All Athletic Training Students (ATS) must have a signed statement on file with the program director indicating that s/he has read and and agrees to abide by each policy. Note that all applicable University policies relating to the student remain in effect, therefore the student must be familiar with those policies.
Minnesota State University, Mankato is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law.
The activities of the University are administered in accordance with a variety of federal and state laws, MnSCU Board policies, assorted rules and regulations, and staff and student rights and responsibilities. Individuals may consult the following university publications for detailed descriptions of applicable policies and procedures: "The Basic Stuff, " The Faculty and Staff Handbook," and the "MNSCU Manual of Policies and Procedures." For more information concerning applicable university policy, contact the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The University Policies governing "satisfactory Academic Progress, Probation, Probationary Status, Academic Misconduct, Suspension, Suspension Status" as stated in the University Bulletin are in effect. The student should refer to the bulletin for complete review of these policies.
Academic misconduct includes copying, plagiarism, or other forms of cheating consistent with the "Basic Stuff" student handbook. Academic misconduct may result in probation, or dismissal from the program, and may carry additional penalties regarding university policy.
The workload of the Athletic Training Student (ATS) must be carefully monitored (by the ACI and by the ATS) and must be realistic for students who also are completing very rigorous course requirements. ATS clinical experiences must be consistent with campus student worker policies (MSU undergraduates are limited to 15–20 hours per week during the academic year and graduate students are limited to 20 hours per week). These policies are consistent with federal and state work–study guidelines, as per the MSU financial aid office. When establishing the ATS's schedule for the clinical experience, consideration must be given to the student's academic schedule to allow adequate time off and "days off" from the clinical experiences for study. (Please use the NCAA practice guidelines for athletes, as a comparison point) Therefore, MSU undergraduate ATSs must be limited to no more than 20 hours per week (the ATS may not 'volunteer' more hours) during the academic year and must have at least one day per week off at all times. On a 'day off' the ATS will perform no work related to the clinical rotation. Opportunity will be given to all ATSs to gain clinical experiences, such as pre–season camps, winter break, etc., outside of the normal academic year; however, it must be recognized that these opportunities are purely voluntary and noncompulsory. Clinical education is an academic requirement therefore students are subject to all University standards for academic conduct and academic dishonesty, as per Students Rights and Responsibilities and the "Basic Stuff Handbook"
Team travel without direct visual and auditory supervision by a Minnesota State University, Mankato Athletic Training Education Program Approved Clinical Instructor (ACI) is contrary to CAATE Standards and Guidelines and therefore, to Minnesota state law. Both state that a student is not to be considered an athletic training student when the student is not supervised by a program ACI or CI as required by the accredited academic institution. Therefore, the student will not travel with a team, or cover practices, events, or athletic training room(s) without direct supervision. It is important that the athletic training student understand that if s/he does function for very brief periods of time without direct supervision (i.e. the ACI/CI leaves the scene momentarily) they are doing so as an unsupervised first responder, may only provide first aid services, and is purely voluntary and non–compulsory. A student may not be coerced into providing any unsupervised activity.
A student is to be considered supervised if an MSU ACI or CI is physically present during team practices, competitions, open athletic training room hours and while traveling with an MSU athletic team. Where an ACI/CI or ATC is not available to provide "constant visual and auditory supervision with the ability to immediately intervene on behalf of the student and/or patient" the student is considered unsupervised. Since unsupervised activity is not a requirement of the program the student is acting outside of the academic program and must be aware of this status. In addition, student liability insurance is only effective when the student is performing supervised functions as requirements of his/her clinical courses.
Therefore the purpose of this document is to define the student's position and responsibilities when not directly supervised. This may only occur occasionally when an ACI/CI is required to leave the scene momentarily. In these cases the student is not and cannot be required to remain, but may voluntarily choose to do so. Should this occur on a regular basis the student must notify program director and/or the clinical coordinator immediately. There will be no exceptions, to be considered an athletic training studentthe student must be directly supervised.
*An athletic training student will not be allowed to travel to a practice or competition site where an MSU ACI/CI will not be present.
Should an ACI/CI occasionally to leave the scene momentarily, the Athletic Training Student:
When Not DIRECTLY Supervised by an Program ACI the Athletic Training Student MUST NOT:
Dispense or distribute prescription or over–the–counter medication. However, for the purpose of patient convenience and self–administration, the athletic training student may carry the patient's documented medication in the medical kit thereby making the medication immediately accessible to the patient (student–athlete).
Clinical deficiencies will be weighted equally with academic infractions and therefore may affect the student's academic status. Students are expected to be punctual, to be in attendance for all scheduled times, take initiative in determining their own schedule, be responsible and take initiative regarding their own learning, and to be professional. All clinical instruction courses must be completed, an all requirements and proficiencies satisfied before a grade is submitted.
Students must satisfactorily complete the assigned clinical proficiencies (those assigned to each clinical course, HP 346, 347, 484, 485) before progression. Completion of proficiencies, as assigned per course, must occur or the student will either receive a failing grade, a grade of "D" (both will require the student to re–take the course), or the student will receive an "incomplete" for the course until each proficiency has been completed.
All Athletic Training Students are expected to act professionally and ethically at all times, strictly adhering to the NATA's Code of Ethical Conduct. In addition the athletic training student should strive toward embedding the Foundational Behaviors of Professional Practice into his/her current and future practice.
If MSU's classes are cancelled or the University is closed, classes and therefore your clinical hours are also cancelled. Students should remain home and not risk his/her health or safety by attempting to travel to campus, the University is closed for a reason. Listen to or watch local radio and television stations: AM radio KYSM 1230, KTOE 1420; FM radio KMSU 89.7, KXLP 93.3, KDOG 96.7, KEEZ 99.1, KYSM 103.5; and television WCCO ch. 4, KEYC ch. 12 (10 on cable), KARE ch. 11, KSTP ch 5, and KMSP ch 9, to find out if the weather has caused a cancellation of Minnesota State classes. You may also call Minnesota State Information at 389–2463.
Students, please click here to download a full PDF version of the program policies.
Students, please click here to download a full PDF version of all emergency action plans (EAPs) for clinical experience sites.
