General Outcomes

Upon complete of the Athletic Training Education Program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically appraise, synthesize and apply knowledge attained throughout the program.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior consistent with the National Athletic Trainers' Association Code of Ethics and the Massachusetts Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics in Athletic Training.
• Demonstrate mastery of cognitive and psychomotor competencies, as well as clinical proficiencies outlined by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Education Council.
• Students will be able to demonstrate the basic knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice.

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Requirements for Admission

The Athletic Training Education Program at MCLA is a competitive program that admits both freshman and transfer students. The Athletic Training Education Program consists of two parts; a pre-clinical (observation) portion and a clinical education portion. Entering freshman wishing to enter the pre-clinical portion of the Athletic Training Education Program must be admitted to the college and be enrolled in ATTR 221 and ATTR 101.

Any student wishing to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training at MCLA must enter the clinical education portion of the Athletic Training Education Program. The clinical education portion of the Athletic Training Education Program must be completed over a minimum of two academic years (four semesters). Students must be in academic good standing and complete a formal application into the clinical education portion of the program.

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Transfer Students

Transfer students wishing to enter the Athletic Training Education Program must provide undergraduate transcripts and be admitted to the college. Due to the varying nature of transfer applicants, transfer students will be assessed on an individual basis by the Director of Athletic Training Education and by the Athletic Training Education Program Admission Committee as to their acceptance into the clinical education portion of the Athletic Training Education Program. This will involve the formal application process described in the Clinical Education Application Process portion of this document. Transfer students will also be held to the same polices of retention as described in the Clinical Education Retention portion in this document.

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Student Athletes

Students who plan to participate in intercollegiate athletics or club sports at MCLA are encouraged to apply. We believe this will contribute to athletic training knowledge and assist the overall educational experience while attending MCLA. Students accepted into the clinical education portion of the Athletic Training Education Program are limited to participate in one sport season per year.

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Statement on Non-Discrimination

In conjunction with MCLA policy, the Athletic Training Education Program prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or national origin in any aspect of its employment, recruitment, admission, and treatment of students; and in its policies and programs, as supported by federal and state laws and regulations.

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Additional Associated Costs

The student is responsible for expenses associated with the Athletic Training Education Program, these could include but are not limited to: (*subject to change at anytime)

• $25.00             Uniforms
• $40.00             Practicum course fee (Practicums I through VI) - includes liability insurance
• $20.00             Observation in Athletic Training course fee (does not include insurance)
• $100.00           Travel to and from off campus clinical assignments
• $30.00             PHED 120 course fee (American Red Cross card and rescue breathing mask)

All costs are subject to change and are only an estimate. Specific associated costs can be accessed yearly by asking the Athletic Training Education Program Director.

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Technical Standards

The Athletic Training Education Program at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 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 the 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 following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted into the Athletic Training Education 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 the selection to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Athletic Training Educational Program must demonstrate the following:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 the competent professional practice.
• The ability to record the physical examination results and treatment plan clearly and accurately.
• The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
• The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
• Flexibility and ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
• Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Athletic Training Educational Program will be required to verify they understand and meet these technical standards; or they believe that, with certain accommodations, they can meet these technical standards.

The MCLA Americans with Disabilities representative from the Human Resources Department 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.

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Competencies and Proficiencies

All of the required competencies and proficiencies outlined by the NATA Education Council are taught in an ordered and sequential progression through the required courses in the ATEP curriculum. These competencies  and proficiencies are evaluated through a series of modules assigned on a semester by semester basis.

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Communicable Disease Policy

The purpose of this policy is to protect the health and safety of athletic training students enrolled in MCLA's Athletic Training Education Program. This policy was developed in accordance with the recommendations by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and their report on Guidelines for Infection Control in Health Care Personnel.

A communicable disease is an infectious disease caused by microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and/or fungi) that can be transmitted from one person to another. These microorganisms are typically transmitted through direct physical contact with an infected individual or direct contact with bodily fluids of the infected individual.

There are times when an athletic training student may be at risk for contracting or spreading a communicable disease. During these times, the student should consult with his/her clinical instructor to determine the best course of action. The action taken must be in the best interest of all parties involved, including but not limited to: athletic training students, clinical instructor and other staff, patients, student athletes, coaches and support personnel.

The following situations and/or conditions may place an athletic training student at an increased risk of contraction or spreading communicable diseases:

• An athletic training student with an open skin lesion may allow microorganisms into the body
• An athletic training student treating an open lesion or handling materials soiled with bodily fluids without personal protection may allow microorganisms to enter the body
• If an athletic training student is suffering from an illness or infection considered contagious participating in a clinical experience. It may be assumed that an athletic training student is suffering from a contagious illness or infected if they are experiencing a fever, vomiting, and/or has diarrhea
• If an athletic training student that has been diagnosed with a contagious disease continues with their clinical experience they are to not obtain clinical experiences until cleared by a physician.

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