Technical Standards

Equal Opportunity – Prohibition Of Discrimination Oakland Community College, pursuant to the requirements of applicable law and Board policies, does not discriminate against applicants, employees or students on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or handicap, nor will sexual harassment or harassment based on other classifications mentioned herein, be tolerated in its employment practices and/or educational programs or activities.

Reading/Writing/Math Skills

Proficient in college English, medical terminology, and math required for specific program standards.

Feasible Outcome Example: Read and comprehend course textbooks, oral and written command of medical terminology to understand written narrative summaries, case reports, patient charts and course projects.

Personal Responsibility

Ability to accept responsibility and accountability for personal actions in all class and clinical settings.  Ability to consistently approach highly stressful situations in a professional, safe, and effective manner.  Accept and integrate critical feedback within class and clinical settings.

Feasible Outcome Example: Maintain professionalism and react appropriately in critical situations.  Work with fellow students on projects and with diverse populations in the clinical setting.  Receive constructive criticism appropriately and work independently in all situations.

Critical Thinking

Analytical and critical thinking ability sufficient for safe and effective clinical judgment.

Feasible Outcome Example: Ability to transfer theory into practical application.  Identify cause/effect relationships in clinical situations within a specified amount of time.

Interpersonal

Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact professionally with staff, patients, individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

Feasible Outcome Example: Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues with an understanding that individuals have different experiences and beliefs.

Communication

Verbal and written communication skills sufficient for clear and concise interactions with all individuals or in groups.

Feasible Outcome Example: Explain treatments, testing, and procedures, or initiate health teaching with clear and concise diction.  Accurately interpret and document patient information, where appropriate, following HIPAA guidelines.

Informational Literacy

Ability to gather credible information using computer technology without the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) unless otherwise directed by Program personnel.  Utilize current medical technology in the field (as it relates to specific programs).

Feasible Outcome Example: Research assignment information.  Document appropriate patient information using paperless charting. Remain current and knowledgeable of trends and protocols following HIPAA guidelines.

Physical requirements

Physically able to freely move around workspaces and move equipment where and when needed.  Able to safely assist in lifting patients, perform CPR, and any other physical functions of the profession without weight restrictions.  Students must pass a physical examination and provide evidence of suitable physical health to be able to care for patients with certain infectious diseases and other health hazards.  A student cannot expect Oakland Community College employees to give advice about one’s physical abilities.

Feasible Outcome Example: Quickly and efficiently move around treatment room and workspace without assistive devices (i.e.: no crutches, walker, wheelchair, arm sling, walking boot, etc.).  Move equipment to patient’s room, push stretcher to/from Emergency Center, begin or assist with CPR or other emergency response situation.

Hearing

Auditory acuity sufficient to hear verbal instructions or responses from instructors, classmates, patients, and site staff with or without environmental distractions.

Feasible Outcome Example: Hear, acknowledge, and respond appropriately to instructor, patient, equipment alarm, doppler equipment acoustics, emergency signals, and/or cries for help.  In many situations, masks are worn precluding the ability to read lips.

Visual

Visual acuity sufficient for, but not limited to: reading and completing course work in the classroom, lab or clinical settings; reading charts and medications, observations necessary in clinical care for physical assessments, and discerning contraindicated health issues contained within a person’s health history.  

Feasible Outcome Example: Read and apply patient/client orders, observe and react to patient/client responses, and visualize subtle changes in color and structures.

Manual Dexterity

Dexterity suitable for safe, effective, and timely performance of clinical and administrative skills and techniques. Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and reliable patient/client care and to perform the duties of specific programs.

Feasible Outcome Example: Perform vital signs, phlebotomy, diagnostic lab procedures, computer skills, and perform tasks requiring hand/eye coordination skills.

Mental Acuity and Focus

Ability to think independently, understand and synthesize information clearly and concisely in order to make rational decisions and use clear clinical judgment for safe practice; ability to remain focused and on task in a distracting environment; stable mental and emotional behaviors sufficient to plan and implement patient/client care in a safe and time effective manner.  

Feasible Outcome Example:  Ability to complete classwork whether independently or in a work group setting; emotional maturity and stability along with sufficient coping skills to approach highly stressful situations in a professional, calm, safe, rational manner; make quick clinical decisions such as selecting the correct technique, equipment, and safety measures to assure comprehensive and safe care of patients/clients in potentially chaotic situations.

Knowledge and Skill Application

Ability to understand, replicate and integrate skills into the classroom, lab and clinical settings.

Feasible Outcome Example: Transfer skills learned in the classroom and lab to perform required duties efficiently, effectively and safely.