Technical Standards

Technical Standards required for enrollment

The MUSC Division of Physician Assistant Studies will consider for admission and/or continuation any applicant who meets its academic and nonacademic criteria and who demonstrates the ability to perform skills and meet the Technical Standards listed below, with or without reasonable accommodations, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Observation: Observe materials presented in the learning environment including audiovisual presentations in lectures and laboratories, microscopic examination of microorganisms, gross organs and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Observe patients, both at a distance and closely. This ability requires functional vision, hearing and somatic sensation.

Communication: Elicit information from patients, including the ability to speak, hear and observe patients and perceive nonverbal communications. Describe changes in mood, activity and posture. Communicate with patients and their families and the health care team through oral, written, and electronic forms. Convey sensitivity and respect in all communications with patients and their families as well as all members of the health care team.

Motor: Elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other components of the physical examination. Execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Such skills require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and sensation. Manipulate equipment and instruments to perform basic laboratory tests and medical procedures required to attain curricular goals (e.g. needles, stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, tongue blades, intravenous equipment, gynecologic speculum, and scalpel).

Laptop/Computer Requirements: Ability to complete computer-based assignments, and use the computer for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information. Ability to complete assessment examinations via computer-based software.

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: Apply knowledge and reasoning to solve problems as outlined by the curriculum. Comprehend three dimensional relationships and the spatial relationships of structures. Collect, organize, prioritize, analyze and assimilate large amounts of technically detailed and complex information within a limited time frame. This information will be presented in a variety of educational settings, including lectures, small group discussions, and individual clinical settings. The candidate should be able to analyze, integrate, and apply this information appropriately for problem solving and decision-making.

Behavioral and Social Attributes: Use intellectual ability, exercise good judgment, and complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients. Develop appropriate professional relationships with patients and colleagues. Tolerate physical, mental, and emotional stress in training and patient care. Adaptable, flexible and able to function in the face of uncertainty within the healthcare team. Display a high level of compassion for others, motivation to serve, integrity, and a consciousness of social values. Possess sufficient interpersonal skills to interact positively with people from all levels of society, all ethnic backgrounds, and all belief systems. Accept criticism and respond by appropriate modification of behavior.

If you have any questions about this document or whether you meet the standards as described above, please contact the MUSC Office of EEO and University Accessibility Services.

Return to Admissions for the Physician Assistant Studies program.