Department of Kinesiology

The Concentration in Athletic Training in the Department of Kinesiology at Louisiana State University 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 Concentration in Athletic Training establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to and enrolled in the professional phase of 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 Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to and enrolled in the professional phase of the Concentration in Athletic Training. 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, nor retained in the program. Compliance with the program's technical standards does not guarantee a student program admission nor eligibility for the BOC certification examination.
 
Candidates for selection to, and students currently enrolled in the Professional Phase of the Concentration in Athletic Training 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.
   
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 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 Concentration in Athletic Training 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. Students currently participating in the professional (clinical) phase of the Concentration in Athletic Training must be able to meet the technical standards, with or without accommodation, at all times. The Office of Disability Services, in coordination with the Program Director and Medical Director of the Concentration in Athletic Training, 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 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. Failure of the student to follow a prescribed plan of accommodation or treatment plan that provides the student a reasonable opportunity to meet the technical standards may result in permanent dismissal from the Concentration in Athletic Training.
 
All students must read and sign the Technical Standards form prior to beginning any clinical experiences associated with the Concentration in Athletic Training.