Technical standards are qualities that medical schools use to determine if an applicant should be admitted into their program. These standards are created to ensure that a student can meet the physical and mental needs of the medical profession. It is vital for a student to have these qualities to move through the medical school program and eventually become a Doctor of Medicine. The standards are outlined here, with a more thorough explanation of each included in the Policy and Procedures document that can be found under the heading “Admissions Guidelines”.
Xavier has five technical standards that applicants must meet for admission into the University:
- Observation: Observation includes the use of three senses: vision, hearing, and somatic sensation, or touch. Distance and close-up sight are important to properly observe patients. It is also needed for demonstrations and experiments such as anatomic dissections and use of the microscope.
- Communication: Oral and written communications fall under this standard. It is important for an applicant to be able to speak and hear their patients properly so that all information given is understood by both parties. Communication is also vital for within the health care team.
- Motor: Motor capabilities are important for a variety of tasks in the medical profession. This includes both gross and fine motor movements, as well as equilibrium and the senses of vision, hearing, and touch. Tasks that require these functions include but are not limited to microscopic evaluation, physical examination, and medical administration.
- Intellectual: The intellectual standard includes conceptual integrative and quantitative abilities. There are many components to this, including, but not limited to, problem solving, organization, spatial relations, and analyzing information.
- Behavioral and Social Attributes: An applicant’s personal qualities are important to determine if they are emotionally equipped to work in the medical environment. Such qualities include, but are not limited to, the ability to work well on a team, flexibility, and concern for others. This is important to ensure an applicant can handle the potentially stressful field they are about to pursue.
