Physician Assistant Studies: Technical Standards

Physician Assistant Students, in addition to their academic achievements, exam scores, and fund of medical knowledge, must also be able to demonstrate adequate physical, emotional, and behavioral capabilities to be successful in achieving the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree as well as in their future practice. While some accommodations can be made for persons with some disabilities, it is expected that students enrolled in this program can adequately perform the five technical standards listed below:

OBSERVATION

• All PA students must be able to adequately observe all demonstrations and lectures within the lecture hall or the laboratory setting. The student must have proficient sensory function to be able to observe a patient from a distance and up close, and have the sensory skills to be able to perform an appropriate physical examination of a patient. Sensory skills required for observation include intact vision, hearing, sense of smell, and tactile sensation.

COMMUNICATION

• It is expected that all students admitted to the Physician Assistant Studies Program are able to communicate effectively and sensitively to faculty, staff, patients, and all members of the healthcare team. Communication requires the student to be able to speak clearly so that the student may be understood by others, and that the student possess the ability to read and write effectively. Communication also requires that the student be proficient in interpreting non-verbal cues such as changes in mood, behavior, activity, or posture.

MOTOR FUNCTION

• Physician Assistant Students must have adequate strength, gross and fine motor coordination, balance, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision to be able to perform maneuvers and procedures to provide both general and emergent care. It is expected that the student has adequate motor function in order to perform a physical examination which requires the ability to palpate, percuss, auscultate, and perform other diagnostic maneuvers. Examples of actions reasonably required include performing CPR, administering IV medications, applying appropriate pressure to stop hemorrhage, suturing of simple wounds, performing obstetrical maneuvers, and opening of airways. It is also expected that a student be able to sit and stand for long periods of time as required in the classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting.

CONCEPTUAL AND ANALYTICAL THOUGHT AND REASONING

• It is expected that all students admitted to the Physician Assistant Studies Program have the ability to critically analyze and interpret information from medical literature, laboratory testing, imaging studies, and from the physical examination quickly and effectively, even under high stress situations. It is expected that the student be able to interpret three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of anatomical structures. The student must have good critical thinking skills as would be required in the practice of medicine.

BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES

• The Physician Assistant Studies student will have the emotional health to allow him or her to function in a rigorous academic environment. The course of study to become a PA is intense and will require the student to be able to handle high stress situations. It is expected that all students are able to approach patients with sensitivity and empathy and to work well with all members of the healthcare team. It is expected that all students have the ability to adapt to changing environments as well as deal with the uncertainties inherent in clinical practice. If a candidate has any spiritual, ethical, personal or constitutional objection to physical contact with any gender identity or expression, such objection may not interfere with the candidate's ability to perform full physical examinations of patients, which is necessary to fulfill the requirements of clinical competence and graduation. Students will also be required to practice and perfect physical examination skills on each other (with the exception of examinations of the genitalia). Candidates shall be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties in the clinical problems of many patients. Because disease recognizes no holiday or day of the week, candidates must be willing to perform in the clinical setting as required by their designated preceptor. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that are assessed during the education process.