Standard
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Definition of Standard
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Example(s) of Technical Standard
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Physical Abilities
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- Lifting Requirements: 50 pounds. The frequency of the lifting requirement is 0-25% of the time
- Pushing requirement 200 pounds
- The average percentage of time during a regular workday spent walking, squatting, sitting, and bending reaching is 25%.
- The average percentage of time spent standing during a regular workday is 75%.
- Upper and lower body mobility.
- Fine motor dexterity should be adequate to grasp with both hands, pinch with thumb or forefinger
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- Lift and carry equipment and patients up to 50 pounds
- Support and assist patients in and out of a wheelchair and on and off an examination table
- Push a patient weighing 200 pounds in a wheelchair
- Kneel, bend, stoop, and/or crouch to perform CPR, assist patients, and retrieve items from cabinets below waist level.
- Bend, reach above shoulder height, and/or twist to position the examination table, adjust equipment, or obtain supplies.
- Manipulate equipment and delicate instruments such as microscopes and sphygmomanometers, and perform tasks such as phlebotomy, electrocardiography, drawing up and administering parenteral medications, handling small containers of potentially biohazardous specimens (one inch by one inch), using sample measuring devices such as capillary tubes, setting up and maintaining a sterile field, putting on personal protective equipment, and operating controls on instruments and equipment, operating multi-line telephone systems, computer keyboards, and ten-key adding machines, and the ability to talk on the telephone and write simultaneously.
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Tactile Abilities
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- Palpate pulses, muscle contractions, bony landmarks, and edema.
- Differentiate between temperature and pressure variations.
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- Perform palpation techniques (pulse, bony landmarks, venipuncture sites)
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Visual Abilities
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- Adequate visual acuity is required
- Read numbers, letters, and cursive writing accurately on instruments, equipment, computer screens, and paper.
- Discriminate shapes and colors
- All the above is required with or without corrective devices.
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- Prepare and administer all forms of medication, perform diagnostic laboratory procedures, and observe necessary in-patient assessment and care.
- Identify reagents and other materials such as laboratory media, stained preparations, and physical properties of various body fluids
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Auditory Abilities
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- Adequate auditory perception.
- Hear instrument timers and alarms.
- Listen to various forms of communication.
- All of the above is required with or without corrective devices.
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- Receive verbal communication from patients and health care team members in person or over the telephone.
- Hear heart sounds, blood pressure sounds, and patient distress sounds to assess the patient's health needs.
- Hear over the telephone, paging systems, or intercom to communicate with patients and other healthcare team members.
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Communication Abilities
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- Adequate communication skills (verbal, nonverbal, and written) to interact effectively with individuals.
- Speak in the English language in a clear, concise manner to communicate with patients.
- Comprehend oral and written language
- Write in English clearly, and legibly for documentation in the medical record, completing forms, and initiating written communication.
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- Interviewing and take patient history, obtain chief complaints, and providing patient education regarding treatment plans, disease prevention, or health maintenance to families, healthcare providers, other members of the healthcare team and the community.
- Understand medical terminology to communicate with patients, families, healthcare providers, and other members of the healthcare team and the community.
- Document medical records, completing forms, and initiator written communication.
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Medical/Cognitive Standards
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- Sufficient intellectual and emotional functions
- Function safely, responsibly, and effectively under stressful situations
- Remain alert to surroundings and potential emergencies
- Display attitudes and actions consistent with ethical standards of medical assisting
- Communicate an understanding of the principles of confidentiality, respect, tact, politeness, collaboration, teamwork, and discretion
- Handle difficult interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully
- Remain calm, rational, decisive, and always in control, especially during emergencies.
- Maintain composure while managing and prioritizing multiple tasks
- Maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close personal contact
- Function without causing harm to others if under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medication
- Function without causing harm to others, which would include situations that may result from any mental or physical conditions
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- Plan and implement assigned duties responsibly
- Interact effectively and appropriately with patients, families, and coworkers.
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Important Considerations
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Valid Driver鈥檚 License
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Some programs may require a valid driver鈥檚 license
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Drug Testing
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Most employers will conduct pre-employment drug tests
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Background Checks
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Some employers may perform background checks to verify criminal history
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Physical Limitations
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Students with physical limitations may need reasonable accommodations to meet technical standards, which should be discussed with the program
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Additional Information
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Admissions
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Medical Assisting students must complete a Medical Assisting Technical Standards Acknowledgement Form and submit it to the Program Supervisor upon admission to the program.
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