INTRODUCTION TO STUDENT HANDBOOK
MISSION/VISION STATEMENT
PROGRAM GOALS & OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS &
STANDARDS
RETENTION/TRANSFER POLICY
Including Technical Standards & Physical form
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
COLLEGE GREIVANCE PROCEDURES
CLINICAL EDUCATION REQUIRMENTS
STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY
NATA GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION &
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM POLICIES
CLINICAL EDUCATION PLAN
LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY/CONDUCT
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES (BLOODBORNE &
HEPATITIS - B VACCINATION, COMMUNICABLE
DISEASES)
ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM RECORD KEEPING
GUIDELINES FOR STERILE WHIRLPOOL
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PAGES 5-12
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PAGE 15
PAGES 16-19
PAGE 20
PAGES 21-22
PAGES 23
PAGES 24-26
PAGES 27-30
PAGES 31-34
PAGES 35-38
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8/2011

MERRIMACK COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES
ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM
ATHLETIC TRAINING STUDENT HANDBOOK
The Athletic Training Education Program at Merrimack College is offered by the School of Science and Engineering. It is a rigorous science-based curriculum which is housed in the Department of Health Sciences. Along with the academic portion the students acquire a certain body of practical knowledge in compliance with CAATE (Committee on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education programs) Standard and Guidelines,
NATA (National Athletic Trainers Association) Educational competencies and the BOC
Role Delineation Study. This Allied Health Education program involves the study and implementation of medical skills used in the treatment of athletic injuries for the active population. It includes these eight content areas: Evidenced Based Practice, Prevention and Health Promotion, Clinical Exam/Diagnosis, Acute Care, Therapeutic Intervention,
Psychosocial strategies and referral, Healthcare Administration and Professional
Development/Responsibility.
Upon completion of this course of study, students are eligible to take the National
Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification Examination administered by the
BOC. Successful completion of this examination will allow the applicant to be awarded
Certification preparing the individual for career entry position as a Certified Athletic
Trainer. Merrimack College’s Athletic Training Education Program will also ready those students interested in pursuing graduate education.
Successful completion of the undergraduate Athletic Training Education Program and subsequent passing of the BOC certification examination will also meet the requirements of eligibility for Massachusetts State Licensure. State Licensure is required to practice athletic training in the Commonwealth.
This handbook is designed as a guide to inform and assist the athletic training students’ involved in the Athletic Training Education Program. As an athletic training student, you are expected to understand these procedures thoroughly and abide by them completely when the occasion arises. It is strongly recommended that you review this manual on a regular basis.

VISION/MISSION STATEMENT
And CORE VALUES
VISION : Merrimack College will be the premier undergraduate Athletic Training
Education Program in the Northeast.
MISSION: To provide the students with an intense science based curriculum focusing on experiential learning (integrating theory into practice) and the creation of life long learners allowing our graduates maximal flexibility within the Athletic Training/ Allied
Health Care Profession to include BOC and advanced professional degrees.
CORE VALUES: Academic integrity, morals & ethics, community service, and respect for the public’s health, safety and welfare
3

GOALS & OBJECTIVES
1.
To provide the student a strong science based, allied health curriculum for individuals seeking BOC certification
2.
To provide students with a strong science based curriculum for individuals seeking advanced degrees in health care fields: Physical Therapy, Physicians
Assistant, Chiropractic Medicine, Nursing, Nurse Practitioner and Medical School
3.
To provide the ATS with the necessary Athletic Training components for individuals seeking graduate assistantships and advanced degrees in the field of athletic training.
4.
To instill the athletic training student with an understanding of the NATA code of ethics
5.
To provide the student the opportunities to obtain and define clinical skills with a variety of affiliated sites
6.
To introduce the importance of professional development responsibility in the inspiration of lifelong learners
7.
To ensure that the student gain knowledge and skills in accordance with the
NATA competencies and proficiencies as delineated by CAATE Standards.
8.
To advise and counsel all individuals in the pursuit of their individual goals in the development of leadership and commitment to Athletic Training and other allied health care fields
9.
Promote communication between Orthopedists, Primary Health Physicians,
Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Athletes, Coaches and other administrators and health care providers
10.
Advocate excellence while providing the highest quality of health care to physically active population

5
All students in the Sports Medicine curriculum may apply to the Athletic Training Major
ATHLETIC TRAINING PROGRAM ADMISSIONS POLICIES
FRESHMAN YEAR:
Freshman candidates who have achieved the following: a. an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better b. Successful Completion of SME 1101 Acute and
Emergency Care
May begin hours of observation in the Athletic Training Facility second semester
(Spring) of their freshman year.
At the end of the Freshman Year, those students who have fulfilled the following requirements may apply into the Athletic Training Education Program: a. an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better b. minimum of C+ in:
HSC 1122 & 1123 A&P I, II
SME 1101 & 1102 Acute Care/Med Term
SME 1304 Care and Prevention
SME 1317 Sports Med Administration
SME 1318 Research Design
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Students wishing to apply into the Athletic Training Education Program at Merrimack
College who have fulfilled all requirements must submit to the Program Director: a. letter of application b. two letters of recommendation (at least one from a
Merrimack College faculty member)
The application must be received no later than October 15th of their sophomore year.
Once all required materials are received all applicants will be reviewed based on the following criterion and receive points which can be totaled toward a maximum of 100.

1. Overall GPA
4. Upperclassmen Sponsor
5. Ankle Taping
I. OVERALL GPA (30 POINTS):
2. GPA in SME 1304 Care & Prevention
3. Interview
The following points will be given to students in achievement of their GPA
2.75 - 2.99 10 points
3.00 - 3.24
3.25 - 3.49
3.50 - 3.74
3.75 - 4.00
15 points
20 points
25 points
30 points
II. Care and Prevention GPA (30 POINTS):
The following points will be given to students in achievement of GPA in Care and
Prevention
2.75 - 2.99 10 points
30
30
20
10
10
3.00 - 3.24
3.25 - 3.49
3.50 - 3.74
3.75 - 4.00
15 points
20 points
25 points
30 points
III. INTERVIEW (20 POINTS):
The Program Director, Clinical Education Coordinator and three staff athletic trainers will account for four (4) points; totaling twenty (20). At the end of each interview, the five individuals will rate the candidate 1 - 4 based on the following scale.
Poor
Fair
1 point
2 points
Good
Excellent
3 points
4 points
All points from each staff member will be tallied and calculated based on the twenty point scale.

