Technical Standards for Health Sciences

The Department of Health Sciences has specified the following technical standards which all applicants and enrolled students are expected to meet in order to participate in Health Science programs and professional practice.

1. Working in a clinical setting eight to ten hours a day performing physical tasks requiring physical energy without jeopardizing patient, self, or colleague safety.
2. Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, lifting, and the use of manual dexterity in the manipulation and operation of equipment, accessories, as well as for the use/creating of immobilization devices. This includes sufficient tactile ability for performing a physical examination, as well as, manipulating syringes, and inserting needles into an ampule and removing the contents without contaminating the needle or solution.
3. Assisting in the transporting, moving, lifting and transferring of patients from a wheelchair or stretcher to and from beds, treatment tables, chairs, etc.
4. Lifting devices.
5. Possess sufficient visual and aural acuity. This is necessary to report visual observations of patients and equipment operations as well as to read the patient’s medical records and medical information. Aural acuity must be adequate enough to hear the patient during all phases of care as well as to perceive and interpret equipment signals.
6. Ability to communicate clearly, monitor and instruct patients before, during, and after procedures. Item 6 is documented by satisfactory completion of SPCH 1101 (Public Speaking) and ENGL 1101 (Composition & Rhetoric) for degree level students, and by satisfactory completion of ENGL 1010 (Fundamentals of English I) for diploma level students.
7. To have sufficient problem-solving skills to include measuring, calculating, reasoning, analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing with the ability to perform these skills in a timely fashion. Item 7 is documented by satisfactory Admissions Placement Exams.

Social Core Performance

The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions. Professional demeanor and behaviors are to be displayed at all times. Examples include controlling voice and laughter, not smoking while in Wiregrass Georgia Technical College uniform, wearing complete uniform when required to do so, maintaining client/patient confidentiality at all times, not drinking or eating in lobby and patient care areas, and not chewing gum while in the clinical setting.

Emotional

Emotional stability sufficient to tolerate rapidly changing conditions and environmental stress. Examples include establishment of therapeutic interpersonal boundaries, providing patients/clients with emotional support, adapting to changing conditions in the work environment and stress, dealing with unexpected or unpredictable events, maintaining focus on a task, performing multiple tasks concurrently, and being able to handle strong emotions.

Interpersonal

Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. Examples include establishing rapport with patients/clients, families, and colleagues, and respect of cultural diversity.

Additional Requirements

Criminal background checks and drug screens are required of all medical programs. Due to results of these checks, some students may be ineligible to participate in the clinical portion of the program or sit for certification exams. Cost associated with these screenings will be paid for by the student. Please contact your program coordinator or program director if you have questions.

Health Science programs require American Heart Association Provider CPR Certification and up-to-date immunizations (some clinical locations may require the COVID-19 vaccination). Note: Some programs may have additional Technical Standards