical Standards

For students to successfully complete Lasell College’s Athletic Training Program they must have the following qualities (as permitted by practice act and licensure):

1. Academic ability to earn a “C” or higher in all professional courses and a 2.3 cumulative average.

2. Ability to achieve a level of competency in all procedures that will enable the student to practice safely and effectively in a clinical education setting. These procedures include, but are not limited to, the following competencies:

1.      Demonstrate the ability to guard patients when standing and ambulating on level surfaces, stairs, and with or without the use of assistance devices, including, cane, crutches, and walkers.

2.      Demonstrate the ability to safely transport necessary athletic training supplies and equipment between the Athletic Training Room and the various practice/game settings.

3.      Demonstrate good body mechanics in the process of all patient treatments.

4.      Perform cleaning protocol procedures for sterile technique with all size whirlpools.

5.      Demonstrate the ability to manipulate dials and soundheads when applying ultrasounds and electric stimulation treatments.

6.      Demonstrate the ability too apply graded manual resistance to patient’s body parts for the purpose of determining the patient’s strength or applying exercise techniques.

7.      Demonstrate the ability to set up treatment sessions using laboratory or clinic equipment within the time restraints of the treatment requirements to provide safe and effective treatments.

8.      Demonstrate the ability to properly auscultate cardiovascular and pulmonary sounds.

9.      Demonstrate the ability to feel and palpate a pulse, muscle spasm, muscle contraction, and bony landmarks.

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

3. Communicate effectively, safely, and efficiently to patient, family, care-givers, significant others, and other health care providers by:

1. Explaining procedures
2. Receiving information from patients, family, or health care providers
3. Receiving information from written documentation
4. Introducing self
5. Confirming patient’s identity
6. Documenting clear, concise, and accurate notes in patient’s chart
7. Exhibiting appropriate interpersonal skills (that are effective and efficient) with patients, family, and significant others
8. Recognizing and responding appropriately to nonverbal behavior of self and others.

D. Administer CPR and apply universal precautions and other emergency measures.

E. Distinguish color changes of a patient’s skin.

F. Detect an unsafe environment and carry out appropriate emergency procedures including:

1.      Detect subtle environmental changes and odors including, but not limited to, the smell of burning electrical equipment, smoke, spills, pathophysiological odors and potential environmental hazards.

2.      Detect high and low frequency sounds including, but not limited to, alarms, bells, and emergency signals.

G. Handle the stresses of an intensive training program, both academic and clinical, in preparation for the stresses of clinical situations dealing with acutely sick and dying patients, fast-paced clinical situations, psychosocial responses of patients with disabilities, and a heavy academic schedule.

H. Recognize the psychosocial impact of dysfunction and disability of patients and appropriately integrate the needs of the patient into patient care.

I. Manipulate a stretcher, wheelchair, and/or portable equipment without injury or damage to self, client, institution, or others.

J. Demonstrate management skills including planning and organizing responsibilities of clinical practice.

K. Apply teaching/learning theories and methods in health care and community environments.

L. 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.

M. 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 of treatment of patients.

N. The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.

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

P. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Lasell College seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. Reasonable prior notice is needed to arrange accommodations.