7
IV. UPPER CLASSMEN SPONSOR (10 POINTS):
Each applicant for the Athletic Training Education Program must be sponsored by an upperclassmen in the Program. No more than two candidates may be sponsored by the same person. Each sponsor will score the candidate based on the following criterion:
1. Appearance
2. Punctuality
3. Communication Skills (ability to interact with others)
4. Presentation/Attitude
5. Motivation
Each of the above characteristics/competencies will account for two (2) points. All points will be calculated based on the ten point scale.
V. ANKLE TAPING (10 POINTS):
Each candidate will be asked to tape one functional ankle in less than two and one half minutes. The requirements for taping an ankle are as follows:
1. 2-4+ anchors
2. 3-4 stirrups
3. 2 sets of heel locks ( one reverse)
4. 1 figure eight
5. 2-4+ close up anchors
The rating scale for ankle taping is as follows:
0 points
3 points
5 points
7 points
10 points over 2 minutes and 30 seconds poor fair good excellent
VI.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS:
The Athletic Training Education Program at Merrimack College is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare students to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Education
Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency
(Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The following

abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training
Education Program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program.
Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for BOC certification exam.
Technical Standards
Technical Guidelines :
Athletic training is an intellectually, physically and psychologically demanding profession. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s “Athletic Training Educational
Competencies and Proficiencies” in conjunction with the Role Delineation Study describes and outlines the necessary skills, abilities and essential qualities that an
Athletic Trainer must possess to safely and knowledgeably practice in the field. In such, the Athletic Training Education Program at Merrimack College is a rigorous and intense program of study that places these specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program.
Standards:
Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Educational Program must demonstrate the following.
1.
The ability to learn through observation. Observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing and somatic senses. The student must be able to participate in lectures, as well as laboratory and practicum demonstrations.
He/she should be able to: a.
Observe clinical signs through visual and tactile assessment (swelling, deformity), palpate a patient accurately to determine variations from the norm (through palpation of anatomical structures) b.
Observe output readings to determine a patient’s condition and status of treatment (blood pressure, range of motion, loss of function) c.
Ability to listen to a patient describe their medical history and symptoms
2.
The student must possess the ability to communicate effective and sensitively. a.
With patients: to obtain information regarding the patients’ health complaints and disposition. b.
With colleagues and other members of the health care community: to convey essential information for safe and effective care.
In addition, students must be able to read, communicate in writing and demonstrate computer literacy assignments. The student must also be able to

9 understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
3.
The student must have sufficient motor function through the utilization of fine and gross motor skill in combination with equilibrium to elicit information from the patient examination through palpation, muscular strength assessment, joint range of motion measurement and other evaluative techniques. The student must also possess sufficient motor function to be able to respond in a potentially catastrophic injury (obstructed airway management, CPR, and in-line stabilization of cervical spine).
Students must also be able to implement movements required to provide therapeutic care (stretching, taping, and wound care techniques).
4.
The student must possess the intellectual abilities to effectively solve problems and critically think. They must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize information in a timely manner. (The student must be able to synthesize knowledge and integrate the relevant aspects of a patient’s history and examination findings to develop an effective treatment program.
In addition, students must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand spatial relationships of structures.
5.
Students must possess the psychological ability required for the full use of their intellectual abilities, for the exercise of good judgment, for the prompt completion of all responsibilities inherent to assessment and care of patients, and for the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients. Students should be able to tolerate physically and mentally taxing workloads and function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to a changing environment, and function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the setting of athletic training. Students must demonstrate ethical behavior, both in the classroom and during their clinical experience.
Reasonable accommodations:
A student must demonstrate the above skills and abilities, but may do so with or without reasonable accommodation. The Athletic Training Education Program in combination with the ADA advisor will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students to enable them to meet these technical guidelines. Whether or not an accommodation is reasonable will be determined on an individual basis.
Students seeking academic accommodations must provide medical documentation of their disability and comply with the procedures of the Merrimack College Office of
Disability Services. Once a student’s eligibility is established the ADA advisor will forward a set of recommended accommodations to the each of the students professors who reviews these recommendations to ensure that 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 all coursework, clinical experiences and internships deemed essential to graduation.
A student who is admitted to the major but unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, will not be able to complete the major.
I certify that I have read and understand the technical standards for selection listed above, and I believe to the best of my knowledge that I meet each of these standards without accommodation. I understand that if I am unable to meet these standards I will not be admitted into the program.
Signature of Applicant Date
Alternate statement for students requesting accommodations.
I certify that I have read and understand the technical standards of selection listed above and I believe to the best of my knowledge that I can meet each of these standards with certain accommodations. I will contact the ADA advisor and Director of Sports
Medicine to determine what accommodations may be available. I understand that if I am unable to meet these standards with or without accommodations, I will not be admitted into the program.
Signature of Applicant Date
Program Director and Supervising Athletic Trainer will formally evaluate each student’s progress at the end of each semester.

Athletic Training Education Program
Medical History and Physical Examination
Form
Instructions:
1. A medical history and physical exam is required.
2. The student must provide all information requested
3. Immunization and tuberculin skin tests must be completed and/or updated as necessary
4. Proof of immunizations must be presented to the Student Health Center per Massachusetts State Law.
Name: ___________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Date of Birth: _____________
Date: __________________________
Phone: __________________________
Gender: _________
Medical History
Condition
Allergy
Emotional Disorders
Hearing/Vision Impairment
Migrane
Heart Problems
Diabetes Mellitius
Kidney Disease
Tuberculosis
Other (Please Explain)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Description
Physical Exam (Completed by MD, DO, PA or NP)
Height _________ Weight _________ BP ______________ Pulse ________
__________
(Indicate any abnormal findings)
HEENT
Cardiac
Pulmonary
Breast/Genitalia
Abdomen
GU
Musculoskeletal
Vision Screen
Neurological
11
Does this student require any follow-up health supervision? Yes _____________
If so, recommendations:
No ____________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Cleared for Clinical Yes _________________ No ____________________
Healthcare Provider Signature: ______________________________________________________________

