Athletic Training Observation Guidelines

Athletic Training Program – Observation Guidelines

As part of the application process for the athletic training program at Washington State University, you are required to complete 15 observation hours in the athletic training clinic. These hours must be completed by the application due date.

In addition to gaining experiences in the athletic training clinic, students completing observation hours give clinical faculty and staff a first impression. Students interested in becoming athletic training students at WSU will want to make this a good first impression.

Scheduling Observation Hours

• Observation hours are available during both the fall and spring semesters, Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
• The first 8 hours of observation time will be performed in the WSU Sports Medicine Clinic, the following 7 hours will be done observing a 3rd year athletic training student. You will be assigned to a 3rd year athletic training student and may have the opportunity to observe them at a practice, during a conditioning or weight training session; hopefully this will allow you to see for internship experience of an ATS in a different environment.
• After your initial 8 hours of observation time, contact the ATP Clinical Coordinator for the 3rd year student you will be assigned to for the remainder of your hours.
• Students interested in the applying for the athletic training program at WSU should complete these hours as early as possible, you will need to complete the hours during the semester you began your hours.
• Due to facility limitations, all observation hours must be scheduled ahead of time.
• Sign-up will be on a first come-first served basis. Please see the ATP Clinical Coordinator for the schedule.
• Before beginning observation hours, prospective students are required to have a confidentiality waiver and proof of Bloodborne Pathogen training on file with the ATP Clinical Coordinator.
• Observation record sheets and name tags are to be kept in the conference room at all times.
• Only a certified athletic trainer can sign off on your observation times.
• Turn in observation record sheet to the ATP Clinical Coordinator when your hours are completed.

Appropriate Dress and Behavior

• Observation hours provide candidates an opportunity to “shadow” athletic training students. It is meant to be an active process where you can ask questions, and observe treatments, evaluations, rehabilitation programs, practice coverage, etc. “Wall flowers” that just put in the time are missing out on important opportunities.
• The athletic training center is a professional medical facility; do not use your experience as an opportunity for social interaction or contact with student-athletes.
• No cell phones or ear phones allowed.
• Slacks or nice khakis required; no jeans or shorts allowed.
• No dresses or skirts.
• Button up shirt, nice polo or sweater to be warn as a top.
• Closed toed shoes; no sandals or old tennis shoes.
• No hats

Legal Review, Spring 2006