Essential function/technical standards
Represents the
essential non-academic requirements of the histotechnician program that
students must master to successfully participate in the Program. Persons
wishing to enter, or those students who expect to continue in the
Histotechnician Practicum, must:
Possess vision acuity
- differentiate various colors and their shades
- discriminate fine details
- read text, numbers, graphs, labels, details in print, writing, computer, monitors
- accurately judge distance and depth perception, and 2 and 3 dimensional structures
- see equipment, details with near vision
Possess hearing acuity
- distinguish sounds of equipment, alarms, phones
Possess hearing acuity
- detect and distinguish various odors
Possess manual dexterity/fine motor skills
- Manipulate, maneuver, adjust, control small objects, computer, keyboard, chemicals, equipment, supplies
Possess physical and gross motor functions
- physically work an 8 hour day
- move freely and safely around (area) and hospital
- lift and/or carry 20 pounds
- bend and stoop
- grasp with one or both hands
- ability
to reach XXXX height (tables, patients, height, shelves, etc.), with a
step stool if necessary (Contact Program for specifics for height
requirement)
- sit for prolonged period of time
- stand and/or remain stationary for prolonged period of time
- perform repetitive tasks
Possess willingness to work with safety hazards
- sharp objects (e.g., needles, scalpels, etc.)
- hazardous chemicals
- radioactivity
- infectious/biohazardous materials/specimens
Possess mental skills
- apply complex thought processes to problem solve and/or troubleshoot
- prioritize and perform multiple tasks, assignments and exams accurately and within feasible time allowance
- perform tasks, assignments with and without direct supervision, as required
- use
reasonable judgment to recognize and correct performance deviations,
under stressful situations, time constraints, distracting environment
- assess medical and/or safety emergencies and respond quickly and appropriately
- compile, analyze and correlate data
- perform at the level determined and required by the profession and the hospital
Possess communication
- understand and follow verbal, non-verbal and written instructions
- communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing
- read
and comprehend on a post-secondary level: text, numbers, math, graphs,
textbooks, journals, instructions, internet, communications, procedures,
etc.
- independently study and prepare papers, reports, posters, homework
- clearly deliver oral presentations/simulations
- take
written, computer and practical/clinical/demonstration exams at
post-secondary level without additional resources/assistance
- take
written, computer and practical/clinical/demonstration exams and/or
clinical evaluations at post-secondary level within established time
frames
- use computer software/internet for communication, education purposes
- read and apply appropriate instructions in treatment charts, records, procedures, both on-line and on paper
- interact
and communicate effectively and confidently with all patients,
visitors, hospital staff, instructors, and classmates, in all settings
- verbally
communicate with patients and staff to provide test results, procedure
information, and/or patient instructions or patient education
- speak clearly and loudly to be heard and understood over background equipment noise and over intercom or telephone system
"Criteria
for admission should be related to the functions of the histologic
technician. There shall be a procedure for determining that the
applicants' or students' health will permit them to meet the written
essential functions of the program. Essential functions are the physical
and behavioral standards that a student must be able to master in order
to successfully complete the program and, presumably, to be able to
obtain employment in the field."
(Taken from the NAACLS Essentials of 1995 and NAACLS News, Fall 1997)
Acceptance
into the School of Histotechnician Practicum is dependent upon
many factors, including: the candidate's grades , courses taken,
letters of recommendation, and statement of career goals; interview of
the candidate by the Admissions Committee; the successful completion by
the candidate of a physical examination performed by the Employee Health Clinic; and , upon the assessment by
the Admissions Committee, the candidate's potential ability to meet the
above mentioned preadmission essential functions/technical standards.
Physical
exam: Students accepted in to the program will be required to pass a
physical examination through the Hospital Occupational Health Services
before beginning the program. The examination includes, but is not
limited to: general physical examination; chest x-ray; blood and
urinalysis tests; tuberculosis (TB) testing; drug, alcohol and nicotine
screening; evidence of immunity to rubella, mumps, varicella zoster,
rubeola and pertussis. In addition, students will be required to receive
(or show proof) of Hepatitis B vaccine, influenza vaccine and Tdap
vaccination.