Athletic Training Education Program Technical Standards

The Athletic Training Educational Program at Central Connecticut 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 Athletic Training Educational 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 Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). All students admitted to the professional program in the Athletic Training must meet the following abilities and expectations. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, 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 BOC certification exam.

Candidates for admission to the professional program in Athletic Training at Central must demonstrate:

  • The ability 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.
  • Evidence of sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and the demonstrated ability to 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, ability to maintain a professional demeanor, 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.
  • The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
  • The ability to maintain composure and continue to function effectively during periods of high stress.
  • The perseverance, diligence and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
  • Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
  • The ability to perform the affective skills that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Central’s technical standards relate to one’s ability to function in a broad variety of academic and clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of thought, decision, and care to athletes and others individuals engaged in physical activity. Candidates for admission to professional program for athletic training will be required to verify they understand and can meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

A student who believes that they have a disability that may impact admission to or successful completion of ATEP program should contact Central’s Office of Student Disability Services. The Office is located in room 150 Carroll Hall Phone 860.832.1952. The Office of Student Disability Services will evaluate the student’s documentation to determine if the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws and so notify the Program Director of Athletic Training Education Program and the Chair of the Department of Physical Education & Human Performance.

If a student with a qualified disability states he/she can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the student and appropriate University personnel will discuss what accommodation(s) may be effective and whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account clinician/patient safety, and whether the requested accommodations would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, including academic standards.

Students may update health status changes at any time by submitting the “Technical Standard Form” to the program director and contacting Central’s Office of Student Disability Services to determine what accommodations may be available.