Athletic Training Student Levels

Requirements for the Supervision of the ATS

The ACI/CI will be given a letter indicating the Level Status for each assigned ATS . This letter will also give a brief description of the ATS. The ATS must never be expected to perform skills that have not been formally introduced didactically and which they have demonstrated minimum proficiency. The ATEP faculty believe that using students as First Responders exposes those involved to liability risk and conflicts with the mission of the program. For this reason, the ATS cannot be used as replacement for Certified Athletic Trainers while functioning in the role of a First Responder. In the case where a student would be left unsupervised, they are instructed to leave the facility. In emergency situations in which the ATS voluntarily chooses not to leave the facilities, and in which he or she would be left alone for short periods of time, the student is required to function in the role of a CPR/First Aid trained individual. This time period is not considered in the accumulation of clinical experience hours and should only be used in emergency situations. At no time should the student utilize athletic training skills related to: evaluation to determine participation status, therapeutic modality and exercise application, taping and wrapping skills (unless involved in emergency wound care situations).

Description of The Levels of Athletic Training Students

Level Zero – Observation Athletic Training Student

Courses Taken in ATEP: None
Current Courses in ATEP : EHS 221, First Aid & CPR, EHS 222, Principles of Athletic Training and EHS 105 Clinical Experience
Possible Assignments: None

Expectations and Objectives
The Observation Athletic Training Student has been exposed to a very limited amount of didactic information. Some of the information presented in the semester includes: splinting and first aid/emergency situations, taping, and basic evaluation techniques. Emphasis should be placed on the provision of observation experiences and should involve minimal physical contact with athletes and patients. Ample time should be allocated for an orientation, including question and answer opportunities, both formally and informally. There should be opportunities for the Athletic Training Student to observe all duties of the athletic training staff and students. As part of the experience, Athletic Training Students should be involved with pre-practice duties and facility maintenance duties. This experience should expose the student to various duties consistent with most athletic training positions and reinforce their decision whether or not to pursue admittance into the ATEP.

Acceptable Duties

• Fill ice/water coolers, make ice bags, prepare and apply cold towels during practice or game situations.
• Observe evaluation and treatment of injuries/illness in the athletic training facilities and during practice or game situations.
• Clean and organize equipment and facilities.
• Practice skills on other Athletic Training Students (not on athletes and patients)
• Participate in learning opportunities during scheduled observation hours.

Unacceptable Duties

• Application of modalities to patients (this includes all forms of treatment modalities such as hot packs, ultrasound, cold/warm whirlpools, skin counterirritants, electrotherapy, etc.)
• Participation in the coordination and administration of patient rehabilitation. Student may observe the process.
• Transport of patients. Injury evaluation. Any duty that would be considered to fall under normal staff or athletic training student duties.

Level One – Athletic Training Student (Red)

Courses Taken in ATEP: EHS 221, First Aid & CPR, EHS 222, Principles of Athletic Training and EHS 105 Clinical Experience in Athletic Training
Current Courses in ATEP: EHS 225, Human Physiology I,  and EHS 106, Clinical Experience in Athletic Training.
Possible Assignments: Football (Game day Assistance), Volleyball, Men and Women’s Soccer, Men and Women’s Swimming, Men and Women’s Track.

Expectations and Objectives
The Level One ATS will begin their clinical Experience and has been exposed to a limited amount of didactic information. The ATS will begin to gain confidence integrating their didactic education and clinical skills. During this level the ATS will complete a minimum of 100 clinical hours assigned to an Alma College sport where basic athletic training skills, policies and procedures will be presented. The ATS may be exposed to an equipment intensive sport. Emphasis is placed on close personal contact and slow progression of athletic/patient contact responsibilities. ATS are expected to attend guest lectures as assigned. Level One ATS complete a series of clinical proficiencies modules focusing on skills introducing the ATS to the field of Athletic Training.

