Technical Standards

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the University of Charleston (UC) is a rigorous and intense program that places specific demands on all enrolled students.

The minimum technical standards establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level physician assistant. If at any time an applicant or enrolled student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the individual will not be permitted to enter or progress within the program.

UC PA Program Technical Standards

All students are expected to perform physical examinations on both males and females, including breast and genitalia examinations on models, standardized patients, and patients during the clinical year.

Candidates for admission and enrolled students within the program must possess aptitude in the following categories:

Observation

1. Candidates and students must be able to observe and actively participate in all demonstrations and experiments in the basic medical and clinical sciences, including observations made through a microscope and demonstrations made in the classroom using standardized or classmate patient models.
2. Candidates and students must be able to observe a patient accurately and completely both at a distance and up close, noting both verbal and nonverbal signs.

Communication

1. Candidates and students must possess the ability to comprehend written English at a level sufficient to adequately evaluate technical materials, medical reports, and biomedical texts and journals.
2. Candidates and students are expected to be able to communicate, both verbally and in writing, with patients, peers, university personnel, and colleagues.
3. All communication must be completed with professionalism, accuracy, clarity, efficiency, and timeliness as defined by program expectations.

Sensory and Motor Functions

1. Candidates and students must have sufficient use of somatic sensation and the senses of vision, hearing, and smell to perform the inspection, palpation, auscultation, and percussion components of the physical examination as well as interpretation of diagnostic studies including electrocardiography, microscopy, and radiography.
2. Candidates and students must possess the gross and fine motor coordination skills necessary to learn and perform the physical examination, routine laboratory tests, and diagnostic/therapeutic procedures.
3. Candidates and students must be able to perform the physical activities needed to provide general, emergency, and surgical care. This may include, but is not limited to, activities such as standing, sitting, bending, lifting, carrying, and running for extended periods as required for the profession.

 
Intellectual Conceptualization, Integration, and Quantitation

1. Candidates and students must possess the critical thinking skills and cognitive reasoning required to quantify, analyze, integrate, synthesize, problem-solve, and reach diagnostic and therapeutic judgments in a timely manner defined by program expectations.
2. Candidates and students must be able to acquire and demonstrate the ability to recognize limitations in their knowledge, skills, and behaviors and seek assistance when appropriate.

 
Behavioral and Social Attributes

1. Candidates and students must be able to collaborate with others to maintain a professional and non-competitive environment.
2. Candidates and students must possess the endurance to tolerate physically taxing workloads and function effectively under stress. This may require working for extended periods or with rotating schedules.
3. Candidates and students must possess the mental and emotional health to meet the intellectual, professional, and psychological demands of the program and profession. This includes exercising good judgment and taking prompt and appropriate actions as required.
4. Candidates and students must be able to adapt to changing environments and display flexibility in the face of uncertainties inherent in the training process and the practice of medicine.
5. Candidates and students are expected to accept and invite constructive criticism and, when necessary, adopt appropriate modifications to their behavior.

ADA Statement

It is the policy of the University of Charleston to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with documented disabilities. This college will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as regards to affording equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the disability coordinator and provide current documentation from appropriate credentialed persons. The disability coordinator is located in room 302 of the Learning Commons (3rd floor of Clay Tower Building) and will assist students and faculty in arranging appropriate accommodations. This is in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.