Technical Requirements

The Athletic Training Education Program at MidAmerica Nazarene University places specific requirements and demands on the students that are involved in the program. An objective of the program is to prepare the student for a variety of challenges they will face upon entering the various employment settings made available to them. The Technical Standards established by the MNU Athletic Training Education Program develop the essential qualities needed to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer. The following list of abilities and expectations must be met by all incoming students. In the event a student fails to meet these requirements/expectations, they will not be admitted into the Athletic Training Education Program at MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Candidates for admission into the Athletic Training Education Program 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 the patient;
3. the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural 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 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.

Students applying for admission into the MNU Athletic Training Education Program will be required to verify that they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, that they can meet the standards.

The ADA/Accommodations Coordinator will evaluate a student who states that 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 that 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 whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences and internships deemed essential to graduation.