Technical Standards

Technical Standards for Successful Completion of the Osteopathic Program at ARCOM

Technical standards are the non-academic skills and abilities necessary for the successful completion of the course of study in osteopathic medicine. The ARCOM Admission Policy and the ACHE Diversity and Inclusion Policy may be referenced in the ACHE Policy Manual (APM).

Introduction

The Educational Council on Osteopathic Principles has recommended, and ARCOM has adopted, the following non-academic criteria for admission and continued program participation.

Technical Standards

An osteopathic physician must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. To perform the activities described below, candidates for the DO degree must be able to quickly, accurately, and consistently learn, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data. Individual students are expected to take responsibility for transport to all learning locations and activities during their ARCOM tenure.

Osteopathic physicians utilize touch and palpation as part of the osteopathic approach to diagnosis and treatment. As part of the educational process, ARCOM students must tolerate being touched and palpated as well as the touching and palpation of all others to acquire and develop the skills necessary to complete an osteopathic examination. This palpation is performed in a professional and appropriate manner. Acquiring the skills to palpate and examine patients requires a student to examine all partially or completely disrobed patients and is mandatory for successful completion of the curriculum at ARCOM. In physical diagnosis and osteopathic manipulative medicine laboratory experiences, as well as other clinical laboratories where skills are acquired and developed, students are required to participate in the examination of any fellow student who may be partially disrobed.

Students will be required to partially disrobe for certain laboratory experiences. These requirements are for all students, in order for the student to acquire the skills necessary to practice medicine. All manner of cultural and religious leaders have been consulted by the osteopathic experts. Those experts have concluded that traditions may be set aside when learning the healing arts. Of course, reasonable requests for exceptions may be considered so long as the accommodations do not impede the student’s ability to learn diagnosis and manipulation of all genders and body types.

ARCOM is committed to considering reasonable requests for making exceptions. Students are required to contact the Course Director to request consideration for any exceptions. ARCOM is also committed to patient safety and assuring a safe and effective environment that does not place patients, students, or others at risk. Technical standards have been chosen by osteopathic physicians as deemed necessary for the safe and effective practice of osteopathic medicine. Applicants who do not meet the technical standards with or without reasonable accommodation may not be admitted to or may be dismissed from ARCOM.

ARCOM minimal technical standards are outlined below.

Observation & Visual Integration

The student must be able to visually observe laboratory demonstrations, microscopic tissues with the aid of the microscope, computer-based images, and hard copy materials used in laboratory demonstrations. The student must be able to visually and accurately observe physical signs of a patient used in diagnosis and management. The use of a trained intermediary in such cases would not be allowed as the observations of another could adversely influence judgment and performance.

Communication

Students should be able to speak, hear, and observe patients to elicit information, examine patients, describe changes in mood, activity, and posture, and perceive nonverbal communication. They must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients using the English language.

Motor Function

Students must have sufficient motor functions to execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Osteopathic manipulation requires coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch, hearing, and vision.

Sensory Skills

Students must possess an enhanced ability to use their sensory skills. Individuals who have significant tactile sensory or proprioceptive disabilities may require a thorough evaluation to determine if they are otherwise qualified, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Strength and Mobility

Medical treatments, such as osteopathic manipulative medicine and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, often require upright posture with sufficient upper and lower extremity and overall body strength and mobility. Individuals who have significant limitations in these areas may require evaluation to determine if they are otherwise qualified, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities

Students must be able to concentrate, analyze and interpret data, and make decisions within areas in which there is a reasonable amount of visual and auditory distraction. They must frequently perform these functions in a limited amount of time and do so under a reasonable amount of stress. Students must be able to accurately write prescriptions, perform basic arithmetic and mathematical functions, and quickly read charts with minimal errors. Additionally, they must demonstrate the ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships, and to understand spatial relationships of structures.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

Students must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, exercise good judgment, and promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective professional relationships with patients. Students must be able to tolerate taxing workloads and adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, motivation, and resilience are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational processes.

Participation in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Laboratory and Clinical Care Encounters

Active participation in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Laboratories and Clinical Care Encounters is an admission, matriculation, and graduation requirement. During Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine laboratory and Clinical Care Encounters, it is imperative to the educational process that the body region being examined and/or treated will need to be exposed for observation, palpation, and treatment. The examination and treatment must be conducted in a respectful and professional manner.

The development of palpatory skills used for diagnosis and treatment is significant and required in osteopathic medical schools. Each student is required to actively participate in all skill development sessions.

Accommodations

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified students. Students with known limitations requiring an accommodation should begin the process by contacting OAA prior to beginning classes. If at any time there is a need to request an accommodation, students should contact OAA to be advised on the process. Students may contact by emailing studentaccommodations@achehealth.edu.
Students may review our full ADA Accommodations Policy in the APM, https://achehealth.edu/student-handbooks/ . All main campus buildings were designed to accommodate those with disabilities and meet ADA guidelines. Should students have any concerns about the accessibility of any ACHE facilities, contact studentaccommodations@achehealth.edu .