Cognitive ability

• Demonstrate critical-thinking ability sufficient for collecting, analyzing and integrating information and knowledge to safely and accurately process primary care provider orders
• Exhibit ability to follow policies and procedures required by clinical and academic settings
• Exhibit ability to organize and prioritize tasks
• Exhibit ability to function effectively under stress and time constraints
• Exhibit awareness of and ability to work with diverse populations
• Exhibit ability to follow policies and procedures required by clinical and academic settings

• Demonstrate problem-solving abilities (measure, calculate, reason, prioritize and synthesize data)
• Understand and recall complex information and apply to new situations
• Perform calculations
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks, and integrate and analyze written, verbal and observed data regarding patient care
• Manage distractions
• Follow a process from start to finish utilizing sequential established policies and procedures
• Utilize sound judgment and safety precautions
• Understand the rationale for and comply with HIPAA standards, especially confidentiality
• Process prescriptions and/or prepare compound medications
• Demonstrate the ability to be familiar with and acquire a knowledge base of brand/generic names of the most commonly prescribed medications
• Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret handwritten prescriptions
• Process prescriptions in an accurate and timely manner that matches the level of training and pharmacy’s demands
• Demonstrate the ability to assist accurately with all patient care duties and pharmacy procedures

Communication ability

• Demonstrate the ability to speak, read, comprehend and write English at a level that meets the need for clear and effective communication with instructors, peers, other health care professionals and patients
• Demonstrate the ability to adjust non-verbal and verbal language appropriately to meet the needs of the multilingual and culturally diverse patients, families and colleagues

• Understand written and verbal English communication and follow directions explicitly
• Read and interpret common medical/pharmacy abbreviations
• Understand patient information and provide verbal feedback
• Interact and establish rapport with individuals, families and groups from diverse populations
• Read and respond to professional emails in a timely manner
• Provide explanations and teaching
• Demonstrate empathy

Interpersonal skills and behavior

• Demonstrate emotional and psychological stability sufficient to function under stress and to adapt to ever-changing situations
• Follow a professional code of ethics

• Display a caring attitude
• Demonstrate professional behavior in the classroom, lab and clinical settings, including appropriate personal hygiene, timeliness, preparation and concentration
• Demonstrate empathy for patients and peers, exhibit sensitivity to the needs of others and treat all with dignity and respect
• Demonstrate awareness of others’ reactions and understanding of why they react the way they do
• Respond calmly to and remain focused during stressful situations
• Respond professionally and appropriately to emergency situations
• Maintain composure in clinical and didactic environments
• Establish productive working relationships
• Work independently or in a team
• Interpret non-verbal communication

Visual ability

• Demonstrate visual acuity sufficient for reading, evaluating and processing prescriptions, labels and packages of all types

• Read numbers and letters in fine print, such as would appear on prescription labels and patient package inserts, accurately
• Differentiate solid dosage forms by size, shape and color
• Demonstrate the ability to accurately distinguish demarcations and be able to calibrate all equipment used to weigh, measure and dispense medication
• Read Roman numerals accurately
• Read medication labels and draw up and read syringe volumes accurately
• Perform visual inspections of preparations for discolorations, precipitations, bubbles, clumps, etc., on compounded sterile and not-sterile preparations

Auditory ability

• Demonstrate hearing acuity sufficient to communicate and interact with patients, pharmacists and other health care professionals

• Hear and communicate clearly in person and by telephone
• Hear conversations well enough to communicate with patients, peers, instructors and other health care providers
• Listen for awareness of equipment function or malfunction and/or emergency signals

Tactile ability

• Demonstrate tactile ability sufficient for preparation and compounding of sterile and non-sterile products
• Demonstrate the ability to put on and remove personal protective equipment, or PPE.

• Manipulate syringes and dispose of needles safely
• Manipulate vials, ampules and medication packaging
• Calibrate and use the equipment
• Demonstrate the ability to put on and remove gloves, gown, shoe covers, mask, protective eyewear and head covering.

Olfactory ability

• Demonstrate olfactory ability sufficient to detect unusual odors/smells in the environment

• Detect malodorous or unusual odors of medicines
• Distinguish smells which adversely affect the environment (fire, noxious fumes, etc.)
• Tolerate exposure to various chemical odors

Strength and mobility

• Demonstrate physical abilities and strength sufficient to perform clinical and administrative duties
• Demonstrate strength sufficient to lift heavy objects
• Demonstrate the ability to move in tight quarters
• Demonstrate the ability to freely walk, stand, sit, squat, balance, climb, reach, grip, lift, pull and push as needed in the performance of clinical duties

• Demonstrate the ability to maneuver in small spaces (walk, stand and bend over)
• Demonstrate the ability to withstand repetitive hand, fine motor movements and manual dexterity without incident
• Squat, bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, kneel and use the standing balance to place medications in the proper place
• Lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds safely and exert up to 100 pounds force for push/pull utilizing a cart with wheels

Motor skills

• Demonstrate gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to effectively prepare, package, carry and deliver medications in a timely manner

• Demonstrate physical ability sufficient to maneuver in small spaces (including standing, walking, bending and range-of-motion of extremities)
• Calibrate, adjust, use and clean equipment
• Demonstrate fine motor skills required to safely manipulate syringes and needles
• Manipulate vials, ampules and medication packaging
• Load paper and labels in the printer or automated medicated dispensing machines
• Demonstrate keyboarding skills sufficient to complete data entry and/or clinical duties in a timely manner
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient if needed