OTD Essential Functions and Standards

This page outlines the essential functions and standards required of students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program at Oklahoma Baptist University. These functions are necessary for success as both a student and future occupational therapy practitioner. The knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors listed are illustrative rather than exhaustive, and students must demonstrate effective physical and emotional abilities to progress through the curriculum and graduate as competent entry-level practitioners.

The OBU OTD Program is committed to educating all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities who can perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodations. In compliance with the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state and local regulations, accommodations will be provided as long as they do not fundamentally alter the program or create undue hardship (e.g., significant expense, difficulty, or disruption).

Students unable to demonstrate the required functions are responsible for requesting accommodations. The following standards are intended to guide students in evaluating their readiness for academic and clinical success.

Cognitive & Intellectual Abilities

1. Comprehend, retain, and apply complex information.
2. Use critical thinking and problem-solving for clinical decisions.
3. Synthesize information from multiple sources to make informed decisions.
4. Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
5. Recall information to provide safe and effective client care.
6. Recognize limitations and seek appropriate support.
7. Integrate new knowledge with prior learning to optimize care.
8. Maintain sustained attention.

Communication Skills

1. Demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication.
2. Interact with clients, families, faculty, and healthcare teams.
3. Explain procedures and provide education to clients with varied communication abilities.
4. Write and interpret clinical and academic documents.
5. Accurately and efficiently document assessments, interventions, and outcomes.

Motor & Physical Abilities

1. Possess strength and coordination to assist with mobility, self-care, assessments, and interventions.
2. Perform tasks requiring standing, sitting, kneeling, squatting, bending, stooping, and reaching.
3. Push/pull up to 200 lbs.; lift up to 50 lbs. independently and 200 lbs. with assistance.
4. Maintain adequate range of motion for safe client handling.
5. Tolerate 3–4 hours of continuous activity with minimal breaks and full 8–10 hour days with rest breaks.
6. Demonstrate fine motor skills for therapeutic techniques and equipment use.
7. Safely manipulate objects and equipment of varied sizes.
8. Maintain balance during interventions with clients who have balance concerns.
9. Perform CPR and respond effectively in emergencies.

Sensory Abilities

1. Use visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory senses to assess and monitor clients.
2. Accurately interpret vital signs, posture, wounds, hygiene, and continence.
3. Interpret biofeedback and machine data (e.g., pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor).
4. Apply appropriate force during manual testing and mobilization.
5. Detect subtle changes in client behavior or condition.

Behavioral & Social Attributes

1. Demonstrate emotional stability, resilience, and professionalism under stress.
2. Show empathy, ethical conduct, and respect for diversity.
3. Work collaboratively in teams and respond appropriately to social cues.

Intellectual-Conceptual Integration

1. Analyze and interpret data for treatment planning.
2. Apply theory to practice in clinical scenarios.

Professionalism

1. Follow ethical, legal, and professional standards.
2. Complete responsibilities on time; accept accountability.
3. Interact respectfully with individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
4. Accept, integrate, and apply feedback.
5. Maintain professional relationships across academic and clinical environments.
6. Demonstrate sound judgment, empathy, respect, and effective communication in all situations.
7. Be punctual, organized, and self-directed.
8. Balance personal and professional obligations.
9. Collaborate effectively with others.
10. Maintain hygiene, health, and professional appearance as instructed.
11. Ensure living arrangements support timely participation in academic and clinical settings.

Environmental Adaptability

1. Function effectively in varied and changing clinical environments.
2. Adapt to evolving schedules, patient needs, and team dynamics.
3. Manage full caseloads as required by the setting.
4. Recognize and respond promptly to hazards and life-threatening situations.