Technical Standards
Technical Standards of Medical Education at Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program: Admission and Retention Requirements
Physician Assistant education is a comprehensive process requiring the acquisition of general knowledge in all fields of medicine and basic skills requisite for the practice of medicine. The education of a PA (Physician Assistant) also requires the development of judgment through patient care experiences that prepare individuals for appropriate decision-making in clinical practice.
It is the intent and practice of the Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program to select applicants who have the capacity to become highly competent PAs (Physician Assistant). As an accredited program, Trevecca adheres to the “Standards” promulgated by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA). Within these guidelines, Trevecca’s PA Program has the freedom and ultimate responsibility for the selection of students; the design, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum; the evaluation of students; and the determination of who should be awarded a degree. Admission and retention decisions are based not only on meeting required academic achievements but also on non-academic factors such as, but not limited to, character, integrity, altruism, grit, and perseverance, which indicate alignment with the mission of the Trevecca PA Program.
The PA Program has the responsibility to the public to assure that its graduates are fully competent PAs capable of fulfilling the Hippocratic duty “to benefit and do no harm.” Thus, it is important that persons admitted to the PA Program possess the intelligence, integrity, compassion, humanitarian concern, and physical and emotional capacity necessary to practice medicine.
As a private Christian university affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, Trevecca is open to any qualified student without regard of race, color, sex, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability. Trevecca Nazarene University complies with all statutory and regulatory nondiscrimination requirements applicable to this institution in the administration of its educational policies and programs, scholarships and loan programs, equal opportunity employment practices, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Applicants to the Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program must meet the academic and technical standards outlined by the program and the university. We recognize that degrees of ability vary between students. Prospective students who are otherwise qualified but require reasonable accommodation should contact Trevecca Nazarene University Disability Services. All Technical standards must be met with or without accommodation.
Technical standards and educational objectives are established to align with the program curriculum. Accepted students must possess cognitive, physical, and behavioral skills that ensure they can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective care as a physician assistant. The Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program welcomes all who meet minimal admissions requirements to apply. The program follows all admissions requirements and technical standards when making their admissions decisions.
Observation
Observation includes the use of the sense of vision, both near and far, as well as other senses and modalities (smell, hearing, etc.) to facilitate knowledge. The candidate must be able to observe content including, but not limited to, demonstrations, illustrations, microscopic studies, and patient physical condition. These skills are necessary to accurately diagnose and develop treatment plans.
Communication
Communication involves the ability to speak clearly, interpret, and observe patients. Effective communication includes speaking fluently and effectively with sensitivity and compassion toward patients. Additional required communication skills include comprehension and composition of written documentation, allowing candidates to work effectively and efficiently as part of a medical care team.
Motor
Motor functions are an integral part of the diagnostic process. Candidates should be able to perform maneuvers such as palpation, auscultation, and percussion. Additionally, candidates should be able to perform diagnostic procedures (e.g., lumbar puncture, skin biopsy) and emergency treatments (e.g., suturing, splinting, incision and drainage) which require gross and fine motor skills to ensure the highest level of patient care.
Cognitive/Conceptualization
The ability to synthesize, retain, and apply a wide breadth of complex information indicates that candidates must be alert and attentive. Candidates will experience their curriculum through a variety of modalities. It is important that they can integrate knowledge presented in diverse ways. This includes the ability to comprehend spatial relationships and three-dimensional models.
Behavioral/Social
The practice of medicine includes many legal and ethical aspects. Candidates must be able to relate to their patients and families in a way that shows dignity, respect, and compassion. The well-being of the patient should be primary. Candidates should be able to complete multiple tasks and functions under stress. They should be able to adapt to the needs of their patients and exhibit empathy and integrity throughout their education and their medical career.
The above technical standards identify the Trevecca University PA Program requirements for admission and retention of applicants and students, respectively.