(ARC-PA Standard 5thA3.13e)
Requirements for admission and retention
The UNR Med PA Studies Program is committed to providing competent, caring PAs through quality education. The program evaluates students on academic and non-academic factors to ensure readiness for graduation and licensing exams. We welcome diverse applicants and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities, as long as they can meet essential program requirements. Candidates must demonstrate observational, communication, motor, intellectual and behavioral skills to ensure successful practice as PAs. The program expects professionalism and reserves the right to review requests for accommodations, with documentation required for disability support.
Observational skills
Candidates must be able to learn and process information from various formats, including lectures, demonstrations and studies of human tissues. They must accurately observe patients, both at a distance and up close, using visual, auditory and other sensory modalities. If a candidate's ability to acquire information is limited, they must find alternative ways to obtain the necessary data.
Communication skills
Candidates must communicate effectively and sensitively, both orally and in writing, with patients, families and health care teams. They must create and understand medical records, reports and prescriptions, while demonstrating interpersonal skills, empathy and cooperation in all professional settings.
Motor skills
Candidates must have the motor skills to perform essential procedures in basic and clinical sciences, including physical exams, surgeries and diagnostic tests. They should be able to perform techniques like palpation and auscultation, assume necessary postures, and manage tasks independently or by directing others.
Intellectual/conceptual abilities
Candidates must have the cognitive ability to understand and apply detailed information from lectures, discussions and clinical settings. They should be skilled in measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, recall and synthesis, as well as problem-solving and understanding complex spatial relationships.
Behavioral and social attributes
Candidates must demonstrate maturity, good judgment, and the ability to handle stress and ambiguity in medical settings. They should consistently show compassion, integrity, and respect for others, while maintaining a desire for excellence and acceptance of diversity. Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times in their personal and professional life. Failure to do so can result in dismissal. Examples of inappropriate behavior include but are not limited to substance abuse, sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, violent behavior, and illegal activities.
*Within the context of this form, the term candidate refers to both applicants to the PA program and matriculated students.