College of Nursing and Allied Health
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Technical Standards
for the University of St. Francis
Physician Assistant Program reguarding completion
of the Master of Science Degree
The granting of a Master of Science
(MS) degree and completion of the professional
phase signifies that the student is prepared for
employment as a Physician Assistant. In such a
professional role, the physician assistant can
provide medical services with the supervision
of a doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine
in accordance with applicable laws of medical
practice. The services must, for the safety and
welfare of the patient, be of the same professional
quality that would be rendered by the supervising
physician.
The physician assistant must have the knowledge
and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical
situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient
care. Candidates for the physician assistant profession
must have somatic sensation and the functional
use of the senses of vision and hearing. Candidate's
diagnostic skills will also be lessened without
the functional use of the senses of equilibrium,
smell and taste. Additionally, they must have
sufficient exteroceptive sense (touch, pain, and
temperature), sufficient motor function to permit
them to carry out the activities described in
the sections that follow.
They must be able to integrate all information
received by whatever sense(s) employed, consistently,
quickly, and accurately, and they must have the
intellectual ability to learn, integrate, analyze
and synthesize data. A candidate for the physician
assistant profession must have abilities and skills
of six varieties including observation, communication,
motor, conceptual, integrative and quantitative,
behavioral and social. Technological compensation
can be made for some handicaps in certain of these
areas, but such a candidate should be able to
perform in a reasonably independent manner.
GENERAL ABILITIES
The student is expected to possess functional
use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, taste,
and smell. All data received by the senses must
be integrated, analyzed and synthesized in a consistent
and accurate manner. In addition, the individual
is expected to possess the ability to perceive
pain, pressure, temperature, position, equilibrium,
and movement.
OBSERVATIONAL ABILITY
The student is expected to participate in and
observe demonstrations and experiments in the
basic sciences including but not limited to physiologic
and pharmacological demonstrations in animals,
microbiological cultures and microscopic study
of organisms and tissues in normal and pathologic
states. The student is expected to observe the
patient accurately at a distance and close at
hand and accurately assess health/illness alteration.
Inherent in this observation process is the use
of the senses and sufficient motor capability
to carry out the necessary assessment activities.
COMMUNICATION ABILITY
The student is expected to be able to effectively
communicate verbally and non-verbally and to observe
patients in order to elicit information, describe
changes in mood, activity, and postures and to
perceive nonverbal communications. This requires
the ability to read, write, and effectively utilize
the English language. The student must be able
to communicate effectively with patients and other
professionals.
MOTOR ABILITY
The student is expected to be able to perform
gross and fine motor movements required to perform
complete physical examination. The student is
expected to have the psychomotor skills necessary
to perform or assist with procedures, treatments,
administration of medication, managing of equipment,
and emergency intervention. The student is expected
to be able to maintain consciousness and equilibrium,
and stamina to perform satisfactorily in clinical
experiences.
OTHER MOTOR ABILITIES
The student should have sufficient motor function
to elicit information from patients by palpation.
Auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic
maneuvers. The student must be able to do laboratory
tests and work with scientific and other instruments
and machinery utilized in practice as a Physician
Assistant.
CRITICAL THINKING ABILITY
The student is expected to have the ability to
develop and refine problem-solving skills. This
includes the ability to measure, calculate, analyze
and synthesize objective as well as subjective
data and make decisions that reflect consistent
and thoughtful deliberation and clinical judgment.
In addition, the student should be able to comprehend
three-dimensional relationships and understand
the spatial relationships of structures.
INTERPERSONAL ABILITIES
The student is expected to have the emotional
stability required to exercise stability required
to exercise sound judgment and complete assessment
and intervention activities. The student is expected
to establish rapport and maintain sensitive, interpersonal
relationships with individuals, families and groups
from a variety of social, emotional, cultural
and intellectual backgrounds. The student is expected
to have the flexibility to function effectively
under stress. Concern for others, integrity, accountability,
interest and motivation are necessary personal
qualities.
BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES
A student must possess the emotional health required
for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities,
the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion
of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis
and care of patients, and the development of mature,
sensitive and effective relationships with patients.
The student must be able to tolerate physically
taxing workloads and to function effectively under
stress. The student must be able to adapt to changing
environments, to display flexibility and to learn
to function in the face of the uncertainties inherent
in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion,
integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills,
interest and motivation are all personal qualities
that will be assessed during the admission and
education process.
SPECIAL STUDENTS
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to
apply to the program. However, it is the responsibility
of the student to notify the University of St.
Francis Physician Assistant Program in writing
(with medical documentation) and verbally (PA
Program 4401 Silver Avenue SE, Suite B, Albuquerque,
New Mexico 87108 phone:505-266-5565) if there
is any reason why the abilities and/or expectations
described cannot be met. Students who indicate
verbally and in writing (with medical documentation)
that they cannot meet one or more of these requirements
will be reviewed by the University of St Francis
to determine what, if any reasonable accommodations
might be possible to facilitate successful completion
of the degree requirements should you be admitted
to the program. If you have any further questions
or concerns regarding these technical standards
please contact the PA Program at the number above
or contact the University of St. Francis main
campus, Office of Disability at 815-740-3864.