William Paterson University
Athletic Training Education Program
Technical Standards for Admission

William Paterson University
Athletic Training Education Program
Technical Standards for Admission

The William Paterson University Athletic Training Education Program 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 into this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer. Students must also meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted into the Athletic Training Education Program. These expectations are an integral and necessary component of this profession. In the event that 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 Board of Certification (BOC) exam. Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate the following:

• The mental ability to not only perform well academically, but to also apply the acquired classroom concepts to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgements and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
• 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.
• 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 to allow effective communication.
• 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.
• The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined in the handbook.
• Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
• Interpersonal and communication skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education 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 William Paterson University Office of Disability Services will determine eligibility for accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws. This includes a review of whether the accommodation requested is reasonable, taking into account whether the 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/Date

Alternative statement for students requesting accommodations.
(Students not requesting accommodations do not sign below.)

 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 can meet each of these standards with reasonable accommodations. I will contact the Office of Disability Services to establish eligibility for accommodation. Eligibility of services will be determined on an individual basis. I understand that if I am unable to meet these standards with or without accommodations, I will not be admitted into the program.

_____________________________ ____________

Signature of Applicant/Date

Created by: D. E. Wujciak, MS, ATC and E. D. Feisner MA, ATC, CSCS (March 2001)