PA Student Technical Standards

Demonstrate sufficient and accurate observation skills in the classroom, laboratory, and patient care settings.

Students should meet the following indicators, among others:

1. Observe accurately and participate with people in the lecture hall, laboratory, and clinic at a distance and close at hand including non-verbal and verbal signals.
2. Distinguish accurately changes in color of fluids, skin, and diagnostic media exams.
3. Recognize accurately text, numbers, patterns, graphic illustrations, and findings on X-ray and other imaging tests.
4. Observe accurately a patient’s condition and active performance of procedures regularly required during a patient encounter.

Demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with fellow students, faculty, patients, and healthcare practitioners with differing personalities, cultural backgrounds, and degrees and types of illness.

Students should meet the following indicators, among others:

1. Speak the English language clearly, efficiently, and intelligibly.
2. Write the English language legibly, efficiently, and intelligibly.
3. Elicit information, observe changes in patient mood, activity, and posture, and perceive non-verbal communications.
4. Prepare and communicate concise oral and written summaries of patient encounters in a timely manner.
5. Provide clear counseling and instruction to patients and their families.
6. Record examination and diagnostic results clearly, accurately, thoroughly, and efficiently in a timely manner.
7. Use a language interpreter effectively to communicate with a non-English speaking patient.

Demonstrate critical reasoning skills required to complete the full curriculum, acquire the required level of competency, and meet the demands of total patient care. These skills include, among others, intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities.

Students should meet the following indicators, among others:

1. Able to read the English language accurately and efficiently.
2. Able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize information.
3. Able to comprehend the spatial relationships of structures (e.g., three-dimensional relationships).
4. Able to acquire, retain, assimilate, and apply large amounts of complex, technical, and detailed medical information.
5. Able to synthesize and apply concepts and information from various disciplines in order to formulate diagnostic and therapeutic plans.
6. Able to show appropriate judgment in patient assessment, diagnosis, monitoring, evaluation, and intervention, including planning, time management, and use of resources.

Demonstrate sufficient motor and sensory function to perform regular tasks of PAs, including performing physical examinations, treatment interventions, and caring for patients, among others.

Students should meet the following indicators, among others:

1. Perform an adequate and complete physical examination and elicit information gained from proper use of examination tools and maneuvers in a timely manner.
2. Participate safely in laboratory sessions, use standard medical and surgical instruments, assess patients, care for patients, and perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures.
3. Show safety and efficiency in the various learning settings (i.e., classroom, laboratories, and clinical settings), including appropriate negotiation of self and patients in various patient care environments.
4. Discern and evaluate accurately various elements of the spoken voice (pitch, intensity, and timbre), percussive notes, and auscultatory findings.
5. Maintain physical stamina required to complete a rigorous course of didactic and clinical study.
6. Respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations.

Demonstrate the behavioral and social skills that are critical to participating in a professional program and serving as a practicing PA.

Students should meet the following indicators, among others:

1. Demonstrate personal qualities that facilitate effective therapeutic interactions (e.g., compassion, empathy, integrity, honesty, benevolence, confidentiality).
2. Possess the necessary emotional health to maintain full utilization of mental faculties (including judgment, orientation, affect, and cognition).
3. Establish rapport and develop mature and effective professional relationships with faculty, patients, the public, and other members of the health care team.
4. Demonstrate impartial motives and attitudes in roles, functions, and relationships. Communicate with and care for patients who are different or have different beliefs without partiality, including but not limited to gender, age, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, culture, creed, military status, sexual orientation or identity, and religious or spiritual beliefs.
5. Monitor and react appropriately to your emotional needs and responses.
6. Be flexible, adaptable, composed, and emotionally stable during periods of high stress or uncertainty that may occur with didactic and clinical experiences and environments.
7. Follow directions accurately with prompt completion of all responsibilities in the classroom and clinical setting.
8. Comply with standards, policies, and practices set forth by the University and PA Program.