As stated in the Manchester College Catalog, Exercise and Sport Sciences Department Student Handbook, and Athletic Training Major Handbook, a separate admissions process is required for formal entry to the athletic training major (the “major”). The Athletic Training Educational Program (“ATEP”) places specific requirements and demands on students admitted to the major.

An objective of the major is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of health care employment settings and to render appropriate care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity.  The technical standards set forth by the ATEP establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this major to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the ATEP’s accrediting agency, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs (CAATE).  In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, even with reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted to the major.  Compliance with the ATEP’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the  Board of Certification (BOC) certification examination. 

The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the major:

Candidates for admission to the athletic training major at Manchester College must demonstrate:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, and integrate concepts and to problem solve rapidly in order to formulate clinical judgments, and to be able to distinguish deviations from normal;
2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, muscular strength, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; to accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients and the prevention of injury and illness in the physically active population;
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 judgments 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 the 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 ATEP as outlined and sequenced;
7. The ability to adjust to rapidly changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations;
8. Affective skills (values) and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for admission to the athletic training major at Manchester College are required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards or they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

The Director of Learning Support Services will evaluate a student who states he/she could meet the ATEP’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, 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 requested accommodations 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 experience, and field experience deemed essential for graduation.

updated 8/16/06