Technical Standards

The abilities and skills which candidates and students must possess in order to successfully complete the training associated with PA education is referred to as the “Technical Standards.” The five categorical areas listed below represent the essential qualities that are considered necessary in order for students to achieve the knowledge, skills, and levels of competency stipulated for graduation by the faculty and expected by the PA profession.

Prior to matriculation, all candidates must attest that they meet all Technical Standards as established by the PA Program. Additionally, these standards must be maintained throughout the student’s progress while enrolled in the program. Students found to be in violation of the technical standards are at risk of dismissal from the program.

Candidates and students for the PA Program must possess the following abilities and skills:

  1. Observation 
    1. Accurately and in entirety observe patients both at a distance and close at hand. This ability requires functional vision, hearing and somatic sensation.
    2. Ability to visually observe materials presented in the classroom, laboratory environment and various settings to include audiovisual presentations, written documents, microbiology cultures, microscopic examination of microorganisms, tissues and gross organs, and diagnostic images (e.g. ECG, X-ray, C.T.).
  2. Communication 
    1. Effectively speak, hear, and observe patients in order to elicit information, perceive nonverbal communication, and describe changes in mood, activity and posture.
    2. Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and their families through oral and written language.
    3. Communicate accurately and efficiently in oral, written, and electronic form with members of the healthcare team.
    4. Display effective writing, reading, and verbal skills.
  3. Motor 
    1. Elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and clinical diagnostic maneuvers.
    2. Execute movements required to provide general medical care and emergency treatment to patients. Such skills require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and sensation.
    3. Properly use clinical instruments and medical devices for therapeutic intervention (e.g. stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, venipuncture and intravenous equipment, gynecologic speculum, suturing and casting equipment).
    4. Possess physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study, which may include prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and/or rapid ambulation.
  4. Critical Reasoning Skills: In order to complete the PA Program, candidates must be able to demonstrate mastery of these skills and the ability to use them together in a timely fashion in medical problem-solving and patient care. 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to measure, calculate reason, analyze, and synthesize information.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to acquire, retain, and apply new and learned information.
    3. Demonstrate appropriate judgment in patient assessment, diagnosis, monitoring, evaluation and intervention including planning, time management, and use of resources.
    4. Comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures.
  5. Behavioral and Social Attributes 
    1. Possess the emotional health required for full utilization of intellectual abilities, exercise good judgment, and promptly complete all responsibilities associated with the diagnosis and care of patients.
    2. Demonstrate mature, receptive, and effective relationships with faculty, staff, patients, fellow students, and members of the health care team.
    3. Possess qualities of flexibility and adaptability in functioning in an environment of uncertainty inherent in the clinical problems of many patients.
    4. Demonstrate the capacity to tolerate taxing workloads and function effectively under stress.
    5. Display the personal qualities of compassion, integrity, commitment, motivation, and genuine concern for others that are intrinsic to the medical profession, and will be assessed during the admissions and educational process.

Candidates for admission to the PA Program, who are accepted, will be required to verify that they understand and meet these technical standards. Admission decisions are made on the supposition that the student believes that they meet the technical standards with or without a reasonable accommodation.