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Medical Scholars & Medical Prep Academic Enhancement, MS: Technical Standards

Applies To

This policy applies to Medical Scholars and Medical Prep students in the College of Health Professions.

Policy

SUNY Upstate Medical University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. All applicants and students are held to the same academic and technical standards of admissions and training. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with a disability. However, the student is expected to perform these functions in a reasonably independent manner.

Technical Standards

The Medical Scholar and Med Prep curricula are designed to provide academic enhancement in the biomedical and clinical laboratory sciences as preparation for medical education. To succeed in the program and its associated medical education, candidates must possess certain abilities and skills, categorized as follows: observational, communicational, motor-intellectual, behavioral, and social. These Technical Standards define abilities and skills that are required admission, progression, and graduation from the program.

  1. Observation: Candidates/students must possess the ability to observe demonstrations, experiments, and clinical phenomena, which require the use of visual and auditory sensation. To be successful in the programs, candidates/students must be:
    • able to use their senses to observe normal and abnormal specimens under the microscope and to interpret the results of various laboratory assays.
    • able to interpret graphic images (e.g., electrocardiograms) depicting physiological phenomena with or without the use of assistive devices.
    • capable of gathering and evaluating medical and scientific literature, including online databases and printed material.
  2. Communication: Effective communication is essential for successful learning and professional practice. To be successful in the programs, candidates/students must be:
    • able to communicate clearly and effectively with instructors, peers, and others in both written and verbal forms.
    • proficient in English, as it is the primary language of instruction.
    • They must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
  3. Motor Function:
    • Candidates/students must have the motor coordination necessary to perform a variety of tasks, both gross and fine motor skills. To be successful in the programs, they must be:
    • able to manipulate standard laboratory instruments and equipment to complete laboratory exercises and experiments (after reasonable training).
    • capable of writing and typing to complete assignments, exams, and required documentation accurately and efficiently.
    • able to meet the above requirements through the use of assistive devices.
  4. Intellectual: Candidates/students must possess the cognitive abilities necessary to succeed in the curriculum and develop their scientific and medical knowledge. To be successful in the programs, candidates/students must:
    • be able to assimilate and synthesize detailed and complex information.
    • demonstrate the ability to learn through a variety of modalities, including classroom instruction, virtual learning, small group discussions, and independent study.
    • be able to memorize, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and transmit information effectively.
    • be able to formulate, test, and revise hypotheses regarding laboratory and clinical problems.
  5. Behavioral and Social Attributes: Behavioral and social competencies are essential for success in a collaborative, patient-centered healthcare environment. To be successful in the programs, candidates/students must:
    • demonstrate the emotional maturity and stability necessary to use their intellectual abilities to the fullest.
    • accept responsibility for their learning, exercise good judgment, and fulfill all curricular requirements. They must demonstrate honesty, integrity, conscientiousness, empathy, and teamwork in all professional interactions.
    • able to work collaboratively with faculty, peers, and others, contributing to a constructive and inclusive learning environment. demonstrate emotional stamina and resilience to cope with the demanding academic workload and the emotional challenges associated with medical education.

Definitions

There are no definitions associated with this policy.

Related Information

  • Student Code of Conduct
  • College of Health Professions Program Website

Policy History

Review Date:

Change Description:

1/9/25

New Policy reviewed and approved by the Dean’s Advisory Council.

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