Merrimack College
ATEP Technical Standards
The student demonstrates:
1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment in a timely manner and able 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. Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues and speak the English language at a level that is consistent with competent professional practice
4. Ability to communicate in writing: report the physical examination results, and treatment plans clearly and accurately
5. Capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress
6. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations
7. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport to relate to other health care professionals and patients in administering quality patient care
Based on the results of this exam, this student demonstrates the observation, communication, motor, intellectual and social abilities to perform in the ATEP at Merrimack College.
______ Yes ________ No
______ Yes, with accommodations (explain):
__________________________________________________________________
Healthcare Provider Signature: ______________________________________Date: ________________
IMMUNIZATIONS:
Tetanus-Diphtheria
Year
1. Completed primary series of tetanus-diphtheria immunizations
______/______
2. Received tetanus-diphtheria booster within the last 5 years
______/______
3. A single dose of Tdap is required unless contraindicated
Polio Vaccine
______/______
______/______
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
______/______
Or documentation of antibody titer ________________________________
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Completed Vaccination series _______________
______/______
______/______
______/______
Or documentation of positive immune titer (include copy) ______________
Meningococcal vaccine mandatory (1 dose MVC) age 16 or above
1.
2.
3.
______/______
Varicella (chicken Pox)
Proof of history attached YES _____
______/______
NO _____
Tuberculosis
1. PPD test within last 12 months. Result: Negative _____ Positive _____
2. Positive PPD, or received BCG vaccine in the past. Chest X-ray required. Date of X-ray: ________
Result of chest X-ray: Negative _____ Positive _____
Is patient currently on medication?_________________________________________________
Month/
Health Care Provider
Name: _______________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________

Once students are admitted into the Athletic Training Education Program, they are required to become a member of the NATA @ a rate $90.00 per year. This will allow students to apply for scholarships through the NATA or EATA and will enable students with all of the benefits the professional organization has to offer.
Membership can be obtained through www.nata.org
website.
*All clinical education documentation is tracked via ATrack www.atrackonline.com
system through the NATA.
1. An overall GPA of 2.75 must be maintained in order to work in the Athletic Training
Facility, as well as a C+ or better in each of the athletic training core courses. Failure to maintain this level could result in dismissal from the program.
2. Satisfactory of completion of competencies and evaluations from clinical supervisors is required. An evaluation must be completed by the ACI at the end of each clinical rotation.
3. All students in the Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training Major must be enrolled as full time students
4. Technical Standards.
TRANSFER STUDENTS:
Students wishing to transfer into the Merrimack College Athletic Training Education
Program are required to follow the College transfer policy as outlined on page 205 of the
College Catalog. The Athletic Training Education Program will not accept any transfer of clinical hours from previous institutions.
13

ATHLETIC TRAINING COURSE SEQUENCE
Students accepted into the Athletic Training Education Program will be expected to follow the course sequence as outlined below. Changes may be made only with the permission of the Program Director or Chair of the Department of Health Sciences.
HSC 1122/L Anatomy & Physiology I
CHM 1210/L Chem for Health Prof
HSC 1123/L Anatomy & Physiology
SME 1304/L Care & Prevention of
ENG 1050 Intro to College Writing Athletic Injuries
SME 1101 Acute & Emergency Care (2cr) CHM 1210/L Chem for Health Professions
SME 1102 Med Terminology (2) SME 1317 Sports Med Admin(2)
SME 1318 Research Design (2)
BI O1027/L Principles of Biology
MTH 1116 Precalculus
ATR 2312/L Eval & Assessment I
ATR 2000 Clinical Experience I (2)
ATR 2313/L Eval & Assessment II
HSC 3302 Community Public Health PHL 1000 Intro Philosophy {PH 1}
MTH 1111 Statistics HSC 2342 Nutritional Biochemistry
ATR 2001 Clinical Experience II (2)
SME 3311/L Exercise Physiology
SME 3307/L Therapeutic Exercise
PHY 2201/L Physics I {MS 3}
RTS 1001 Religion {RS 1}
ATR 3000 Clinical Experience III (2)
SME 3309/L Modalities & Pharm Agents
SME 3308/L Biomechanics
PHY 2202/L Physics II
Humanity {HU 1}
ATR 3001 Clinical Experience IV (2)
HCS 3303/L Clinical Microbiology
SME 2345/L Strength & Conditioning
PYS 1000 General Psychology {SS 1}
HSC 3336/L Human Pathophysiology
ATR 4000 Clinical Experience V (2)
Humanity {HU 2}
Social Science {SS 2}
Religion {RS 2}
Open Elective
ATR 4001 Clinical Experience VI (2)
SME 4497 Sports Med Capstone
Total = 140 SCH, 40 Courses
ENG1050 4[1] WI 4[1] RTS 8[2] PHL 1000 4[1]
HU 8[2] SS 8[2] MS 8[2]
Total INST + DIST
Req’d = 123 [F 11], 124 [S 12]
Minimum = 20 sch
Minimum = 24 sch
Minimum = 44 sch

1.
To resolve an academic grievance, the student should discuss the grievance immediately with the faculty member(s) directly involved and attempt to settle the issue.
2.
If resolution is not achieved, the student should take the grievance to the Dean of the appropriate Division who shall attempt to resolve the grievance.
3.
If resolution is not achieved, the student can petition to the Academic Board, in writing for resolution of the grievance.
4.
If the student wishes to appeal the decision of the Academic Board, s/he may do so by writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The decision of the Vice
President for Academic Affairs is final.
5.
Throughout the process, the student should consult with his/her advisor and the
Office of Academic Support Services for assistance.
15

