Physician Assistant Program - Elizabethtown College

Technical Standards

The faculty and staff of the Elizabethtown College Physician Assistant Program recognize their responsibilities to present candidates for graduation with a PA degree who have met the program’s graduate competencies and the recommended competencies of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) for new graduates to provide a broad spectrum of patient care in a variety of clinical situations.

Successful candidates for completion of the Elizabethtown College Physician Program must have the abilities and attributes necessary to be able to perform the following skills required for integration into clinical practice, either with or without accommodation.

Behavior Attributes

Tolerate the emotional, mental, and physical stress associated with PA training and providing patient care
Adaptable, flexible, and able to function within a team setting despite uncertainty or adversity
Recognize, understand, and demonstrate professional behaviors

Communication Skills

Obtain information from patients using speech, active listening, and observation of non-verbal communication
Utilize oral, written, and electronic forms of communication with patients, caregivers, and members of the healthcare team
Follow HIPAA guidelines, convey sensitivity and respect to all communication with patients, caregivers, and members of the healthcare team

Intellectual-Conceptual Abilities

Apply knowledge learned and critical reasoning to solve problems as required by the program curriculum
In a variety of educational settings, students must be able to collect, prioritize, organize, analyze, integrate, and apply complex and detailed information in a time sensitive manner
Synthesize information appropriately for problem solving and decision making

Motor Skills

Coordinate gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and sensation to provide acute, chronic, preventive, and emergent care to patients
Apply skills learned to correctly utilize instruments and equipment to perform and interpret basic laboratory and medical procedures required to attain goals set forth by the program curriculum

Sensory Skills

Utilize vision, hearing, and somatic sensation to observe patients and their families closely and at a distance
Utilize audiovisual and palpable sensation in a lecture and laboratory setting
Apply skills learned to correctly perform a physical examination by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other components as needed

Social Attributes

Accept constructive criticism and respond appropriately with behavior modification
Display integrity, compassion for others, and motivation to serve
Possess the ability to participate in self-assessment processes and recognize implicit bias
Develop an appropriate interpersonal and interprofessional relationship with patients and colleagues

The Physician Assistant Faculty Committee is responsible for adhering to all technical standards listed above during the selection of Physician Assistant students for admission and matriculation into the program.

Are you ready to elevate your career? Get started now with an M.S. in Physician Assistant from Elizabethtown College.