Student Travel
Students may be permitted to travel with an athletic team from their respective clinical sites to “away” competitions. In some cases, an
ACI/Clinical Supervisor accompanies the athletic training student during travel to such events and, thus, the athletic training student
remains under direct supervision. In situations where an athletic training student agrees to travel without their ACI/Clinical Supervisor
(ATC), the role of the student is significantly reduced and limited to those responsibilities associated with an “Apprentice Athletic
Training Student”. Although these unsupervised times are not appropriate for completion of the clinical education requirements, the
independent learning experience does provide educational growth and professional development opportunities. Students are NOT
required to travel, regardless of the degree of supervision, but must establish the lack of desire to travel before the clinical assignment is
finalized. However, the ATEP @UD believes that the clinical experiences associated with traveling are imperative to the development
of a proficient entry-level athletic trainer. Thus, students are encouraged to travel when possible. In situations where the “Apprentice
Athletic Training Student” is traveling without the ACI and encounters an injury that needs referral, it is strongly recommended that the
student seek the advice from the “host” certified athletic trainer, “host” team physician, and/or other appropriately qualified medical
professional. However, return to play decisions are still the responsibility of the coach.
Role of an Athletic Training Student as an Apprentice Athletic Training Student
The ATEP @ UD program has dedicated a significant amount of time to planning and evaluating the clinical rotation experiences with
regard to level of supervision provided to each athletic training student during a clinical rotation. In recognition of the potential for
unsupervised situations, the ATEP @ UD has implemented specific policies and procedures to ensure that the students are provided with
appropriate supervision and when they are not, guidelines that clearly identify the athletic training student’s role in an unsupervised
situation. An unsupervised athletic training student is only able to function as an “Apprentice Athletic Training Student” and may
perform the specific skills outlined below IF that student has demonstrated proficiency in those specific skills during their clinical
experiences and maintains current certification in CPR and First Aid. The clinical experiences have been established in accordance with
the ATEP @ UD and the guidelines identified by National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). It should be clear that the ATEP @
UD views the issue of supervision seriously and has taken appropriate actions to significantly reduce the amount of unsupervised
experiences as well as implement specific policies that delineate the role of the unsupervised athletic training student, all in an effort to
preserve and enhance the quality educational experience for each student.
Apprentice Athletic Training Student Responsibilities:
* Any unsupervised clinical experience must be preceded by written and/or verbal instructions from the ACI/Clinical Supervisor. The
role of the “Apprentice Athletic Training Student” acting without supervision is limited to the following:
Acceptable:
1. Application of all First-Aid skills for the treatment of acute injuries including:
a) RICE
b) Blister/wound care
c) Wrapping (prevent injury and control swelling)
2. Application of CPR skills
3. Provide assistance to the athlete with the application of a stretching program
4. Application of tape to prevent injury or support an existing injury
5. Application of a brace already being used
6. Application of emergency care splints for stabilization of an acute injury or for protection of an existing injury
7. Conduct a history evaluation to determine the need for referral
8. Conduct a brief injury assessment to determine the need for splinting, bracing, or crutch use for safe referral
9. Application of ice per protocols
10. Application of hot pack per protocols
11. Write progress notes to document care
12. Maintain an effective/open line of communication with the ACI/Clinical Supervisor, coaches, and other medical personnel
Unacceptable:
* An “Apprentice Athletic Training Student” may not perform any skill that is not identified above without prior written/verbal
instruction, consent, and/or guidance by the ACI/Clinical Supervisor. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
1. Determine return to activity criteria without consultation with the ACI/Clinical Supervisor. They may report findings to the
coach, who will ultimately make the decision for return to play!
2. Initiate, change, or progress a rehabilitation plan without permission from ACI/Clinical Supervisor
3. Use electrical or sound modalities without permission from ACI/Clinical Supervisor