Students currently enrolled in the Athletic Training Education Program may apply to take the BOC Examination. Please refer to www.bocatc.org
and Role Delineation Study
6 th edition posted on ATrack.
Goals of the Athletic Training Clinical Experience:
The Athletic Training Education Program at Merrimack College is designed to educate students in the development of essential duties and responsibilities of the Athletic
Trainer. The primary purpose of the clinical experience is to provide appropriate settings for the progressive advancement of Athletic Training knowledge’s and skills in cooperation with CAATE Standards and Guidelines . These competencies will develop through observation and coactive work with Athletic Trainers, the team physicians, and other Allied Health Care providers. It is important to be familiar with all
NATA performance domains and competencies (as delineated in the BOC Role
Delineation Study).
RDS 6: Domain Description
1. Injury/illness prevention and wellness protection – Educating participants and managing risk for safe performance and function.
2. Clinical evaluation and diagnosis – Implementing standard evaluation techniques and formulating a clinical impression for the determination of a course of action.
3. Immediate and emergency care – Employing standard care procedures and communicating outcomes for efficient and appropriate care of the injured.
4. Treatment and rehabilitation – Reconditioning participants for optimal performance and function.
5. Organizational and professional health and well ‐ being – Understanding and adhering to approved organizational and professional practices and guidelines to ensure individual and organizational well‐being.
Athletic Training Education Competencies 5 th Ed: Content Areas
1. Evidence Based Practice
2. Prevention and Health Promotion
3. Clinical Exam/Diagnosis
4. Acute Care
5. Therapeutic Intervention
6. Psychosocial Strategies and Referral
7. Healthcare Administration
8. Professional Development and Responsibility

CLINICAL EDUCATION EXPERIENCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES :
The following lists the policies and procedures all Athletic Training Students must adhere to:
1. All clinical hours must be documented on ATrack. Students are required to obtain hours per clinical experience courses as stipulated on course syllabi.
A. Student Responsibility : It is the responsibility of the student to keep accurate records of hours accumulated. Hours should be recorded on a daily basis and approved by the clinical instructor via ATrack.
B. Approved Clinical Instructor’s Responsibility : ACI’s are responsible to check ATrack and verify/approve student’s clinical hours in a timely fashion.
C . Hours to be “counted” toward clinical experience/field experience:
1. Time spent in the Athletic Training Facility
2. Time spent preparing for and covering practices
3. Time spent preparing for and covering athletic contests
4. Time spent developing skills and proficiencies
2. Athletic Training Students should report to the Athletic Training Facility one hour prior to practice in order to prepare the athletes for each practice session. For games, the
Athletic Trainer will designate the time in which students must report to the Athletic
Training Facility. It is the responsibility of the athletic training student to make sure that the athletic training kits are stocked and that they are familiar with the location of supplies in each kit.
3. Athletic Training Students are expected to arrive promptly at their clinical site by the assigned time. All athletic training students who arrive at their clinical assignment more than 10 minutes late are considered tardy. Each episode of tardiness is considered an offense and is subject to the disciplinary action described in # 11.
4. While covering a practice or game the Athletic Training Students must be attentive and alert at all times. The Athletic Training Student is responsible for supplying ice and water, and providing care and treatment to athletes under the direct supervision of the
ACI.
HOMEWORK SHOULD NOT BE DONE DURING PRACTICE OR GAMES.
5. Athletic Training Students are expected to complete an injury evaluation form for each injury assessed. It is also expected that the Athletic Training Student will fill out all pertinent forms and information related to the rehabilitation of the injured athlete on a daily basis in combination/under the guidance of the Athletic Trainer.
17

6. In the event of College or NCAA Drug Testing of the student athletes, Athletic
Training Student may be asked to assist the medical staff.
7. The Athletic Training Student assigned to a sport for a specific season is expected to attend practices and games as permissible by class schedule. Student will only be able to travel with the athletic team when accompanying an Athletic Trainer. On road trips, team rules for the athletes also apply to the Athletic Training Student. These rules may include policies regarding conduct, dress code, curfews, etc.
8. Clinical assignments will be made approximately four weeks prior to the start of the rotation. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements in their academic and outside employment schedules, as well as transportation to off-campus sites when necessary.
9. Athletic Training students will be formally evaluated by their clinical instructor at the mid-tern and end of semester for each clinical experience via ATrack.
10. All Athletic Training Students are required to strictly follow all policies and procedures presented in this manual and as specified by the Athletic Trainers. Any violation of these policies will result in disciplinary action from the Athletic Training
Staff and/or the Clinical Education Coordinator as follows:
First Offense: Verbal warning
Second Offense: Written warning to the Athletic Training Student (this will include
Third Offense: the behavior to be corrected)
Grade dropped a full letter grade w/ documentation in the
Student’s file
Fourth Offense: Athletic Training Student will be removed from the clinical assignment and awarded a failing grade
*Athletic Training Students are allowed three excused absences from their clinical assignment. More than three excused absences or other infractions will result in disciplinary action as described above. Athletic Training Students may be removed from their clinical assignment at any time at the discretion of the Clinical Education
Coordinator.
APPEALS:
1. If a student is unable to fulfill the commitment to the assigned rotation, the Clinical
Education Coordinator must be notified in writing detailing the reasons within one week of the posting. The Director of Sports Medicine, Clinical Education Coordinator and the appropriate clinical instructors will review the appeal. Students with sound reasons for changes in their assignments will have the opportunity to be reassigned to a rotation,

19 which is not in conflict. Students who simply choose not to accept an assignment will be dismissed from the program.
2. Students wishing to appeal any disciplinary actions must notify the Director of Sports
Medicine in writing detailing the reasons for their behavior.

North Andover, Massachusetts 01845, 978-837-5000
Department of Health Science
Athletic Training Education Program
Statement of Confidentiality
I, __________________________, as a student in the Athletic Training Education
Program at Merrimack College agree to keep any and all information regarding the injury and/or illness of any student athlete of the College and the medical records of any and all student-athlete’s of the College strictly confidential.
This includes but is not limited to, information regarding the type of injury/illness sustained, therapeutic treatment, medications prescribed, status for competition and limitations regarding participation. This information is not to be discussed with individuals who are not authorized by the student-athlete to receive such information.
The discussion of such information will be limited to the student-athlete, athletic trainer, and athletic training student, and may be initiated only in the process of performing one’s duties and responsibilities.
Questions related to a student-athlete’s injury/illness or the athlete’s status for participation is to be directed to the full-time athletic training staff. Information regarding a student-athlete’s injury/illness or status for participation is not to be discussed or released to other athletes, members of the press, other students, friends, or relatives.
I also agree not to disclose any of the following information without the consent of the student athlete and the approval of the supervising athletic trainer: name, telephone number, address, social security number, date of birth, major field of study, and academic classification.
The release of confidential information to unauthorized persons is considered to be a severe breach of trust with respect to the relationship between the athletic training staff and the student-athlete, a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of
1974, as amended, and as violation of the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability
Act (HIPAA) of 1996. If it is discovered that an athletic training student has violated this policy, then appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
__________________________________
Athletic Training Student Signature
__________________________________
Witness
_____________
Date
_____________
Date

