OT Technical Standards
GSU
Occupational Therapy Department
Lewis School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Georgia State University
ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPYSTUDENTS
OccupationalTherapists arehealthcareprofessionals who areexpertsin evaluatinghumanlearningand performanceskills.OccupationalTherapistsanalyze,select,andadaptactivitiesforpatients whose abilitytocopewith dailylivingandperform tasks necessarytocarefor themselves or others is compromisedbydevelopmental deficiencies,theagingprocess,environmentaldeprivation,orfrom physical or psychological, or social injuryor illness.The OT/M student at Georgia State University must have the abilities and skills to successfully complete all of the didactic and clinical experiences in order to effectively work with our clients.
OccupationalTherapy Objectives: OT Studentmustbeableto:
1. Planandimplementactivities and programstoimprovesensoryandmotorfunctioningatthe level of performance normalfor thepatient’sstageof development.
2. Teachskills, behaviors, and attitudes crucial to thepatient’s independent, productive,and
satisfyingsocial functioning.
3. Design,fabricate,apply, andinstruct patientsinthe useofselectedorthoticor prosthetic devices andotheradaptiveequipmentwhichassists thepatientto adaptto his or her potential or actual impairment.
4. Analyze,select,and adaptactivitiestomaintainthepatient’s optimal performance oftasksand to preventfurther disability.
5. Completeacomprehensive OccupationalTherapyevaluationandconducttreatmentina clinical environmentwhichmayincludemeasuringRangeofMotion,strength,endurance, muscletone,painlevel, ADLskills,finemotorskills,transfer skills,functional mobility, balance, response tosensation,cognitivestatus,and homemanagementskills.
6. Demonstrate theability tocommunicate effectivelyandsensitively withpatientsand colleagues,includingpatientsfrom different cultural andsocial backgrounds andinstressful situations.This includes, butis notlimitedtotheabilityto establishrapport with patientsand communicate evaluationand treatmentinformation effectively.Studentsmustbeableto understandandspeak theEnglishlanguageatalevel consistentwithcompetent professional practice.
7. Demonstratetheability torecord evaluationresults,treatmentplans,patientnotesand outcomesclearlyandaccurately;
8. Demonstrate theability to assimilate, analyze,synthesize,integrateinformationand problem solve to form thebasisfor theirclinical reasoning.
9. Demonstratetheability to maintaincomposure andcontinuetofunctionwellwith patientswho are undergoingperiods ofstressandmayexhibitchallengingattitudes orbehaviors.
10.Demonstrate theability toadjusttochangingsituations anduncertaintyinclinical situations.
11.Demonstrate theability todevelop professional values, ethics, appropriatedemeanor and rapportthat areessential for professional educationand qualitypatientcare.
In order to successfully accomplish the objectives stated above, the OT/M student must possess adequate sensory/motor/ skills, cognitive/judgement/observation skills, and communication/interpersonal/ professional skills as described below. These technical standards are necessary for full participation in the academic and fieldwork/clinical aspects of the OT/M program at Georgia State University. Each occupational therapystudentisrequired to meet these Essential Technical Standards with orwithout reasonable accommodation.
Essential Technical Standards:
Sensory / Motor Skills:
- Lift 10-50 pounds
- Rotatetwist trunk
- Bend/Stoop
- Squat
- Balance
- Reach aboveshoulderlevel
- Kneel Push/Pull Carry
- Usehands repetitively
- Uselight and firmgrasp
- Usemanual dexterity
- Use auditory/tactile/visualsenses to evaluate client status
- Transition from differentheights (chair-floor-plinth)
- Movewithin clinic/communitysettingon avarietyofsurfaces (steps, uneven ground)
- Inanaverageacademic / clinic day a studentmust be able to:
Sit: 2-6 hours
Stand:2-4 hours
Walk/travel:2 hours
Cognitive / Judgement / Observation Skills:
Attend class approximately35+hours perweek which includes the following:
•Lecture
•Laboratory
•Task group meetings
•Integratedclinical experience
•Meets class standards forcourse completion
•Reading, studyingandabsorbingclassroom materials
•Performs and/orinstructsothers in atimelymannerin the following:
Transfers -performs and/orinstructs
Activities ofdailyliving (dependent through independent status)-performs and instructs
Splinting-performs
Therapeutic activities/procedures
Task and verbalgroup activities
•Carries out assessment procedures usingsound judgment and safetyprecautions
•Applies critical thinking process to requirementsofthe academiclearning experiencein
Lecture
Laboratory
Integratedclinical experience
Communication / Interpersonal / Professional Skills:
•Addresses problems orquestions to the appropriateperson at theappropriatetime
•Maintains personal appearanceand hygieneconduciveto professional student setting
•Travels orrelocates to various locations required forinternships and practicums
•Maintains work area, equipment and supplies in amanner conduciveto efficiencyand safety
•Models sociallyappropriatebehaviors
•Manages time effectively
•Treats peers, faculty, staff, patient/clients with respect
•Conducts himself/herselfin an honest mannerin dealing with faculty, staff,guest speakersand peers
•Assumes responsibilityforprofessionalconduct and growth
•Isresponsible forabiding bythe rules and regulations oftheOccupationalTherapy
Program, fieldworkfacilityand profession
• Follow all policies and proceduresrequired byfieldwork sites and the OT program
• Complete all assignments from both FWsites and academicprogram
• Maintain patient/client confidentiality
- Communicates with peers, facultyand staff effectivelyand professionally
- Complywith dress code
• Meet attendancerequirements
• Demonstrateprofessional standards ofpracticeand adheres to AOTA codeof ethics
• Maintain work area, equipment and supplies in amanner conduciveto efficiencyand safety
• Model sociallyappropriatebehaviors
• Create anenvironment which maximizes client responses
• Document all required information
• Effectivelyadjust communication forintendedaudience
• Demonstrateproblem solvingskills in patient care
•Gatherinformation needed priorto assessment
- Engage appropriatelyinasupervisoryprocess
- Usesound judgment inmaintainingprofessionalism when communicating with peers and patients ortheir caregivers
- Respect diversityand thevalues ofothers
FollowingacceptanceintotheOccupationalTherapy Program,the OT/M studentis required toverifythat he/sheunderstandsand meetthese technical standardsor thathe/she believes that,withcertain accommodations,he/she canmeetthestandards. For a student whobelieve that he/shecanmeetthesestandards with accommodation,theUniversity’s Officefor DisabilityServices ( validatethe needfor accommodationandwillworkwith theOccupational TherapyDepartmenttodetermineifreasonable accommodationcan bemade.Thisdeterminationwill takeinto account whether the accommodation wouldjeopardizeclinician/patientsafetyor undercutanessential elementofacourse,clinical experience or internship.
(Explanation of reasonable accommodation:
Georgia State University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender, disability, national origin, or veteran status in employment or the administration of the program and activities conducted by Georgia State University or any of its several departments now in existence or hereafter established.
Verification of Essential Technical Standards for the Occupational Therapy Masters Program:
I have read, understand,and meetthe above technical standards set forth by Occupational Therapy Department of Georgia State University.
Full Name: ______
Signature: ______
Date: ______
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