MSAT Technical Standards

Ohio University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training Program (MSAT) is a rigorous and intense program that places specific physical, cognitive, and emotional demands on its students. 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 established by the Program identify the essential qualities considered necessary for students to meet the academic, clinical, and job-related demands. All students admitted to the program must meet the following abilities and expectations. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student may not be able to continue the MSAT program. Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the BOC certification examination. It is the student’s responsibility to note ongoing compliance with the technical standards.

Students in the Program must demonstrate:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts, and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and 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 back grounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively.
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 Program as 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 are required to verify they understand and meet these standards or they believe that with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards. Situations may arise where a student’s ability to meet the technical standards must be reassessed (e.g., following significant injury or illness). The Office of Accessibility Services will evaluate a student who states that they could meet the program’s technical standards with accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws.

In the event that a student states that the technical standards can be met with accommodation, 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 the accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including coursework, clinical experiences, and internships deemed essential to graduation.

Last edited 5/2023