Memberships in professional organizations instills a sense of professionalism, aids in interaction with peers and medical & health care providers and provides the Athletic
Training Student with a unique opportunity to learn about current issues and research pertaining to athletic training. All students are encouraged to attend conferences and seminars/lectures, particularly events sponsored by the National Athletic Trainers
Association (NATA), Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts (ATOM) and the Eastern
Athletic Trainers Association (EATA).
National Athletic Trainers Association.
The NATA was formed in 1950. It has grown tremendously over the past several years.
The NATA promotes continuing education through the publication of a quarterly journal,
The Journal of Athletic Training, as well as, annual national conventions and regional educational forums. The NATA Mission Statement is as follows:
The mission of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association is to enhance the quality health care for the physically active and advance the profession of athletic training through education and research in the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilitation of injuries. Scholarships are available yearly to qualified student members of the organization.
*All Athletic Training Students are required to become members of the NATA.
Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts.
Students are also encouraged to become members of the state organization, ATOM., Inc. this membership fee provides a quarterly newsletter with information on workshops and conferences of interest to athletic trainers.
Scholarships.
The NATA committee on Grants and Scholarships and the Eastern Athletic Trainers’
Association award scholarships annually to qualified and deserving students. The NATA awards scholarships in the amounts of $500. and $1000.00 in each of the following categories:
A. Undergraduate sophomore and junior students enrolled in a college or university.
B. NATA approved athletic training curriculum students in their junior year are eligible to apply.
21

C. Post-graduate scholarships are awarded to senior students who plan to continue their academic endeavors at the graduate level.
Eligibility for NATA scholarships are:
A. Must be at least a junior in College
B. The student must have an overall GPA of 3.2
C. Must be a member of the NATA
D. Must be sponsored by a Certified Athletic Trainer
E. Application due date is February 1.
Interested students should request the appropriate information by contacting the NATA in writing at:
NATA Scholarship Application Request
2952 Stemmons Freeway
Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75247
Or www.natafoundation.org
The Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association also awards annual scholarships to outstanding juniors and seniors in the amount of $500.00.
Eligibility for EATA scholarships are:
A. Distinguish ones self academically.
B. Perform with distinction as a student member of the Athletic Training
Education Program.
C. Signify intent to continue academic work toward a baccalaureate degree as a full-time undergraduate student.
D. Signify an intent to pursue the profession of athletic training as a livelihood.
E. Conduct oneself both on and off the field in a manner which has brought credit to themselves, their institution, intercollegiate athletics and the ideals and objectives of American higher education.
F. Must be a current member of the NATA district I or II
G. Application due date is November 1.
Website: www.goeata
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MERRIMACK COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES
ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM
ATHLETIC TRAINING FACILITY POLICY
It is the policy of the College that all Athletic Training Facility personnel, as official representatives of Merrimack College, adhere to the following:
1. In accordance with the law, prescription pharmaceuticals are stored in the Athletic
Training Facility under lock and key. Prescription medications are stored for physician use only. Dispensing or administering of pharmaceuticals by persons other than the
Team Physician is prohibited by law.
2. Non-prescription medication may be stored in the Athletic Training Facility and may be administered under the guidelines established by the Team Physician and Certified
Athletic Trainers.
Proper storage of medications, whether they be ointments or other external preparations or internal preparations is mandatory. These supplies should be inspected regularly to assure the products have not deteriorated.
3. Physical Therapy and rehabilitation programs will be administered to full-time college students and employees of the college (by appointment only).
4. Maintain complete records of physical therapy, rehabilitation or pharmaceutical prescription and records of progress indicating physician concern.
5. Do not publicly express opinions of treatment of care rendered by a physician or athletic trainer. Maintain a high standard of professional ethics.
6. Keep the Staff Athletic Trainers informed at all times regarding injuries, treatment, rehabilitation and progress of injured players.
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MERRIMACK COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES
ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM
Clinical Experiences
The Clinical Education plan at Merrimack College is designed to allow Athletic Training
Students the ability to develop and master clinical skills and proficiencies as they progress throughout the program. This progression of skills and proficiencies is better known as learning over time. The learning over time concept allows Athletic Training
Students the necessary time to develop, master and implement these skills into their field experience. During their field experiences ATS will attend both practices and athletic competitions under the direct supervision of an ACI.
Clinical Assignments
The Director of Sports Medicine along with the Clinical Education Coordinator will determine both the specific clinical and ACI assignments for all Athletic Training
Students currently enrolled in the ATEP. All ATS will have the opportunity to gain a wide variety of clinical experiences ; Athletic Training Facility, Equipment Intensive,
Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, Gender Specific, and General Medical) as well as working with numerous ACI’s throughout their progression in the ATEP.
Clinical Assignments and ACI’s will be based upon the following criteria;
 Academic Year in the ATEP
 Didactic Course Work Completed
(Senior, Junior, Sophomore)
 Previous Clinical Assignments / ACI
(Equipment Intensive, Upper and Lower Extremity, Gender Specific, General Medicine)
 Previous Practicum Experiences
 Demand / Needs of Particular Site
 Number of ATS Graduating
 Recommendations from Approved Clinical Instructor
 Personal Attributes
 Proficiency Level
Athletic Training Students will be informed of their clinical assignment as well as their
ACI prior to the end of each successful semester. It is the ATS responsibility to meet with the ACI prior to the start of the experience to review the roles and expectations of the ATS for that rotation. ATS may be required to begin their particular clinical experience prior to the start of the semester. The ATS clinical experience will be part of a formal evaluation process for all clinical experience courses.

