Technical standards have been established to inform the student of minimum standards to satisfactorily function in the program and ultimately in the profession. The College must ensure that patient(s)/ of clinical affiliates are not placed in jeopardy by students during learning experiences. Therefore, students in service learning and clinical experiences must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to withstand the stress, uncertainties, and rapidly changing circumstances that characterize the responsibilities of patient(s). Furthermore, the student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member, and establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with patients, their families, agency staff, faculty, and peers.
Applicants must be in good physical and mental health to meet program objectives. Technical Standards information is also available in the Technical Standards section of this catalog.
- Sufficient hearing to assess patient needs, physiological signs, understand instructions, identify emergency signals, assess body functions, and engage in telephone conversation.
- Sufficient visual acuity to observe patients, manipulate equipment, interpret data, ensure a safe environment, identify color changes, read fine print/writing, and do fine calibrations.
- Sufficient speech and language ability to express, comprehend, and exchange information and ideas in English verbally, nonverbally, and in writing, and to interact clearly and logically with patients, family members, physicians, nurses, faculty, peers, and other ancillary medical personnel.
- Sufficient tactile ability to assess pressure, temperature, position, vibration, and movement.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions, to respond appropriately in emergencies or unexpected situations, and to cope with extreme variations in workload and stress levels.
- Sufficient emotional intelligence to exhibit empathy and compassion, to maintain productive relationships in classroom and clinical settings, and to integrate direction, instruction, and criticism into behavioral changes.
- Sufficient strength, endurance, and motor coordination to perform the following physical activities: participation in lengthy classroom activities; fine and gross motor skills to carry out procedures; ability to safely and frequently handle, lift, and/ or carry equipment and patients up to thirty pounds; stamina to complete an eight-to-twelve-hour work shift; and ability to perform CPR.
- Sufficient information technology access and skills to complete assignments according to program standards.
- Applicants with latex allergies are advised to seek professional medical consultation.