The Eastern Kentucky University Athletic Training Education Program maintains high standards and expectations students enrolled in the athletic training major. These standards are maintained by the competitive admission process and through the athletic training students, program faculty, and ACI/CI's compliance and adherence to the Eastern Kentucky University Athletic Training Education Program's Athletic Training can be found here and in the ATEP Student Handbook.

For additional information regarding the ATEP application process, admissions, retention, and graduation criteria, the transfer policy, clinical education guidelines and policies, or information on scholarship opportunities for students matriculating through the program, please refer to the ATEP website and the ATEP Student Handbook.

All prospective and current athletic training students, ACI/CI's, faculty and staff may access the ATEP Handbook by clicking on the link below and providing the Password to access this document.

All ATEP students, faculty, staff and ACI/CI's have access to an electronic copy of the Athletic Training Student Handbook here and through Blackboard Site. The blackboard site provides communication between all affiliate site ACI/CI's, students and the ATEP Faculty and staff

   EKU ATEP Handbook

If you wish to preview a printed copy of this document please contact Dr. Eric J. Fuchs, ATC, NREMT-B Director athletic training education program.

ATHLETE PARTICIPATION POLICY:

A copy of the Athlete Participation policy and the required form are found below by clicking on the links provided:
                              Athletic Training Student Athlete Participation Policy
                              Athletic Training Student Athlete Participation Form

This handbook is a required text for all pre-athletic training students enrolled in ATR 100 were the manual is reviewed with the students by the ATEP program director. All students are required to sign and turn in to the Program Director the Student Agreement form located in the back of the athletic training student handbook.

All the students in the ATEP are provided with updates to the Athletic Training Student Handbook as they are needed. After each update the athletic training students are required to sign a new Student Agreement Form, to assure students have received and read the new updates.

TRANSFER STUDENT POLICY*

Students transferring to Eastern Kentucky University from another institution who seek admission into the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) must submit detailed syllabi and transcripts of grades to the Eastern Kentucky University Registrar’s Office. Additional details regarding transfers to EKU is described at http://www.advising.eku.edu/transferstudents/checklist/ . The Registrar determines which General Education and other non-required ATEP courses are accepted to meet the University’s requirements. The Director of the ATEP will determine which Athletic Training courses/credits will transfer. Appeals of these decisions are to be made directly to the Registrar. In cases where the appeal involves required Athletic Training courses, the Chair of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, and the Dean of the College of Health Sciences will be consulted.

A student transferring to Eastern Kentucky University can generally become eligible as a candidate for the ATEP after completion of the required academic course content and any associated clinical proficiencies. A transfer student with an Athletic Training related background may have specific Pre-Athletic Training courses (i.e., ATR 100; BIO 171, 271, 301/378; EMC 102; PHE 180, 212) waived if the outcomes and clinical proficiencies have been previously met as determined by ATEP Director. Additionally, the Director of the ATEP may grant exceptions to specific candidates if the student meets all other ATEP admission requirements. In this case, students may be admitted provisionally into the ATEP. These students will be given one semester (or six months) as a provisional admit to meet any remaining course deficiencies. Provisional students who meet all course requirements after this period will then be granted full admission status, while students who do not meet these requirements, will not be able to continue in the ATEP. On the other hand, if all of the Pre-Athletic Training courses are not waived, the student must complete the courses successfully before they may apply to the ATEP. In addition to successful completion of the course competencies and clinical proficiencies, it is strongly recommended that the student have experienced forms of directed observation in the medical field, however, this is not a requirement. 

A transfer student may enroll in any of the Pre-Athletic Training courses prior to being accepted into the ATEP, assuming that the student has met any/all course pre-requisites.  However, the student may not enroll in any practicum course prior to being accepted into the ATEP. 

NOTE: this policy will also be followed by EKU students desiring to change their major to Athletic Training after the first 30 hours of academic course work.

