Technical Standards

The Oklahoma Baptist University PA Program requires candidates to possess certain physical and cognitive abilities, along with mental and emotional stability, to ensure patient safety and appropriate clinical practice.

Observation

Candidates must be able to observe materials presented throughout the program, including lectures, lab, online demonstrations, and simulation experiences. Candidates must also be able to observe patients accurately at far and near distances and distinguish normal and abnormal patient presentations through visual, auditory, and tactile observations.

Communication

Candidates must communicate effectively, efficiently, and sensitively with patients and colleagues, in English, through oral and written methods. They must be able to comprehend verbal exchanges, non-verbal signals, and written communication, from patients and other members of the healthcare team.

Motor Skills

Candidates should have sufficient motor function to conduct diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers including palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other procedural skills. They must execute movements required for general care and emergency treatment including CPR, airway management, vascular access, medication administration, and more, as outlined by the program defined competencies. They must demonstrate satisfactory alternative means or abilities to acquire information and perform physical examinations if compromised.

Intellectual, Analytical, and Quantitative Abilities

Candidates must have cognitive abilities to analyze and synthesize available information, solve problems, and reach reasonable diagnostic and therapeutic determinations while under pressure. Candidates must use reason, analysis, measurements, calculations, problem-solving, critical thinking, synthesis, and self-evaluation to acquire knowledge through multiple learning modalities and comprehend complex concepts. They must also display sound judgment and respond appropriately to stressful situations, including patient emergencies.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

Candidates must exercise good judgment, complete responsibilities promptly, manage emotional health, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective professional relationships with patients and colleagues. They must demonstrate the ability to tolerate physically, mentally and emotionally taxing workloads and adapt to changing environments. Students must accept constructive criticism and respond with appropriate behavior modification.

Ethical Standards

Candidates must demonstrate professional demeanor and ethical behavior in all dealings with peers, faculty, staff, and patients. Students must uphold professional ethics and responsibilities to all patients and colleagues regardless of differences in race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, age, disability, or sexual preference.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Oklahoma Baptist University adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The health and safety of all students and patients is prioritized as an essential part of the educational program. The program will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities while ensuring that all graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary for safe and effective clinical practice. For information regarding accessibility and accommodations, please visit the OBU Disability Services website.

Applicants admitted to the Oklahoma Baptist University PA Program must sign a statement verifying their understanding of and ability to meet the technical standards, in additional attestation of their medical provider following a physical exam. Admitted applicants will also undergo criminal background checks at their own expense.