Technical Standards

The Athletic Training Educational Program at the University of Cincinnati is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide variety of individuals. The technical standards established 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 (the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Educational Program. 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.

Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC certification exam. Candidates for admission to the Master of Science in Athletic Training program must demonstrate:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve in order to formulate assessments, make 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 assessment and treatment information effectively. 
4. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
5. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
6. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
7. The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
8. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
9. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates who are admitted to the Master of Science in Athletic Training program are required to verify they understand and can meet these technical standards or that they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

Based on documentation from a licensed professional, the University of Cincinnati Office of Accessibility Resources will confirm that an identified condition qualifies for accommodation under applicable laws.  The Office of Accessibility Resources will also identify and coordinate the implementation of reasonable accommodations.

If a student states they 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 other activities deemed essential to graduation.