Technical Standards
Students enrolled in the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program must meet certain technical standards to ensure they can successfully complete the curriculum and provide safe, effective care as future clinicians. These standards reflect the physical, cognitive, and professional attributes required to meet program outcomes and accreditation expectations.
1. Observation & Perception
Students must be able to accurately observe and interpret information in classroom, lab, and clinical environments. This includes visual, auditory, and tactile cues from lectures, lab results, patient examinations, diagnostic images, and clinical procedures.
2. Communication
Clear, effective, and compassionate communication is essential. Students must be able to communicate fluently in English—verbally and in writing—with faculty, peers, patients, families, and members of the healthcare team. This includes the ability to take patient histories, document clinical findings, and engage in team-based care and presentations.
3. Motor & Tactile Abilities
Students must possess the motor skills required to participate in classroom activities, perform physical exams, carry out diagnostic tests, assist in procedures, and respond in clinical emergencies. Tasks may include suturing, intubation, venipuncture, CPR, and the use of medical instruments.
4. Cognition & Reasoning
The PA curriculum demands strong critical thinking, memory, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making skills. Students must be able to synthesize complex information, apply clinical reasoning, and make sound judgments across a wide variety of medical scenarios.
5. Professionalism & Ethics
Students are expected to demonstrate maturity, integrity, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. This includes meeting deadlines, maintaining patient confidentiality, adapting to change, functioning under stress, and adhering to legal and professional codes of conduct.
Note: Students who may require support to fully access and engage with the curriculum are encouraged to contact the PA Program Office to discuss available options. While the program is committed to supporting all learners, students must meet these core standards—with or without approved supports—to ensure competency and patient safety.