Level Two – Athletic Training Student (Yellow)

Courses Taken in ATEP: EHS 221, First Aid & CPR, EHS 222, Principles of Athletic Training, EHS 225, Human Physiology I,  EHS 105 & 106, Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training
Current Courses in ATEP: EHS 226, Human Physiology II, EHS 301 Nutrition, EHS 325, Orthopedic Assessment I, EHS 326, Orthopedic Assessment II, EHS 327, Exercise Physiology, EHS 344, Human Anatomy,  EHS 205 & 206, Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training
Possible Assignments: Football, Volleyball, Men & Women&’s Soccer, Men & Women&’s Swimming, Men & Women&’s Basketball, Men & Women&’s track, Baseball, Softball, Wilcox Medical Center.

Expectation and Objectives
Level Two ATS begin their second year of clinical rotations and expand their clinical skills with a lower and upper extremity sport. During this level the ATS will complete a minimum of 300 clinical hours assigned to an Alma College sport. In addition the ATS is exposed to the evaluation of athletic injuries and the application of those skills. The ATS completes a series of clinical proficiencies modules focusing on the field of Athletic Training. The ATS is expected to attend guest lectures as assigned.

Level Three – Athletic Training Student (Maroon)

Courses Taken in ATEP: EHS 221, First Aid & CPR, EHS 222, Principles of Athletic Training, EHS 225, Human Physiology I, EHS 226, Human Physiology II, EHS 301 Nutrition,  EHS 325, Orthopedic Assessment I, EHS 326, Orthopedic Assessment II, EHS 327, Exercise Physiology, EHS 344, Human Anatomy, EHS 105, 106, 205 & 206 Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training
Current Courses in ATEP: EHS 323, Therapeutic Modalities, EHS 324, Therapeutic Exercise, EHS 328, Human Disease, EHS 345, Biomechanics I, EHS 305 & 306, Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training
Possible Assignments: Football, Men & Women&’s Soccer, Volleyball, Men & Women&’s Basketball, Men and Women&’s Swimming, Baseball, Softball, Wilcox Medical Center, GAPS Program, Off-campus sites at the CHIP Facility of CMU, Alma High School, Gratiot Community Health Systems Rehabilitation Center.

Expectations and Objectives
The ATS is in their third year and have completed over 400 clinical hours in the program. During this level the ATS must complete a minimal of 300 clinical hours assigned to an Alma College sport or an off-campus site. ATS are exposed to skills related to use of Therapeutic Exercise, Modalities and an equipment extensive sport. In addition the ATS expand on their evaluation skills and complete observation experiences at the Wilcox Medical Center and Gratiot Community Hospital. The ATS completes a series of clinical proficiencies modules focusing on the field of Athletic Training. The ATS is expected to attend guest lectures as assigned.

Level Four Athletic Training Student (Cream)

Courses Taken in ATEP: EHS 221, First Aid & CPR, EHS 222, Principles of Athletic Training, EHS 225, Human Physiology I, EHS 226, Human Physiology II, EHS 301, Nutrition, EHS 323, Therapeutic Modalities, EHS 324, Therapeutic Exercise, EHS 325, Orthopedic Assessment I, EHS 326, Orthopedic Assessment II, EHS 327, Exercise Physiology, EHS 328, Human Disease, EHS 344, Anatomy, EHS 345, Biomechanics I, EHS 105, 106, 205, 206, 305 & 306, Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training
Current Courses in ATEP: EHS 340, Pharmacology, EHS 405 & 406, Clinical Experiences in Athletic Training, EHS 427, Administration in Athletic Training
Possible Assignments: Football, Men & Women&’s Soccer, Men & Women&’s Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Off-campus sites at the CHIP Facility of CMU, Alma High School, Gratiot Community Health Systems Rehabilitation Center.

Expectations and Objectives
The ATS is in their final year of clinical Rotation and must complete a minimum of 300 clinical hours in an Alma College Sport or off-campus assignment. This year is geared towards skill refinement, advanced athletic training policies, procedures, and preparation for the NATABOC exam. The ATS should possess confidence integrating clinical skills developed in the program. Level Four ATS should be challenged by their ACI under real-life experiences. The ATS must complete the Level Four modules, including an observation experience at Wilcox Medical and Gratiot Community Hospital. The ATS is expected to attend guest lectures as assigned.