OHSU Technical Standards

Policy No. 02-70-010, effective May 31, 2012 (revised March 5, 2021)

This policy is to ensure that all candidates for an OHSU degree or certificate possess the essential skills and abilities necessary to complete the curriculum successfully. To be qualified for health science programs at OHSU those individuals must be able to meet both OHSU's academic standards and the technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Health Sciences programs have a societal responsibility to train competent healthcare providers and scientists that demonstrate critical judgement, extensive knowledge and well-honed technical skills. A number of individuals with disabilities, as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, are qualified to study and work as healthcare professionals and scientists with the use of reasonable accommodations.

Technical Standards include nonacademic criteria that reflect the ability to:

• Acquire information from experiences and demonstrations conveyed through online coursework, lecture, group seminar, small group activities, and other formats.
• Recognize, understand and interpret required instruction materials including written documents, computer-information systems, and non-book resources.
• Manipulate the equipment, instruments, apparatus, or tools required to collect and interpret data appropriate to the domain of study, practice or research.
• Follow universal precautions against contamination and cross contamination with infectious pathogens, toxins and other hazardous chemicals.
• Solve problems and think critically to develop appropriate products and services (e.g., treatment plan, a scientific experiment).
• Synthesize information to develop and defend conclusions regarding observations and outcomes.
• Use intellectual ability, exercise proper judgement and complete all responsibilities within a timeframe that is appropriate to a given setting.
• Communicate effectively and maintain, mature sensitive and effective relationships with all persons including but not limited to clients, patients, students, faculty, staff and other professionals.
• Operate in a safe manner and respond appropriately to emergencies and urgencies.
• Demonstrate emotional stability to function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments inherent in clinical and professional practice, healthcare, and biomedical sciences and engineering.