CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION TO, PROGRESSION IN AND COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM IN PHYSICAL THERAPY.

General Abilities

To provide quality health care, the student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, taste, and smell.  All data received by the senses must be integrated, analyzed and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner.  In addition, the individual is expected to possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, equilibrium, and movement.

Observational Ability

The student is expected to participate in and observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences including but not limited to physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations in animals, microbiologic cultures and microscopic study of organisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states.  The student is expected to observe the patient accurately at a distance and close at hand and accurately assess health/illness alteration. Inherent in this observation process is the functional use of the senses and sufficient motor capability to carry out the necessary assessment activities.

Communication Ability

The student is expected to be able to effectively communicate verbally and non-verbally and to observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity, and postures and to perceive non-verbal communications.  This requires the ability to read, write, and effectively utilize the English language. The student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients.

Motor Ability

The student is expected to be able to perform gross and fine motor movements required to provide physical therapy and operate equipment to deliver care safely.  Examples of movements the student must be able to perform include lifting, turning, transferring, transporting, and exercising the patients.  The student is expected to have the psychomotor skills necessary to perform or assist with procedures, treatments, administration of medication, managing of equipment, and emergency interventions.  The student is expected to be able to maintain consciousness and equilibrium, and have the physical strength and stamina to perform satisfactorily in clinical experiences.

Critical Thinking Ability

The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem solving skills.  This includes the ability to measure, calculate, analyze and synthesize objective as well as subjective data and make decisions that reflect consistent and thoughtful deliberation and clinical judgment.  In addition, the student should be able to comprehend three dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures.

Interpersonal Abilities

The student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, and complete assessment and intervention activities.  The student is expected to establish rapport and maintain sensitive, interpersonal relationships with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.  The student is expected to have the flexibility to function effectively under stress.  Concern for others, integrity, accountability, interest and motivation are necessary personal qualities.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

A student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients.  Students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress.  Students must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients.  Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that should be assessed during the admissions and education processes.