Technical Standards for Medical Assisting

Review clinical requirements

These technical standards reflect performance abilities that are necessary for a student to successfully complete the requirements of the Medical Assisting curriculum. Please read the standards carefully and seek clarification if necessary.

Standard
Example of activity or behavior
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with co-workers, patients, families and individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds
Establish rapport with clients, families and colleagues
Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form
Collect and document assessment data. Explain treatment procedures. Obtain and disseminate information relevant to patient care and work duties.
Mental/cognitive abilities (intellectual and emotional function) sufficient to plan and implement assigned duties in a responsible manner.
Display attitudes and actions consistent with ethical standards of medical assisting. Communicate an understanding of the principles of confidentiality, respect, tact, politeness, collaboration, teamwork and discretion.
Physical abilities sufficient to maneuver in small spaces, lift and carry equipment and patients up to 50 pounds, to push up to 200 pounds and to have sufficient fine motor dexterity for kneeling, bending and stooping, as well as pinching, grasping and manipulating instruments and equipment.
Move around and within an exam room. Administer CPR. Transfer patients from stretchers and wheelchairs and/or exam tables and back.
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective patient care
Move, calibrate, pause equipment and supplies, including sharp instruments. Lift, transfer and position mobile and immobile clients. Lift and carry at least 30 pounds of weight safely.
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs in person or over the telephone.
Hears patients' cries of distress, heart sounds and blood pressure sounds, as well as the sounds of instruments and equipment being properly utilized with or without corrective devices.
Visual acuity sufficient for physical assessment, performance of medical office or clinical procedures and maintenance of environmental safety
Observes client responses, such as skin color and facial expression. Monitors vital signs. Reads numbers, lettering, writing on instruments, paper and computer screens. Identifies reagents and other materials, such as laboratory media, stain preparations and various body fluids with or without corrective devices.
Tactile ability sufficient for assessment and performance of clinical procedures.
Perform palpation techniques (pulse, bony landmarks, venipuncture sites and differentiate between temperature and pressure variations)
Emotional stability and mental alertness sufficient for performing the medical assisting role.
Maintaining a calm and efficient manner in high stress or pressure situations with patients, staff, supervisors and colleagues. Remain alert to surroundings and potential emergencies.
Olfactory ability sufficient to perform medical office or clinical procedures.
Distinguish drugs and liquids or chemicals