Please Note: Admission to the athletic training education program is competitive and a student wishing to pursue this major should speak with an EKU-ATEP advisor prior to registering for classes. The competitive admission criteria are found in the EKU-ATEP Student Handbook and also in the Application packet provided to students wishing to apply to the EKU-ATEP.

SERVICE POINTS

All students enrolled in the Athletic Training Education Program must accumulate the
below number of "service points" in order to graduate from our CAATE-accredited ATEP. This requirement has many purposes including impressing upon the student the importance of: continuing education, promoting the Athletic Training profession, the role the Athletic Trainer has in regard to educating the public, developing a quality resume to enhance meeting professional aspirations, and being involved in professional organizations. Additionally, this requirement can enhance the diversity and variety of experiences while the student is matriculating through the ATEP at EKU. All students enrolled in the Athletic Training major must attain 50 service points  by the time of graduation.

Each student who works at each event below during the academic year will attain the prescribed number of points by each event:

After completion of each of these experiences a "Service Point Reporting Form" must be completed by the student, signed by the appropriate clinical supervisor (ACI/CI), and submitted to the ATEP Director. This form is also located on the Athletic Training Student Blackboard site. Service Point forms must be completed by the end of each semester for activities completed each semester. It is recommended that students maintain these records in the event that verification of service points is needed.

Clinical Education Policies for Athletic Training Student's

When the athletic training student (ATS) is assigned to an Approved Clinical Instructor (ACI) or a Clinical Instructor (CI) it is essential that all personnel understand the ATS is placed in the clinical education setting to learn under the direct supervision of the ACI or CI, and not simply to provide a service to patients and support personnel or to act as a replacement for a full-time employee. The responsibilities of the ATS, the ACI and CI are provided below.

Responsibilities of the Athletic Training Student (ATS) include the following

1. after receiving your clinical assignment, develop a weekly/monthly clinical schedule in conjunction with your ACI, remembering that clinical scheduling takes priority over work scheduling.
2. obtain ATEP clinical experiences during scheduled direct patient care supervision by the ACI.
3. work no more than 20 hours/week during your assigned clinical rotation, and consistently average 15-20 hours/week (NOTE: notify the Clinical Coordinator immediately if you feel coerced to work more than 20 hours during a particular week or to work during times outside of the academic year).
4. be responsible for your transportation to your assigned clinical site/ACI and whenever possible carpool with other students assigned to the same ACI.
5. place a priority on academic courses and remember that practicum courses are academic courses.
6. communicate with the ACI/CI consistently regarding daily clinical experience opportunities.
7. practice competencies with ACIs and peers on a frequent and consistent basis to develop proficiency.
8. mentor and teach other students in the program and others interested in Athletic Training.
9. apply critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills during your clinical experiences.
10. be prepared for proficiency assessments on a daily basis.
11. perform skills on patients only once assessed on the skill with an 80% passing rate and when directly supervised by the ACI.
12. be willing to learn about variations in applying the same technique or skill.
13. provide honest feedback of the ATEP clinical experience through the ACI Evaluation completed at the end of each rotation, and through the Weekly Clinical Experience Evaluation.

Essential responsibilities of the Approved Clinical Instructor (ACI) include the following:

1. be physically present and have the ability to intervene on behalf of the athletic training student to provide on-going and consistent education (NOTE: AT students have been directed to leave if the ACI is not present)
2. consistently and physically interact with the athletic training student at the site of the clinical experience
3. provide instruction and/or evaluation of the Athletic Training Educational Competencies
4. provide assessment of athletic training students’ clinical proficiency
5. have regular communication with the appropriate ATEP Administrator, and
6. demonstrate understanding of and compliance with the policies and procedures of the ATEP
7. not requiring students to exceed the 20 hour/week clinical practicum course requirement nor requiring students to participate in volunteer clinical activities outside of the academic year

Additional responsibilities of the ACI should include the following:

1. allow the ATS to perform clinical skills on patients once assessed on the skill with an 80% passing rate and when directly supervised by the #ACI.
2. guide the ATS in using communication skills and developing professional and ethical behaviors.
3. provide multiple ongoing opportunities for feedback to assist the ATS in developing proficiency in skills related to the practicum course and clinical experience level of the ATS.
4. have regular communication with the appropriate ATEP Administrator.
5. demonstrate understanding of and compliance with the policies and procedures of the ATEP.

