University of Iowa Physician Assistant Program Technical Standards
Individuals admitted to the University of Iowa, Physician Assistant Program must possess the capability to complete the entire curriculum and achieve the Master’s of Physician Assistants Degree. This curriculum requires demonstrated proficiency in a variety of cognitive, problem-solving, manipulative, communicative and interpersonal skills. Therefore, the following abilities and expectations must be possessed by all students admitted in the Physician Assistant Program. If you have any questions regarding these standards or your ability to meet these standards, you should contact the Program Director at (319) 335-8920.
- Candidates must be able to observe and participate in all demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, including computer assisted instruction.
- Candidates must be able to learn to analyze, synthesize, solve problems, and reach diagnostic and therapeutic judgments.
- Candidates must have sufficient use of the senses of vision, hearing and smell necessary to directly perform a physical examination. Candidates must be able to perform inspection, palpation, auscultation and percussion.
- Candidates must be able to relate reasonably to patients and establish a sensitive, professional and effective relationship with patients.
- Candidates are expected to be able to communicate the results of the examination to the patient and to their colleagues with accuracy, clarity, and efficiency.
- Candidates are expected to possess the ability to work collaboratively with all members of the health care team.
- Candidates are expected to be able to learn and perform routine laboratory tests and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Candidates are expected to be able to display good judgment in the assessment and treatment of patients. In addition, the candidate must be able to learn and demonstrate the ability to recognize limitations in their knowledge, skills and abilities and to seek appropriate assistance with their identified limitations.
- Candidates must be able to learn to respond with precise, quick, and appropriate action in emergency situations.
- Candidates are expected to be able to accept criticism and adopt appropriate modifications in their behavior.
- Candidates are expected to possess the perseverance, diligence, and consistency to complete the physician assistant curriculum and enter into the practice of medicine as a certified and licensed physician assistant.