Clinical Field Experience
(On Campus)
The Volpe Athletic training Facility serves as the primary clinical setting, in which (ATS) will progress throughout their clinical experience. All (ATS) will be directly assigned to an ACI who is responsible for directing and supervising the (ATS) clinical field experience.
Athletic Training Students will gain clinical experience in the following areas;
 Athletic Training Facility (Merrimack College)
 Equipment Intensive (Football, Ice Hockey, Men’s Lacrosse)
 Upper Extremity (Baseball, Softball, W.Lacrosse, Tennis, Volleyball)
 Lower Extremity (Basketball, Soccer, Field Hockey, Cross Country)
 General Medical
Clinical Field Experience
(Off Campus)
Off campus affiliations have been set up and established by Merrimack’s ATEP to exposes ATS to the many roles and areas of employment for the Certified Athletic
Trainer. These settings will introduce the ATS to a wide variety of Allied Health Care
Professionals.
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Lawrence MA
Orthopedics Northeast, Andover MA
Northeast Rehabilitation, Haverhill MA
Andover High School, Andover MA
Brooks School, North Andover MA
Haverhill High School, Haverhill, MA
Reading High School, Reading, MA
Salem High School, Salem NH
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Wilmington High School, Wilmington, MA
Tewksbury High School, Tewksbury, MA
Lowell High School, Lowell, MA
Student Transportation:
Students who are in the ATEP are directly responsible and must provide their own transportation to and from the affiliated off campus clinical sites.

STAFFING RELATIONSHIPS/LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY
The sports medicine staff at Merrimack College is comprised of our team physician
(Orthopaedics Northeast, Dr. Steven Andriola , Medical Director, athletic trainers, physical therapist, strength and conditioning personnel and athletic training students.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ATHLETIC TRAINING STUDENTS
1. With Athletic Trainers...
The staff athletic trainers are your supervisors. Follow all directions and subscribe to the policies of the Athletic Training Facility.
***Feel free to ask questions and discuss any problems with the staff.
2. With Team Physicians...
Your primary role is that of an observer. If asked to do something do it immediately and exactly as directed.
***Ask questions but do not interfere with activities.
3. With Team Physical Therapist… When dealing with athletes with physical therapy issues, the Team Physical therapist is your supervisor in conjunction with the Athletic
Trainer. Follow all directions; subscribing to the policies of the Athletic Training
Facility.
***Feel free to ask questions and discuss any problems with the staff.
4. With Coaches...
It is important to build a good working relationship with the coach to whom you are assigned (as well as with other coaches on the staff). You are responsible for contacting your supervising athletic trainer regarding any medical decisions.
Remember that you are an extension of the staff athletic trainers BUT this is also a learning environment for you. No decisions are to be made by you regarding treatments/rehabilitation. Discuss all injuries & treatment plans with your supervising athletic trainer daily.
5. With the Student Body/General Public...
The medical status of all athletes is confidential and should not be discussed with anyone other than the staff athletic trainers and/or physicians. Be courteous but do not give out any information.
5. With other Athletes...
Professionalism is of the utmost importance and must be practiced by all students of the athletic training program. Professionalism requires you to keep a social distance from athletes.
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ATHLETIC TRAINING STUDENTS CONDUCT & DUTIES
One of the most important expectations of an athletic training student at Merrimack
College is dependability. There may be times when one finds it necessary to miss athletic training facility hours in order to study for a “big” exam (or other valid reasons). This is understandable, as long as the athletic training staff is notified in advance. (Your grade in your clinical experience requires a certain number of hours per semester refer to your syllabi to ensure you understand the commitment). Remember, there will be many people depending on each individual athletic training student.
General Duties/rules:
1. Arrive before the athletes, and get the athletic training facility prepared for tapings and treatments. Be on time!!! If you are going to be late for an unforeseen reason call the athletic training facility X4584 and let someone know.
2. Always work to become skillful in all competencies and proficiencies from practicum and lab courses. Use free time to work on skills and competencies.
3. Learn and understand the Administrative side of Athletic Training: Make record keeping a priority. Document all injuries and treatments neatly and on all appropriate forms using black ink or on injury tracking software.
4. Take care of all athletes regardless of the team in the order of their arrival into the athletic training facility. If one of your athletes arrives late he/she must wait his/her turn.
5. Do not disagree with the staff athletic trainers or other athletic training students in front of the athlete. Save your comments and questions for later.
6. Do not alter treatments unless directed to do so by an athletic trainer or physician.
7. Do not allow athletes to treat themselves or help themselves to supplies or equipment.
No self treatments by athletes is permitted.
8. Help to keep the athletic training facility stocked and clean:
Daily:
1. Dump the trash
2. Wipe down the tables (treatment & tape station)
3. Vacuum
4. Log treatments into the computer
5. Clean/wipe and sanitize the equipment (whirlpool, e-stim, ultrasound)
6. Take towels to the equipment room
7. Check hydrocollator water level and cleanliness
8. Check ice machine & cybex equipment

9. Mop down hydrotherapy area & tape station
10. Clean and vacuum student study area/conference room
11. Restock athletic training facility & kit for the next day (tape, first aid supplies, etc)
12. Refill ultrasound gel containers
Bi- Weekly to Monthly (depending on usage):
1. Clean hydrocollator
2. Check & clean paraffin
3. Biohazard to autoclave (in Biology Department)
Dress Code:
We do not have a formal uniform. Functional clothing should be worn at all times.
Daily:
1. no rips or tears in clothing
2. clean unstained jeans
3. no half shirts
4. no sandals
5. no hats worn indoors
6. no shirts promoting alcohol, drug use or inappropriate language will be allowed.
If students do not wear appropriate attire, they will be sent home to change.
Games:
Depends on the attire of the team. Check with the coach or Athletic Trainer.
Outdoor ...functional clothing as stated above with a Merrimack College Athletic
Training/Sports Medicine shirt, sweatshirt and/or jacket.
Indoor.
..Basketballs & Ice Hockey
Men: shirt w/tie and casual slacks
Women: slacks/skirts with sweater or blouse
Travel ...Wear what is requested by the coaching staff.
Remember you are representing Merrimack College. Please project a positive image.
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RULES OF THE ATHLETIC TRAINING FACILITY
1. Athletes must shower before receiving treatments after a workout.
2. No shoes on treatment tables. No cleats or equipment in the athletic training facility.
3. No one except the staff and appropriate athletic training students are permitted to use any modality.
4. This is a co-educational facility. Appropriate attire (gym shorts & t-shirt) is to be worn at all times. No exceptions!
5. No vulgarity or sexual comments are to be used by anyone (male or female)!
Remember be Professional at all times.
6. No tobacco products of kind (this includes smokeless).
7. No food or drinks are allowed in the athletic training facility.
8. No horseplay! This is a place of business. Project respect to earn respect.
9. The athletic training facility is not a meeting place for coaches and athletic teams.
10.No supplements of any kind are allowed in the athletic training facility. This includes drinks, shakes, powders and/or pills.
11. All athletes must set up daily appointments for treatments with an athletic trainer.

MERRIMACK COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES
ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
Before each season, we will have an in-service training program addressing emergency procedures for each sport, the athletic trainers responsibilities for surveying the area of practice/game for potential hazards, phones, exits, hospital location and assistance in obtaining an ambulance or life support. As appropriate, the in-service will address use of
Emergency Medical System (EMS) at the courts, fields, rink and away games.
Additionally, these in-services will include discussions on potential emergencies (ie. heat illness, cervical injury, etc.) and equipment fitting and maintenance.
*The EMS includes the crash cart (bag/trunk) which will hold the following equipment:
AED, splints, cervical collar, blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, spine board and crutches.
This crash cart will be available for all home events and football practices.
Procedures:
1. Injuries involving any of the conditions listed below are considered potentially serious and need immediate medical attention:
 cessation of breathing and/or pulse
 severe bleeding
 severe fracture or dislocation (compound)
 head or spinal injury
 heat stroke
 severe asthma attack
 severe allergy attack
2. You will need to act quickly and decisively. Follow the procedure below to eliminate any problems. Become familiar with them. You should: a. Quickly assesses the injury and severity b. The athletic training student will assist the Athletic Trainer; or vice versa. (Home contests: Team Physician may also be available to assist) c. Begin any emergency procedures necessary (CPR, AED, rescue breathing) using precautions to protect yourself from infectious disease. e. Athletic Training facility will act as follows:
1. Call ambulance:
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North Andover Fire Department 911 a. state your name and title b. specific location of the injured athlete c. nature of injury...emphasize if it is life threatening! d. status of athlete e. report what first aid is being given f. give your telephone number g. hang up last f. call campus security X5911, to let them know an ambulance will be arriving on campus; and that they need to unlock the gates. g. Have someone wait for the ambulance to direct it to the proper location. Make sure that any gates, doors are unlocked in the way of ambulance access. h. After the ambulance arrives, call the hospital to which the athlete is being transported. Relay the following information:
1. your name and title
2. athletes name
3. nature of injury
4. name of ambulance service
5. pertinent insurance information i. Whenever possible, accompany the athlete to the hospital to relay information back to the athletic training facility j. Arrange for the athlete’s clothes, equipment, etc. to be cared for. k. Go to the hospital once you have completed your responsibilities at the practice/game or athletic training facility l. Follow-up: Notify the Director of Sports Medicine, who will inform the Director of Athletics. Notification of the parents should be handled by a staff athletic trainer or Director of Sports Medicine whenever possible. m. Write an injury report detailing all actions taken as soon as possible.

DECISION MAKING FLOW CHART:
INJURY
EVALUATION
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
NOTIFY DIRECTOR OF SPORTS MEDICINE & DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION (N.ANDOVER FIRE DEPT.)
NOTIFY HOSPITAL AND/OR TEAM PHYSICIAN
FOLLOW UP TELEPHONE CONTACT W/PHYSICIAN
REFERRAL FOR REHABILITATION/FURTHER MEDICAL CARE
ATHLETE TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES:
When an athlete has sustained an injury, the following guidelines must be followed for his/her transport:
1. If the condition of the athlete does not warrant emergency medical attention, the athlete should try to obtain a ride from a coach or a friend.
2. A staff athletic trainer will transport the student when it is imperative that the athletic trainer be present for immediate feedback from the physician or if the athletic training facility is not too busy.
3. An ambulance should be called for any medical emergency as determined by the athletic trainer.
Important Note: The Director of Athletics should be notified in all medical cases that are life threatening or require hospitalization. In most cases, this will be done by the staff athletic trainers, Coach or Director of Sports Medicine. The Director of Athletics will then continue the lines of communication for the College.
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Immediate Injury Care on the Field:
Athletic Trainers are present on the sidelines during practices and contests for two main functions:
1. to care for and assist any athlete who is injured
2. to keep the coach informed as to the availability of the athletes
In order to provide optimal care for each athlete, the medical staff must discipline themselves to watch each athlete on every play. It is important to see the mechanism of injury and react as quickly as possible.
The official calls time-out for an injury; then calls the medical personnel onto the field.
At this time, the athletic training student under the supervision of his/her ACI must be able to respond immediately to the situation. Foresight is needed to anticipate the necessary action and process that you are about to partake in (ie. blood...start putting gloves on while running onto the field). It is vital and essential that all student athletic trainers are competent in the recognition, evaluation and treatment of all medical emergencies to insure the athlete receives the proper care.
The on-field assessment should be carried out thoroughly and quickly; without compromising the athlete’s safety. You are not on the clock, so don’t feel rushed if you need extra time to assess the athlete’s injury in order to safely transport him/her off of the field. The Athletic Trainer on site will guide you through these procedures.
In addition to the athletic training kit, there are certain items that an athletic training student should always have readily accessible on the sidelines at every practice and game.
It is highly advisable to have the following (on your person) ready to bring to the field with you each day :
Each Athletic Training Student should have their fanny packs with the following (at a minimum): sterile gauze pads tape bandage scissors
band aids (several sizes) latex gloves penlight
CPR shield
Trainers Angel

