Essential Functions and Technical Standards for Medical Assisting Students

The following standards reflect reasonable expectations of a student in the MA Program for the performance of common physical therapy functions. In adopting these standards, the MA Program is mindful of the patient’s right to safe and quality care by students.

Signature in each block represents capability of completing all skills in each block. Failure to complete any essential function may result in dismissal from the MA Program. Competence in all essential functions will be required prior to internship placement. 

Categories of Essential Functions	Definition	Example of Technical Standard
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Skills	Ability to collect, interpret and integrate information and make decisions.	Read and comprehend relevant information in textbooks, medical records and professional literature; identify cause/effect relationships; identify patient problems; respond to emergencies; know when to apply universal precautions; use effective teaching, learning and test taking strategies.
Interpersonal Skills	Ability to collaboratively work with all medical assisting students and with program faculty in the classroom, lab and clinical setting.	Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues; participate in lab situation to role play both medical assistant and patient; interact appropriately with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds; employ basic conflict management skills.
Coping Skills	Ability to respond appropriately to stressful environments or during impending deadlines.	Manage academic schedules and deadlines; perform in fast paced clinical situations; cope with psychosocial issues involving catastrophic illness, disability, and death; able to relate and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people and patients.
Communication Skills	Ability to communicate effectively in English using verbal, non-verbal, and written formats with faculty, students, patients, families, and health care workers.	In both oral and written format, explain and reiterate healthcare procedures; give directions; answer questions posed by patient, co-workers, physicians and other health care providers; keep accurate record of diagnostic and treatment procedures and charges using appropriate medical terminology and correct spelling; demonstrate active listening skills; recognize, interpret and respond to non-verbal behavior of self and others
Mobility/Motor Skills	Sufficient motor ability to execute the movement and skills required for safe and effective physical therapy treatment.	Demonstrate adequate coordination, balance, and agility to assist and safely guard patients; move, adjust and position patients or equipment which involves bending, stooping freely to the floor, reaching above head; provide emergency care and administer CPR; stand, kneel, sit, or walk for 90 minutes without rest; manipulate with sufficient dexterity the devices used in the medical office, such as adjusting gauges, dials, small objects, and equipment settings and to draw a blood sample and give an injection
Sensory Abilities	Sufficient auditory, visual, and tactile ability to monitor and assess health needs.	Recognize and interpret facial expressions and body language, identify normal and abnormal patterns of movement, discriminate color changes and interpret and assess the environment up to 20 feet; read or set parameters on medical office equipment; recognize and respond to soft voices or voices under protective garb, auditory timers, equipment/emergency alarms, and effectively use devices for the measurement of vital signs; palpate a pulse and detect changes or abnormalities of surface texture, skin temperature, body segment contour, muscle tone and joint movement.
Behavioral Skills	Ability to demonstrate professional behaviors and a strong work ethic.	Demonstrate initiative, flexibility, enthusiasm, honesty, cooperation and industrious behavior; recognize personal limitations and request assistance as appropriate; demonstrate responsibility for personal development; acknowledge and respect individual values and opinions in order to foster harmonious working relationships with colleagues, peers, and patients; perform duties efficiently, willingly, and thoroughly; present professional appearance and maintain person hygiene.

*Adapted from Greenville Technical College and Lebanon Valley College