Physician Assistant Studies Technical Standards
A student admitted into the TTUHSC Physician Assistant Program must meet basic and
essential requirements that are necessary for obtaining employment and performing
as a Physician Assistant. The technical standards each student must master include
cognitive, physical and behavioral characteristics that are identified in the following:
Observation: The applicant/student must possess the ability to observe required demonstrations,
visual presentations in lectures and laboratories, and written and audiovisual presentations.
Examples of perceptual abilities include but are not limited to gross and microscopic
studies of organisms, cadaver dissections, and various diagnostic tests such as interpretation
of echocardiograms, digital and wavelength readings, and graphic or radiographic images.
The applicant/student must be able to observe patients accurately and completely,
both at distance and closely using functional visual, hearing, and somatic sensation.
Communication: The applicant/student must possess the ability to communicate effectively with patients
to elicit information, including nonverbal communications, and describe changes in
mood, activity, and posture with immediate assessment of information provided. Individuals
must possess the ability to communicate effectively with clinical preceptors and other
members of the healthcare team, didactic and clinical faculty, and colleagues. The
applicant/student must possess the ability to effectively and sensitively communicate
in oral, written, and electronic form with patients and members of the health care
team in order to provide safe and effective patient care
Motor: The applicant/student must possess sufficient gross and fine motor function, equilibrium,
and sensation to elicit information from patients through customary techniques for
physical assessment such as visual observation/inspection, palpation, percussion,
and auscultation as well as carry out diagnostic maneuvers and technical procedures
involved in the practice of medicine and surgery. Examples reasonably required of
physician assistants include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of pressure
to stop bleeding, venous and arterial punctures, suturing, pelvic and rectal exams,
obstetrical maneuvers, and opening of obstructed airways.
Intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities: The applicant/student must possess the ability to comprehend three dimensional relationships
and spatial relationships of structures; and be able to collect, organize, prioritize,
analyze and synthesize large amounts of detailed and complex information to apply
in problem-solving and decision-making in clinical and educational settings including
lectures, laboratories, small group discussions and clinical settings.
Behavioral and Social Attributes: The applicant/student must be able to tolerate physical and mental taxing workloads,
function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility,
and function in the face of uncertainty inherent in the evaluation and treatment of
patients. The applicant/student must have the emotional health to fully use his/her
intellectual ability, exercise good judgment and complete all responsibilities necessary
to the diagnosis and care of patients. The applicant/student must possess integrity,
compassion, and effective interpersonal skills to interact with patients and members
of the health care team with sensitivity to cultural differences. The applicant/student
must be able to understand and apply the concepts of medical ethics and demonstrate
ethical behavior.
Candidates for selection to the PA program will be required to verify that they understand
and meet the essential functions or believe that, with reasonable accommodations they
can meet the standards. TTUHSC OP 10.15 complies with the American with Disabilities
Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and state and local requirements
regarding students with disabilities. Under these laws, no otherwise qualified and
competitive individual with a disability shall be denied access to or participate
in services, programs and activities of TTUHSC solely on the basis of the disability.
For additional information, please see: