OHSU

Technical Standards

Successful completion of the course of study

PA Students Troy and Julie practicing their physical exam skills.

PA Students Troy and Julie practicing their physical exam skills.

For successful completion of the course of study for the degree of Master of Physician Assistant Studies at OHSU, the student must possess the knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgment to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. Therefore, all students admitted to the Program must meet the following abilities and expectations.  As part of an acceptance offer, candidates will be requested to state that to the best of their knowledge, they are able to meet these standards with or without reasonable accommodations. Students/applicants who may have questions regarding these technical standards are encouraged to contact the PA Program via email or at 503-494-1408.

  • Candidates must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences.
  • Candidates must be able to learn to respond with precise, quick and appropriate action in emergency situations.
  • Candidates must have sufficient use of the sensory, vision, hearing, motor and somatic sensation necessary to perform a physical examination. Candidates must be able to perform activities such as palpation, auscultation, percussion, the administration of intravenous medication, the application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, and the movements, equilibrium and functional use of the sense of touch and vision. 
  •  Candidates must be able to communicate with accuracy, clarity, efficiency and sensitivity.
  • Candidates must have the skills to be able to analyze and synthesize information, solve problems, and reach diagnostic and therapeutic judgments.
  • Candidates must be able to acknowledge evaluation and respond appropriately.
  • Candidates must possess the interpersonal skills to develop rapport and positive relationships with patients.
  • Candidates are expected to possess the perseverance, diligence and consistency to complete the PA Program curriculum. Candidates, therefore, must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads, to function effectively under stress, to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients.