Required Technical Standards for Completion

After reasonable training and experience, the candidate must be able to observe and participate in demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, including but not limited to, dissection of cadavers, examination of gross specimens in gross anatomy and pathology laboratories, preparation of microbiologic cultures, and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states (e.g. streak plates, gram stains) necessary for such studies. Observation of gross and microscopic structures necessitates the functional use of the senses of vision and touch and is enhanced by the functional sense of smell.

After reasonable training and experience, the candidate must be capable of performing a complete physical examination, including observation, palpation and percussion and auscultation. The candidate must be capable of using instruments such as, but not limited to, a stethoscope, an ophthalmoscope, an otoscope, and a sphygmomanometer. The candidate must be capable of performing clinical procedures such as, but not limited to, the following: pelvic examination, digital rectal examination, drawing blood from veins and arteries and giving intravenous injections, basic cardiopulmonary life support, spinal puncture, and simple obstetrical procedures.

The candidate must be capable of performing basic laboratory tests, using a calculator and a computer, reading an EKG, and interpreting common imaging tests. The candidate must be able to move in the clinical setting so as to act quickly in emergencies. At the conclusion of the didactic phase, the candidate should demonstrate proficiency in the skills described above. By the conclusion of the clinical rotations, candidates are expected to attain full competence in the aforementioned skills, including the ability to synthesize and organize them effectively.

A candidate must be able to communicate with, receive communication from, and observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity, and posture, and perceive nonverbal affective and gesture communication. Candidates must also be able to utilize these communication skills to obtain a medical history in a timely fashion from a wide variety of patients and to communicate effectively, efficiently, and sensitively with all members of the healthcare team, other professionals, and patients and their families. Communication encompasses both written and verbal forms

The candidate must be able to produce written write-ups in the clinical rotations, which include patient history, physical exam, and assessment. Also, the candidate must be able to comprehend written material sufficiently well to understand accurately common medical records, laboratory reports, and pharmacological prescriptions.

A candidate must have sufficient cognitive (mental) capacities to assimilate the technically detailed and complex information presented in formal lectures, small group discussions, medical literature, individual teaching settings, and in clinical settings. A candidate must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information across modalities, appreciate three-dimensional spatial relationships among structures and logical sequential relationships among events, and form and test hypotheses in order to enable effective and timely problem-solving in diagnosis and treatment of patients.

A candidate must possess the emotional health, maturity, and self-discipline required for full use of one’s intellectual and judgmental ability and for successful participation in, and completion of, the course of study leading to the MPAP degree. These include, but are not limited to, attendance, integrity, honesty, conscientiousness in work, teamwork and other attributes described in Standards, Policies, and Procedures of the Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at USC and the USC Student Handbook. The candidate must accept responsibility for learning, exercise good judgment, and promptly complete all responsibilities necessary for sensitive and effective relationships with patients and others. Candidates must be capable of interactions with patients and health care personnel in a caring and professional manner. The candidate must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, and display flexibility.

The Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at USC has the responsibility to consider the safety and welfare of patients and others. If a candidate has a condition that poses significant risks to patients or others, that condition may serve as grounds for denial of admission or dismissal from the school. An otherwise qualified individual shall not be excluded from admission, or participation in educational programs and activities, solely by reason of their disability or medical condition. Students must adhere to universal precautionary measures. Students must be able to comply with all school requirements while working in a clinic environment and with hazardous materials.

The program may require that an individual undergo an evaluation at the school’s expense for the purpose of determining whether the matriculant or candidate meets these essential characteristics and abilities.

The program does not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals who apply for admission to the MPAP degree program or who are enrolled as students. The office available for supporting enrolled Physician Assistant students with disabilities is the Office of Student Accessibility and Services (OSAS). Reasonable accommodations will be provided based on OSAS assessments. Candidates should direct their accommodation requests and documentation to OSAS.

In 2020, California became the fifth state to prohibit the use of criminal background checks in admissions considerations for graduate schools when the California Education Code 66024p was updated following the passage of the “Ban the Box” bill. While this legislation prohibits schools from considering criminal backgrounds in the admissions process, it does not prohibit criminal background checks for matriculated students. These background checks are required to work with minors and to participate in clinical training activities with health care partners throughout the state. Students who matriculate with a history of a criminal conviction may not be able to successfully complete the curriculum due to these requirements, and therefore, should check with the program prior to matriculation. In addition, criminal background checks including LiveScan are required for state licensure in California and a history of a criminal conviction may be considered by the California Physician Assistant Board as well as other state medical boards and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants in the licensure application. Applicants/matriculants should consult with these entities prior to matriculation to ensure they will be eligible for licensure upon completion of their degree.