Technical Performance Standards

Certain abilities are considered essential for student success relative to achieving the level of competency required for graduation. Potential students should carefully review the standards as detailed and are urged to inquire if clarification is needed on any of the standards.

Data Collection Standards

• Tactile ability sufficient for collection and assessment of data
• Ability to adjust settings on equipment
• Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health care needs
• Olfactory ability sufficient for patient/client assessment
• Visual ability sufficient for assessing and observing the patient/client and environment

Communication Standards Possess sufficient communication skills to interact effectively with others - sensitive to individual and cultural differences Ability to express self verbally in a language that will be understood by a majority of patients/clients Ability to explain interventions, provide patient/client education, and assess/relate patient/client response to interventions Possess the ability to recognize, interpret and respond to non-verbal cues

Sensorimotor Standards

• Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective care
• Standing and walking for extended periods of time and physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room, to maneuver in patient rooms and other small areas
• The motor skills of stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, and handling
• Ability to perform medium work (defined as lifting 60 pound maximum with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 30 pounds)
• Ability to walk with good balance and to resist challenge while walking
• Fine motor coordination sufficient to calibrate and use equipment
• Ability to perform therapeutic interventions and safely utilize equipment that requires sensory awareness, ability to perform palpation, and fine motor coordination
• Independent mobility including transportation to/from campus and clinical practicums
• Stamina to participate in physical activity over prolonged periods of time

Intellectual and Conceptual Standards

• Ability to assimilate, within a reasonable amount of time, large amounts of complex, technical and detailed information from a variety of sources
• Ability to identify cause-effect relationship in order to make judgments and set priorities in clinical situations
• Recognize physiological changes in patient/client status and act appropriately
• Ability to function during stressful situations
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, integrate information and make decisions promptly

Behavioral and Social Standards

• Possess sufficient interpersonal skills to establish meaningful and effective rapport with individuals from a variety of different social, emotional, economic, cultural, ethnic, religious and intellectual backgrounds as well as within all age groups
• Appreciate and respect patient/family confidentiality
• Ability to cope with heavy workload schedule and patient demands
• Function effectively during periods of high stress
• Display adaptability
• Accept responsibility for own behavior
• Engage in self-assessment activities which includes identification of learning needs

Ethical Standards

• Exhibit a respect for truth and a commitment to honesty in all didactic and clinical pursuits
• Adhere to ethical and legal guidelines established by applicable national organizations and governmental agencies
  
• Abide by all institutional regulations