Technical Standards
Approved by college faculty April 24, 2023, a candidate for the PharmD program must enter the program possessing the essential skills and abilities needed for successful matriculation and performance in a variety of pharmacy practice settings. The following skills are essential to fulfill this requirement.
Doctor of Pharmacy TECHNICAL STANDARDS
A candidate for the Doctor of Pharmacy program must enter the program possessing essential skills and abilities needed for successful matriculation and performance in a variety of pharmacy practice settings. The skills and abilities below are core elements required for successful admission to and progression through the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
1. Observation and Hearing:
- Students must have the ability to observe demonstrations and experiments.
- Students must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand.
- Students must demonstrate the observation and auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess the health status and needs of patients.
2. Communication (speech, reading, writing, computer literacy)
- Students must be able to communicate (oral and written) effectively and sensitively with patients in the English language.
- Students must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral, non-verbal, and written forms with all members of the health care team, staff, faculty, other learners, and patients or caregivers.
- Sensory/Motor:
- Students must demonstrate sufficient motor function to perform experiments accurately in the basic sciences and execute movements to provide care to patients.
- Students must demonstrate fine and gross motor skills necessary to participate in
laboratory exercises and experiential education settings.
- In the laboratory setting, examples of these motor skills include the ability to operate lab equipment, including microscopes and safety equipment, and the use of sterile technique when handling microorganisms.
- In the practice lab and experiential setting, examples of required motor skills include patient assessment skills (such as palpation and auscultation), vaccine administration, and the ability to accurately prepare all routine types of medications including sterile and non-sterile compounding.
4. Behavioral and Social Attributes:
- Students must demonstrate the ability to handle physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing workloads, adapt to changing environments, function effectively under stress, and complete tasks in a time-appropriate manner
- Students must demonstrate:
- emotional intelligence
- interpersonal skills
- professionalism
- concern for others
- Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities:
- In the didactic and experiential setting, students must demonstrate the ability to:
- measure, calculate, reason, analyze, problem solve, and interpret data.
- synthesize and apply complex information.
- integrate and process information promptly and accurately.
Applicants should be able to meet the technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations. If accommodations are required, candidates should contact:
Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources.
419-530-4981