The Clinical Instructor (CI) should:
    Perform the same responsibilities as the ACI above, with the exception of #3   CIs cannot assess or sign-off on student clinical proficiencies.

Please NOTE ALL Athletic Trainning Students will sign a EKU ATEP Clinical Education Policies Document Each Year to indicate that they have read and fully understand the above Clinical Education Policies

Policy and Job Description for Approved Clinical Instructors (ACI)

ATCs who seek affiliation with our ATEP are presented with a document entitled “Requirements for Affiliated Clinical Sites.” Prior to AT students being assigned to this ATC, a “Clinical/Practical Education Agreement” must be signed by appropriate personnel at EKU and the proposal affiliated clinical site (Refer to Appendix A.3). Once the ATC can provide appropriate verification that he/she meets all the requirements as outlined in the “Requirements for Affiliated Clinical Sites” document, then he/she reads and signs the current edition of the EKU ATEP “Clinical Education Guidelines” documents. Once these documents have been received and reviewed by the Program Director, then AT students can be assigned to this ATC. Depending upon the ATC’s qualifications and interest, they serve the ATEP as either an ACI or a CI. 

EKU ACI’s are first informed of their responsibilities during the required 5-hour ACI Workshop which they must attend. After the initial workshop, ACI’s are reinforced of their responsibilities via postings on Blackboard, e-mail or phone correspondence, and annual face-to-face meetings at the clinical site. After the initial 3-year ACI training, qualified individuals must complete a 3-hour “ACI update training session” in order to continue their status as one of our ACI’s. 

Essential responsibilities of the ACI include the following:

• be physically present and have the ability to intervene on behalf of the athletic training student to provide on-going and consistent education (NOTE: AT students have been directed to leave if the ACI is not present)
• consistently and physically interact with the athletic training student at the site of the clinical experience
• provide instruction and/or evaluation of the Athletic Training Educational Competencies
• provide assessment of athletic training students’ clinical proficiency
• have regular communication with the appropriate ATEP Administrator, and
• demonstrate understanding of and compliance with the policies and procedures of the ATEP
• not requiring students to exceed the 20 hour/week clinical practicum course requirement nor requiring students to participate in volunteer clinical activities outside of the academic year

Most notably, the EKU AT Faculty and ACI’s are responsible for the instruction and evaluation of the Educational Competencies and Clinical Proficiencies. The Competencies are first taught and assessed in the classroom or lab setting by EKU full time and adjunct faculty. The Proficiencies are also first taught in either the Lab and/or the Practicum Courses by EKU full time and adjunct faculty. Assessment of student clinical proficiencies may be done by either faculty (during “open lab time” or by “sign-up sheet”) or by the student’s ACI while the student is completing their assigned clinical rotation. The preferred setting for this to occur is during the student’s required clinical rotation each semester, so that the student can practice and perfect their clinical proficiencies on real patients/athletes with real injuries or illnesses.

The EKU Athletic Training Faculty meet at designated times during the academic year to discuss student progress and plans for intervention if necessary. As needed and as appropriate, the AT Program Director, the Clinical Coordinator, and/or practicum course instructor will communicate to affiliated clinical site ACI’s regarding issues affecting student performance and clinical proficiency testing. Each EKU ACI is evaluated at the conclusion of each clinical rotation by the Athletic Training Students to determine the ACI’s effectiveness as a clinical instructor. Results of these evaluations will be e-mailed to the ACI’s within three weeks of the academic year.

