Students in the Medical Assisting program must meet these technical standards. Please read the standards carefully and seek clarification if necessary.
Standard
Example of activity or behavior
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with co-workers, patients, families and individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds
Establish rapport with clients, families and colleagues
Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form
Collect and document assessment data
Explain treatment procedures
Obtain and disseminate information relevant to patient care and work duties
Mental/cognitive abilities (intellectual and emotional function) sufficient to plan and implement assigned duties in a responsible manner
Display attitudes and actions consistent with ethical standards of medical assisting
Communicate an understanding of the principles of confidentiality, respect, tact, politeness, collaboration, teamwork and discretion
Physical abilities sufficient to maneuver in small spaces, lift and carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 200 pounds. Fine motor dexterity sufficient for kneeling, bending and stooping and for pinching, grasping and manipulating instruments and equipment.
Move around and within an exam room
Administer CPR
Transfer patients from stretchers and wheelchairs and/or exam tables and back
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective patient care
Move, calibrate, pause equipment and supplies, including sharp instruments
Lift, transfer and position mobile and immobile clients
Lift and carry at least 30 pounds of weight safely
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs in person or over the telephone
Hear patients' cries of distress, heart sounds and blood pressure sounds, as well as the sounds of instruments and equipment being properly utilized with or without corrective devices
Visual acuity sufficient for physical assessment, performance of medical office or clinical procedures and maintenance of environmental safety
Observes client responses, such as skin color and facial expression
Monitors vital signs
Reads numbers, lettering, writing on instruments, paper and computer screens
Identifies reagents and other materials, such as laboratory media, stain preparations and various body fluids with or without corrective devices
Tactile ability sufficient for assessment and performance of clinical procedures.
Perform palpation techniques (pulse, bony landmarks, venipuncture sites and differentiate between temperature and pressure variations)
Emotional stability and mental alertness sufficient for performing the medical assisting role
Maintaining a calm and efficient manner in high-stress or pressure situations with patients, staff, supervisors and colleagues
Remain alert to surroundings and potential emergencies
Olfactory ability sufficient to perform medical office or clinical procedures
