Policies and Procedures for Student Athletic Trainers

Absence from Clinical Responsibilities

Student athletic trainers play a vital role in the overall operation of the training room.  Therefore, absences during scheduled times are highly discouraged.  If it is necessary for a student trainer to be absent, it is the student trainer's responsibility to first approve it with the the Certified Athletic Trainer.  If Amanda Cox is unavailable, messages can be left at Ext.-6880.  Student trainers are also responsible for making up missed hours. Please remember this is an internship and for completion of the class, student trainers are required to be present for a certain number of hours in the semester!

Dress Code

To promote and increase a professional atmosphere, we will be enforcing a dress code.  Student athletic trainers are expected to present themselves in a professional manner at all times.  The training room is considered a medical facility and trainers should dress and act accordingly.  Jeans, gym shorts, tank tops, bell-bottoms, cut-off shorts, spandex or tight fitting pants or shorts, platform shoes or shirts that are not tucked in do not display the professional image of an athletic trainer. 

• For all practices, students are required to wear either warm up pants, sweat pants, Dockers, etc.  Jeans are not acceptable!  Tops may be of any nature provided that they are tucked in and presentable.  Use good judgment in your decisions.
•  For all games, students may wear either warm-up pants or docker-style pants.  We will be hosting visiting teams without an athletic trainer; therefore, it is preferred that you wear clothes that identify you as part of the Athletic Training Staff. 
• The first time a student is found in violation of the dress code, he/she will be asked to change.  Subsequent violations may result in suspension.

Drug and Alcohol Policy 

Students who show up to a work assignment under the influence of elicit drugs and/or alcohol will face immediate disciplinary action. Smoking in or around athletic facilities is prohibited.

Academic Standards
All student athletic trainers will be required to maintain a minimum GPA of a 2.75.  Any student athletic trainer failing to maintain the minimum cumulative GPA will be dismissed from the student athletic trainer program.

• If a student athletic trainer has a cumulative GPA of 2.75, but has a semester GPA of less than a 2.75, they will be placed on probation.

 Professional Conduct

• The student athletic trainer is to act in a professional manner at all times.  This includes any interactions with staff, physicians, coaches, student athletes, administrators and peers.
• The student athletic trainer is expected to maintain the ethical standards set by the NJCAA and the NATA.
• All telephone calls should be of a professional nature.  The training room is not a place to be making personal phone calls.
• Punctuality is of utmost importance.  Arriving on time means 10 minutes prior to the designated time.  Lack of punctuality shows a lack of interest and initiative.  Not only will this reflect negatively on your evaluation but will be punishable in accordance with the disciplinary policy.
• Socializing with student athletes is strongly discouraged.  The relationship that you share with the student athletes should be one that upholds the professional conduct of one in the allied health profession.

Scheduling of Classes
Every attempt should be made to schedule classes between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

Outside Employment
Success in the classroom as well as in the training room may leave little time for personal time.  Employment outside of the training room may interfere with training room duties and assignments in addition to events that are scheduled for the weekend.  It is for this reason that employment outside of the training room is strongly discouraged.