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Technical Standards

Technical Standards must be signed by the student and the medical professional going over health history, immunizations, and completing the physical examination.

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Athletic Training Education Program at the University of the Incarnate Word is committed to providing a supportive, challenging, diverse and integrated environment for all students. In accordance with these federal directives, the University and the Athletic Training Education Program ensure accessibility to their programs, services and activities for students with documented disabilities. 

In accordance with national norms, the Athletic Training Education Program has established technical requirements for admission, expectations and required abilities considered essential to perform duties of an athletic trainer. These abilities are classified into five categories: (1) observation, (2) communication, (3) motor & sensory, (4) intellectual, (5) behavioral and social.

  1. Observation: A candidate must be able to observe demonstrations in the classroom and athletic training room. A candidate must also be able to accurately observe an athlete at a distance and at close range, in order to gather the necessary data regarding the athletes’ physical status.
  2. Communication: The ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice, including but not limited to, the ability to (a) establish rapport and communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, parents, coaches, administrators, officials, medical and allied medical personnel and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural backgrounds; (b) record and discuss the physical examination results and treatment and rehabilitation plans clearly and accurately.
  3. Motor: Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations, therapeutic treatments, and therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation protocols using accepted techniques. This includes, but is not limited to, the ability to (a) accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients; (b) gather decision-making pieces of information during an injury assessment activity in class or in the clinical setting; (c) perform assessment, treatment and rehabilitation activities in class and in the clinical setting by direct performance; (d) sit, stand, and kneel for extended periods of time while rendering assistance to patients and athletes; (e) frequently move from place to place and position to position at a speed that permits safe handling of classmates and injured athletes; (f) stand and walk while providing support to an injured athlete; (g) use auditory, tactile, and visual senses to receive classroom instruction and to evaluate and treat injured athletes; (h) follow safety procedures established for each class and clinical setting.
  4. Sensory: Candidates must have adequate sensory function in order to elicit information from a physical examination through palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other assessment maneuvers.
  5. Intellectual: Candidates must have the mental capacity to learn and assimilate a large amount of complex, technical, and detailed information. They must also be able to solve problems through critical analysis and perform measurements necessary to develop a therapeutic plan.
  6. Behavioral and Social: Candidates must possess emotional and social attributes required to exercise good judgment, maintain composure, promptly complete all responsibilities as they relate to the care and management of an athlete’s injury, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with athletes and other members of the health care team. Candidates must also be able to adapt to an ever-changing environment, display flexibility, tolerate physically taxing workloads, and maintain their composure during highly stressful situations.