Physician Assistant Program Technical Standards
All students who matriculate in the University of Michigan-Flint Master of Science PA Program are required to sign a statement verifying they have read, fully understand, and fulfill each standard in the Technical Standards document.
UM-Flint PA Program students must continually meet all the Technical Standards, from admission through graduation. The Technical Standards confirm that students possess the intellectual, physical, and emotional functioning required for professional practice and to ensure patient safety. During their time in the MSPA Program, students with existing or those who develop new conditions that could potentially impact their ability to meet any Technical Standard, at the discretion of the Program Director, may be required to complete a physical examination and other objective assessments to determine their cognitive, psychological, and physical abilities. After a review of the available information, the Program Director may terminate a student’s enrollment if they determine that the student’s abilities do not meet the Program’s Technical Standards.
Students must possess all abilities described in the six categories below, with or without reasonable accommodations as determined by the U-M Flint Office of Disability and Accessibility Support Services. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Program and DASS early in the application process to discuss their accommodation needs.
Observation
The student must be able to obtain a defined level of required information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in the basic and medical sciences. A student must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance, and close at hand, to acquire information from written documents and electronic health records, and to visualize information as presented in images from paper, film, slides, or video. Such observation and information acquisition necessitate the functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic sensations while being enhanced by the functional use of other sensory modalities. When a student’s ability to observe or obtain information through these sensory modalities is compromised, the student must demonstrate alternative means and abilities to obtain and demonstrate the essential information conveyed in this fashion. If the alternatives are acceptable, it is expected that obtaining and using alternative means and abilities shall be the student’s responsibility.
Communication
The student must be able to speak, hear, and observe patients by sight to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity, and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications. The student must also be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, including through speech, reading, and writing. The student must be able to communicate effectively, respectfully, and professionally in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.
Sensory and Motor
The student must possess adequate physical endurance, motor function, and sensory ability to directly perform palpation, percussion, auscultation, muscle strength testing, and diagnostic procedures. Students must be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general and emergency medical care, such as airway management, placement of intravenous catheters, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of pressure to control bleeding, suturing of wounds, and the performance of gynecologic and obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision. The student must be able to support and position another person, stand for long periods, and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Intellectual – Conceptual, Critical Thinking
The student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize data. The student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships of structures. Problem-solving, a critical skill demanded of physician assistants, requires all these intellectual abilities. The student must also be able to interpret X-rays, other graphic images, and digital or analog representations of physiological phenomena (such as electrocardiograms) with or without the use of assistive devices. Students must be able to perform these problem-solving skills in a timely manner, as determined by the educational or clinical setting, for the entire duration of the UM-Flint MSPA Program.
Behavioral and Social Attributes
The student must possess the emotional health required to use their intellectual abilities fully. The student must be able to exercise good judgment, and promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, even in emergency situations and during extended hours. The student must be able to develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. The student must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical care of patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational processes. The student must possess maturity and emotional stability, accept responsibility for learning, and comply with the legal and ethical aspects of medical practice. They must also function within the law and ethical standards of the medical profession. They must accept constructive feedback, respond to supervision appropriately, and act within the appropriate scope of practice.
Other Abilities
The student must be able to read, write, comprehend, and communicate proficiently and effectively in English. They must also be able to meet and interact effectively with people of different backgrounds and behavioral characteristics. Students must be able to transport themselves or arrange transportation to and from all Program classes and clinical sites.
Accommodation
Students with and without disabilities are expected to meet the same requirements. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to assist in learning, performing, and satisfying the fundamental standards, and to facilitate student progress where it does not compromise UM-Flint MSPA Program’s standards or interfere with the rights of other students and patients. Technological accommodation can be made for some disabilities in certain areas of the curriculum, but all students must meet the essential Technical Standards so that they can perform in a reasonably autonomous manner. The need for personal aids, assistance, caregivers, readers, and interpreters, therefore, may not be acceptable in certain phases of the curriculum, particularly during the clinical phase of the Program.
Open communication facilitates learning and identifies the need for assistance in learning course material. Students are expected to notify the instructor immediately if they feel they require extra assistance to meet the Program’s learning outcomes.
To request academic accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability & Accessibility Services at 245 University Pavilion, 810-424-5256. Before the Program can provide accommodation, the student must provide documentation from the DASS for every course each semester. Students are responsible for arranging examinations with the instructor and the Disability & Accessibility Services Office.
July 2022
Update October 2025