³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Technical Standards â€‹(´¡3.12±ð)

All PA Program learners are expected to meet certain non-academic criteria in their training to become PAs.  

The Dictionary of Occupational Titles defines the role of PAs in the healthcare delivery model, and learners should be able to perform the listed tasks. In addition, the O*NET Program is a national resource for occupational information, including the PA profession. The  outlines specific tasks, technology skills, and work activities associated with the PA profession.  

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ PA Program evaluates the following technical standards in all candidates for admission and graduation.  

1. Observation. Observe, identify, and interpret clinical findings accurately using visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile senses. This includes the ability to identify non-verbal cues, evaluate clinical presentations effectively, and recognize changes in patient status promptly.  
2. Communication. Demonstrate advanced interpersonal communication skills to establish trust and rapport. This includes adapting communication methods such as active listening and effective documentation of patient encounters.  
3. Motor. Execute precise motor tasks, including the use of advanced diagnostic tools and equipment. Demonstrate dexterity and coordination in both routine and emergent care scenarios, ensuring the ability to perform lifesaving interventions when necessary.  
4. Intellectual. Apply critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making to manage complex clinical scenarios. Use advanced reasoning to prioritize patient care, integrate multidisciplinary perspectives, and optimize treatment outcomes.  
5. Cognitive, Clinical Reasoning, and Endurance Requirements. Learners must demonstrate the cognitive capacity, sustained attention, and decision-making ability required not only for successful completion of program assessments, but also for the delivery of safe and effective patient care consistent with the standard of care for Physician Assistants.
   
   Specifically, learners must be able to:
   •  Process, integrate, and apply complex medical information efficiently and accurately
   •  Demonstrate clinical reasoning under time-sensitive conditions
   •  Analyze and respond to multiple clinical scenarios within approximately one minute per question in timed examination settings
   •  Sustain attention, concentration, and performance across extended testing periods (up to five continuous hours administered in timed blocks)
   •  Maintain cognitive performance across multiple medical domains without significant decline in accuracy or judgment
   •  Transition between tasks and clinical problem types while preserving sound medical decision-making
   
   These abilities are essential not only for successful completion of high-stakes examinations but also for:
   •  Providing timely diagnosis and management
   •  Responding appropriately in urgent or emergent clinical situations
   •  Managing patient panels efficiently
   •  Meeting productivity and documentation expectations in clinical practice
   
   The ability to sustain cognitive endurance and decision-making accuracy directly impacts patient safety and adherence to the professional standard of care.
    
6. Behavioral and Social. Exhibit resilience, adaptability, and professionalism in high-pressure and dynamic healthcare environments. Demonstrate self-awareness, compassion, and teamwork to foster a positive therapeutic relationship with patients and healthcare teams.

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ PA Program is committed to ensuring all learners can meet the above standards in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation will be made for documented disabilities.

The PA Program requires that all applicants and learners meet these minimum technical standards reasonably independently, regardless of whether or not they receive accommodation.  Applicants or learners with questions about or seeking accommodation should contact the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Disability Services Department.

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ PA Program is committed to ensuring all learners can meet the above standards in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation will be made for documented disabilities.

Applicants or learners with questions about or seeking accommodation should contact the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Disability Services Department. Learners who believe they require academic accommodations must initiate the process through the University’s designated accommodations office in accordance with institutional policy.

The PA Program prepares learners for national certification and licensure; learners are also encouraged to review the (NCCPA) Policies and Procedures for Examination Accommodations to understand documentation requirements and qualification standards for certification examination accommodations.

Approval of accommodations within the program does not guarantee approval of accommodations by . Learners are responsible for ensuring that documentation meets both university and requirements.

 

1. History and Physical (H and P) Laboratory Attire and Participation Requirements

Participation in the History and Physical (H and P) Laboratory is a required component of the didactic curriculum. During lab sessions, learners practice physical examination techniques on classmates in a structured and professional educational setting.

To allow for appropriate instruction and accurate performance of physical examination maneuvers, learners are required to change into designated laboratory attire.

1. Required Lab Attire

Learners must wear:
•  A short-sleeved t-shirt
•  Shorts

This attire allows adequate access to anatomical landmarks necessary for proper instruction and safe practice of examination techniques. All laboratory activities are conducted in a professional, respectful, and faculty-supervised environment.

Learners are expected to arrive prepared to fully participate in laboratory sessions as scheduled.

2. Accommodation Process for H & P Laboratory

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ PA Program recognizes that some learners may request accommodations related to laboratory attire or participation due to documented religious or other qualifying reasons.

Accommodation requests must be initiated through the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Disability Services Department in accordance with institutional policy and applicable federal law.

When approved through the appropriate university process, accommodations during History and Physical Lab may include:

• Permission to wear shorts that extend below the knee
• Assignment to examination groups consisting only of male or female partners, as requested and approved by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Disability Services Department

All approved accommodations must still allow the learner to meet the essential educational objectives of the laboratory and demonstrate competency in required examination skills.

Failure to initiate the formal accommodation process in advance may result in the inability to participate fully in laboratory sessions.