Technical Standards for Admissions
A candidate for admission to the PA program must possess, or be able to achieve through a reasonable accommodation, certain sensory and motor functions, that would enable the individual to carry out the activities described in the sections that follow. Upon matriculation to the program, the student must continue to possess, or be able to achieve through reasonable accommodation, the personal competencies outlined below throughout their progression in the PA program. Graduation from the program signifies that the individual is prepared for entry into clinical practice or into postgraduate training programs. Therefore, it follows that graduates must have the knowledge and skills needed to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic care. The candidate must be able to integrate – consistently, quickly, and accurately – all information received by whatever sense(s) are employed. In addition, they must have the intellectual ability to learn, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data. This program requires the performance of specific essential functions, which include, but are not limited to, the following: observation; communication; motor; intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and behavioral and social.
For candidates or students who require a reasonable accommodation to meet the competencies outlined below, please contact the Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy (HFCDHP) at Disability Accommodations (e-mail) or (909) 469-5297 or visit the HFCDHP web site. Under all circumstances, a candidate or student should be able to perform the following in a reasonably independent manner, with or without reasonable accommodation:
Candidates and students must be able to observe and participate in demonstrations, experiments of science including but not limited to dissection of cadavers, examination of specimens in anatomy, pathology, and neuroanatomy laboratories; and microscopic laboratory exercises such as studying microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. They must be able to accurately observe and assess a patient’s relevant health, behavioral, and medical information, and affect to obtain a medical history. Candidates must be able to integrate findings based on observations to perform a complete physical examination and develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan.
Candidates and students must be able to read, write, and speak English professionally and effectively in both academic and health care settings with or without accommodation. This requires the ability to comprehend, write, read, and speak English to record information accurately and communicate effectively and sensitively with faculty and staff, patients, family members, and members of the healthcare team. Candidates must be able to elicit information such as a medical history, examine patients, describe changes in mood, activity, and posture, perceive non-verbal communication, and correctly interpret the information obtained to develop an accurate patient care plan. Candidates must be able to communicate a patient’s condition orally and in writing to others in the diagnosis and treatment process to include documenting patient encounters in an appropriate professionally written format that meets commonly accepted standards.
Candidates and students must have sufficient motor and sensory function such that they are able to undertake classes, laboratories, and demonstrations. This includes cadaver dissection, microscopy, aseptic technique, and safe handling of microbiological specimens. Candidates and students are reasonably required to provide emergency treatment of patients to include palpation, auscultation, percussion, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, insertion of a variety of catheters, administration of intravenous medication, application of pressure to stop bleeding, opening of obstructed airways, suturing of simple wounds, performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers, and other diagnostic and therapeutic modalities such that they are able to execute movements reasonably required to provide emergency treatment to patients. Candidates and students must be able to perform a proper physical exam and other diagnostic maneuvers and treatments. They must be able to record patient encounters, write prescriptions, and use computer technology. Candidates and students must have sufficient physical stamina to complete rigorous didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences.
Candidates must be able to consistently, quickly and accurately, memorize, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and transmit detailed and complex information across a variety of conditions, timeframes, and modalities (i.e., classroom, lab, small group, team and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of computer technology). Candidates must engage in critical thinking and problem solving and be able to elicit conclusions about three-dimensional spatial relationships and logical sequential relationships among events.
Candidates and students must possess the maturity and emotional stability required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of sound judgment and the prompt completion of all academic and patient care responsibilities. Candidates and students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in patient care. Candidates and students must be able to work effectively, respectfully, and professionally as part of the healthcare team, and to interact with patients, their families, and healthcare personnel in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner. Candidates must be able to contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments; accept constructive feedback from others; and take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes.
Candidates and students are expected to possess and be able to demonstrate the highest level of ethical, moral, and professional behavior consistent with professional values and standards; understand the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine; function within both the law and ethical standards of the medical profession; and adhere to WesternU’s student code of conduct.