All affiliated clinical sites will be visited at least once annually by one of the full-time or adjunct Athletic Training faculty. During this mutually agreed upon visitation, the AT faculty member will review all affiliated clinical site facilities, in addition to compliance with other affiliated site requirements as determined by CAATE.  At the end of the visit, the faculty member will share the results of the “clinical site evaluation” with the ACI. An end-of-the-academic year meeting may also be scheduled between the AT Faculty and each ACI if warranted. If a personal meeting is not possible as a result of scheduling conflicts, then the Clinical Coordinator will contact each ACI via telephone or e-mail. Additionally, the ACIs/CIs have their own Blackboard site and are able to communicate with the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator through this site and gain updated information and updates. The primary purposes of these meetings include discussing the responsibilities of the ACI’s, their involvement or interaction with EKU Athletic Training students, and the clinical and professional progress of the student.

Please NOTE ALL ACI's sign a copy of this policy when they become an ACI for the EKU ATEP which are kept on file by the ATEP Director.

Policy and Job Description for Clinical Instructors (CI)

ATCs who seek affiliation with our ATEP are presented with a document entitled “Requirements for Affiliated Clinical Sites.” Prior to AT students being assigned to this ATC, a “Clinical/Practical Education Agreement” must be signed by appropriate personnel at EKU and the proposal affiliated clinical site (Refer to Appendix A.3). Once the ATC can provide appropriate verification that he/she meets all the requirements as outlined in the “Requirements for Affiliated Clinical Sites” document, then he/she reads and signs the current edition of the EKU ATEP “Clinical Education Guidelines” documents. Once these documents have been received and reviewed by the Program Director, then AT students can be assigned to this ATC. Depending upon the ATC’s qualifications and interest, they serve the ATEP as either an ACI or a CI.

Once it is determined that the ATC will function as a CI, the below job description is discussed with the CI.

Essential responsibilities of the CI include the following:

• be physically present and have the ability to intervene on behalf of the athletic training student to provide on-going and consistent education (NOTE: AT students have been directed to leave if the ACI is not present)
• consistently and physically interact with the athletic training student at the site of the clinical experience
• supervise the students during clinical and/or field experiences,
• have regular communication with the appropriate ATEP administrator, and
• demonstrate understanding of, and compliance, with the policies and procedures of the ATEP
• not requiring students to exceed the 20 hour/week clinical practicum course requirement nor requiring students to participate in volunteer clinical activities outside of the academic year
• NOTE: even though CI’s may provide instruction to AT students on the performance of specific AT educational competencies or clinical proficiencies, CI’s may NOT formally evaluate or assess student performance; only individuals who are ACI’s can perform this responsibility)

The EKU Athletic Training Faculty meet at designated times during the academic year to discuss student progress and plans for intervention if necessary. As needed and as appropriate, the AT Program Director, the Clinical Coordinator, and/or practicum course instructor will communicate to affiliated clinical site CI’s regarding issues affecting student clinical experiences. Each EKU CI is evaluated at the conclusion of each clinical rotation by the Athletic Training Students to determine the effectiveness of the CI. Results of these evaluations will be e-mailed to the CI’s within three weeks of the academic year.
 
All affiliated clinical sites will be visited at least once annually by one of the full-time or adjunct Athletic Training faculty. During this mutually agreed upon visitation, the AT faculty member will review all affiliated clinical site facilities, in addition to compliance with other affiliated site requirements as determined by CAATE.  At the end of the visit, the faculty member will share the results of the “clinical site evaluation” with the CI. An end-of-the-academic year meeting may also be scheduled between the AT Faculty and each CI if warranted. If a personal meeting is not possible as a result of scheduling conflicts, then the Clinical Coordinator will contact each CI via telephone or e-mail. Additionally, the ACIs/CIs have their own Blackboard site and are able to communicate with the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator through this site and gain updated information and updates. The primary purposes of these meetings include discussing the responsibilities of the CI’s, their involvement or interaction with EKU Athletic Training students, and the clinical and professional progress of the student.

Please NOTE ALL ACI's sign a copy of this policy when they become an ACI for the EKU ATEP which are kept on file by the ATEP Director.