MERRIMACK COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES
ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM
PREVENTION OF TRANSMISSION OF BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS
As a health care professional you are exposed to infectious diseases that are borne by blood and other bodily fluids. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that
“Universal Precautions” be followed by all health care professionals. Universal
Precautions are the standardized procedures that are carried out when dealing with potentially infectious material (blood, bodily fluids, cerebrospinal fluids, etc.). It is important that you become knowledgeable about protection and adhere to the following rules.
1. Routine use of barrier precautions to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure when contact with blood and other bodily fluids is anticipated. Gloves must be worn for touching any potentially infectious material, non-intact skin (i.e. abrasions, dermatitis), and for handling items or surfaces soiled with blood or bodily fluids.
Gloves must be changed after contact with each student/athlete. All soiled items (gauze, band-aids, gloves, etc) must be placed in the red bio-hazard waste bags/trash bin.
2. Hands and other skin surfaces should be washed immediately and thoroughly if contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids. Hands should be washed after gloves are removed. If any athletic training student is exposed to any potentially infectious material, he/she should report the incident to a staff athletic trainer immediately.
3. Surfaces contaminated with blood should be cleaned with Cavicide or a solution made from one to ten dilution of household bleach.
4. Precautions should be taken to prevent injuries caused by needles, scalpels and other sharp instruments or devices. To prevent needle stick injuries, needles shold not be recapped, purposely bent or broken by hand, removed from disposable syringes or otherwise manipulated by hand. All needles, scalpels and other sharp instruments are to be placed in the red sharps container immediately after use.
5. Although saliva has not been implicated in HIV transmission, the athletic training student should use CPR shield found in each kit to perform mouth to mouth resuscitation.
6. Athletic training students who have exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis should refrain from all direct patient care until the condition resolves.
7. Soiled linen (towels, wraps,slings, etc.) must be placed in red bio-hazard bags.
8. Do not eat, drink or handle contact lenses in environments in which exposure to blood
35

or potentially infectious material may occur.
9. In the athletic setting, Universal Guidelines should be considered in the immediate control of bleeding and when handling bloody dressings, scalpels and other articles containing bodily fluids. All athletic training students are required to comply with these procedures at Merrimack College, at a host site, and at each clinical site.
***All staff members and athletic training students will be trained annually on OSHA guidelines and regulations. Copies of training dates/programs will be maintained in the Director of Sports Medicine’s office in each individual’s file.

MERRIMACK COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES
ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM
REGULATIONS REGARDING HEPATITIS - B VACCINATION
Hepatitis is an infection of the liver which may be caused by a number of different virus, including hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can be found in almost all body fluids including blood, saliva, tears and urine of someone infected with the virus. Therefore, it can be transmitted through cuts, scrapes, or breaks in the skin or mucous membrane.
Those infected with the hepatitis B virus may show no signs of liver disease, but can still transmit it to others. There are no treatments or drugs to kill the virus and the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for health care providers such as athletic trainers. The vaccine is a series of three injections over a period of 6 months.
As required by Massachusetts State Law, Merrimack College mandates that each student in the Health Science Programs obtain a Hepatitis-B vaccination. This will be kept in the students file at the Hamel Health Center, as well as in your files in the
Program Director’s office. This is required of all freshman upon entering into the
College and/or transfers into the Program.
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MERRIMACK COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES
ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM
Student Illness Policy on Communicable Diseases
Merrimack College recognizes the importance of minimizing the exposure of athletes or patients in a clinical setting to communicable diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that athletic training students not report to their clinical site if they have active signs or symptoms of a communicable disease. (A communicable disease is defined as a disease that may be transmitted directly or indirectly from one individual to another. Diseases such as streptococcal (sore throat) and influenza can be spread by discharge from the nose or throat, either by a droplet through air or by contact with objects contaminated by these discharges. They can be spread by casual contact that occurs in the school or clinical environment.)
Athletic Training students are to immediately notify their Clinical Supervisor of their status and an estimate of how long they will need to be absent from their clinical assignment. It is the option of the athletic training student whether or not to seek medical attention when they have communicable disease symptoms, but seeking such attention is strongly recommended. Athletic Training students are strongly advised to report to the
Hamel Health Center to be seen by a physician or the student may use their own family physician if they so desire. Once the student seeks medical attention, that student is required to follow the recommendations and guidelines of that physician (bringing written documentation to their Clinical Supervisor). As a matter of policy, students with active communicable diseases are not allowed in the clinical setting until their health has been restored.

ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM
RECORD KEEPING
Daily Treatment Log
Every time an athlete enters the athletic training room for treatment, taping, Band-Aids or evaluation, he/she must be signed in (on the clipboard). It is the responsibility of the student trainer administering the treatment to make sure that each treatment is recorded daily (not the athletes’ responsibility). When the athlete is signed in, their name, injury or illness, and whatever treatment administered should be documented.
Daily Treatment/Injury Log
These records are kept in each sports’ log book. The Athletic training student working with the team should fill these out daily. They should list each athlete’s name, injury and treatment given each time they attend to one of their athletes. If a trainer who is not assigned to the team treats an athlete, they should go into that team’s log book and document what treatment was administered.
This will aid everyone (especially that team’s trainer) in the athletic training facility to track their athletes injuries and care effectively. There is also a section for evaluations. Every time you reassess an athletes condition, be sure to initial in this column.
Injury Evaluation
This record should be filled out for each injury incurred by a Merrimack College athlete. Entries must be specific and detailed, and should be initialed by a staff athletic trainer. These forms stay in the team’s log book and are placed in the athlete’s file at the end of the season.
Exercise and Rehabilitation Chart
This record should be filled out daily when any athlete is doing a rehabilitation program from an injury incurred as a Merrimack College athlete. This record is to keep track of the rehab program and for the athlete to use as a guideline. This should stay in the team’s folder and then placed into the athlete’s file at the end of the season.
Progress Notes
This record is also kept in the team’s log book and is for the team’s athletic trainer(s) to write any notes they may have regarding an injury and its progress. These notes should be completed in
SOAP note form.
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MERRIMACK COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES
ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAM
WHIRLPOOL STERILIZATION GUIDELINES
1. Spray the complete whirlpool with a disinfectant/decontaminant cleaner.
2. Let the cleaner sit for 10 minutes.
3. Wipe down the whirlpool with a paper towel.
4. Fill the whirlpool with 4 inches of water.
5. Add Chlorazene powder and let it sit on top of the water until most of it dissolves.
(Use 1 packet for ever 40 gallons of water)...
...the small whirlpool = 90 gallons
...the larger whirlpool = 110 gallons
6. Finish filling the whirlpool.
7. Run the whirlpool for about 2 -3 minutes before the athlete gets in.
AFTER:
8. Run the whirlpool for 5 minutes after the athlete is out.
9. Drain the whirlpool.
10. Spray the whirlpool with the disinfectant/decontaminant cleaner.
11. Wipe down with a paper towel.
12. Dispose of all contaminated waste in biohazardous waste container.
**Any time dealing with contaminated waste, be sure to use gloves and avoid contact with skin...dispose of waste appropriately.