The Master of PA Medicine program’s Technical Standards outlines the abilities and skills that students must possess in order to complete this rigorous program. These same abilities and skills are essential for clinical practice as a licensed PA. All students admitted to the program are expected to be able to demonstrate the abilities specified below at matriculation. If a student is unable to fulfill the Technical Standards prior to or any time after admission the student will not be permitted to enroll or progress in the program.
In the admission process the program will review not only the academic potential of an applicant, but also the physical and emotional capabilities to meet the requirements of the program’s curriculum in order to graduate as a skilled PA. Students must affirm that they meet these Technical Standards prior to or at the time of matriculation. Students found to be in violation of Technical Standards are at risk for dismissal from the program. Disclosure of disabilities and requests for accommodations are handled in a confidential manner. Reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis.
University of Lynchburg strives to ensure that patients receive the best health care possible by requiring that students possess abilities and skills in these areas:
Observation
Applicants must have sufficient capacity to observe in the classroom, the laboratories, outpatient settings and the patient’s bedside. Sensory skills to perform a physical examination are required. Functional vision, hearing, smell and tactile sensation are required to properly observe a patient’s condition and to perform procedures regularly required during a physical examination.
Communication
Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in both academic and health care settings. Applicants must show evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills. Applicants must be able to communicate with patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture and perceive nonverbal communications. Applicants must be capable of completing, in a thorough and timely manner, appropriate medical records and documents and plans according to protocol.
Motor
The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures is required. Applicants must have sufficient motor function to execute movements reasonably required to properly care for all patients. This may include but is not limited to bending, lifting, carrying or running. Applicants must be able to move freely about patient care environments and must be able to move between settings such as clinics, classroom buildings, and hospitals. In addition, physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required. Long periods of sitting, standing, or moving are required in classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences.
Intellectual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities
Applicants must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize. Problem solving is an essential skill for PAs and it requires all of these intellectual abilities. Applicants must be able to read and understand medical literature. In order to complete the PA Medicine program, applicants must be able to demonstrate mastery of these skills and the ability to use them together in a timely fashion in medical problem-solving and patient care.
Behavioral and Social Attributes
Applicants must possess the emotional health and stability required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and the prompt completion of all academic and patient care responsibilities. The development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and other members of the healthcare team is essential. The ability to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice, flexibility, compassion, integrity, motivation, interpersonal skills and concern for others, are all required. Applicants must be able to function effectively under stress and have the ability to accept constructive criticism and handle difficult interpersonal relationships during training.
Evaluation and Accommodation of Disabilities:
Although a candidate’s self-identification as a person with a disability is voluntary, the PA Program can only accommodate known disabilities. In order to establish eligibility for and to request accommodation, a student must notify the Disability Services Office. The PA Medicine Program will consider any qualified applicant who demonstrates the ability to acquire the knowledge necessary for the practice of medicine, as well as the ability to perform, or to learn to perform, the skills, as described above.
Contact the Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources.
