Health and Fitness Science Technical Standards

Purpose Statement

All students in the Health and Fitness Science program are expected to meet certain technical standards which are essential for the successful completion of all phases of the program, and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the student’s ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards below.

Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. The ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any certification exams or successful completion of the program.

 

Technical StandardDefinition of StandardsExamples
Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving SkillsPossess critical thinking ability sufficient for judgment.
  • Identify lifestyle modification methods.
  • Participate in the development of a plan of action for the client.
  • Evaluate client or instrument responses, synthesize data, and draw sound conclusions.
Interpersonal SkillsPossess interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, groups, etc. from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
  • Establish rapport with clients, instructors, staff, and colleagues.
  • Respect and care for clients whose appearance, condition, beliefs, and values may conflict with your own.
Communication SkillsPossess communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
  • Explain exercises.
  • Initiate health teaching.
  • Document designed workouts and client responses accurately.
Coping SkillsPossess coping skills sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations.
  • Adapt to changes in plans or activities rapidly.
  • Maintain composure in noisy, visually complex, emotionally charged, and intense situations.
Mobility/Motor Skills
  • Possess physical abilities to move in one’s environment with ease and without restriction.
  • Also, possess gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective workout routines for clients.
  • Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid procedures.
  • Design a workout for senior citizens with motor skill impediments.
  • Move around in the lab and fitness areas.
  • Ability to lift and manipulate 45-50 pounds.
  • Stand and walk for an hour without a break.
  • Ability to spot clients during exercise.
  • Calibrate and use the equipment.
Auditory SkillsPossess auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs and to effectively take notes on anything required or requested by the client.
  • Detect and evaluate heart monitor alarms on a treadmill test.
  • Detect and evaluate blood pressure sounds through the stethoscope.
Visual SkillsPossess visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment.
  • Ability to assess changes in skin color (paleness, cyanosis, redness).
  • Conduct visual assessments.
  • See people and objects up to 20 feet away.
Tactile SkillsPossess tactile ability sufficient for assisting with physical assessments.
  • Perform physical palpation of anatomical structures.
  • Perform palpation of pulse.
  • Detect changes in body temperature.
EnvironmentalPossess the ability to tolerate environmental stressors.
  • Work in areas that are close, crowded, and/or noisy.
  • Anticipate exposure to communicable diseases/bodily fluids and practice universal precautions.
Emotional/BehavioralPossess emotional stability sufficient to assume responsibility/accountability for actions
  • Calmly receive feedback.
  • Demonstrate personal and professional integrity.
  • Demonstrate appropriate self-care and personal hygiene.

 

In the case of another wise qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless to do so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the children or student with the understanding that for future employment some technical standards are related to child care rules and regulations from NC General Statutes.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is invested in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Support Services is part of Student Services and is located in the K. Ray Bailey Student Services Center. For detailed information or to request accommodations visit Support Services. An appointment is recommended prior to enrollment to discuss any special concerns.