Pharmacy Essential Functions | Student Accessibility Services Policy & Procedure Manual

Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services Policy & Procedure Manual

Approved by: University Student Accessibility Services Committee (previously Disabilities and Accommodations Committee), July 2016
Reviewed: July 2017
Revised: October 4, 2018

College of Pharmacy Essential Functions

The mission of the College of Pharmacy is to prepare highly skilled pharmacists who play an indispensable role in a team-oriented approach to patient care and medication management services. As such, the faculty is responsible for development and implementation of a pharmacy curriculum designed to educate competent, caring pharmacists with strong communication skills, character, commitment to the community, and dedication to lifelong learning.

Preparation and training to become a pharmacist requires each student to understand and to meet the Essential Functions Required for Admission, Continuation and Graduation identified below with or without accommodations. The faculty has developed the course requirements and activities to provide critical elements of training. It is expected that students will participate in all course activities and must not be subject to any legal condition that would bar participation (including but not limited to lectures, seminars, laboratories, clinics, physical examinations, patient procedures) and adhere to individual clinical site rules and regulations as well as College of Pharmacy policies regarding these activities.

A candidate for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree must be able to demonstrate intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; skills in observation, communication and motor functions; and mature behavioral and social attributes. Technological compensation can be made for handicaps in some of these areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner without a trained intermediary. A trained intermediary is an individual who might or does mediate a candidate’s judgment through his/her power of selection and observation.

Observation

Candidates must be able to read information on a computer screen and observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, including but not limited to: physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations, microbiologic cultures, and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Candidates must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell. Candidates must remain fully alert and attentive at all times in clinical settings and be able to evaluate patient signs and symptoms for the purpose of triaging patient complaints and monitoring drug therapy.

Communication

Candidates must be able to speak, listen, read and write in the English language in order to communicate effectively with instructors and peers. They must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and caregivers, including the ability to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communication. Candidates must be able to instruct patients on the use of drug administration devices (e.g., inhalers) or use of home diagnostic kits. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively with other healthcare practitioners as related to verbal and written recommendations for drug therapy orders.

Motor

Candidates should have sufficient motor function to: execute all aspects of processing of drug orders and compounding of medications; engage in safe and aseptic handling of sterile preparations; and safely and effectively operate appropriate equipment (e.g., microscope, computer keyboard, glucose monitors, peak flow meters). Candidates must be able to perform CPR and engage in basic physical assessment activities including palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the sense of touch and vision.

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative & Quantitative Abilities

Candidates should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. They must be able to solve problems in a multi-task setting that involve measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Candidates should be able to synthesize knowledge and integrate the relevant aspects of a patient’s history, physical findings and monitoring studies in order to develop a drug therapy and monitoring plan in a reasonable amount of time.

Behavioral & Social Attributes

Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the punctual and safe completion of all responsibilities. They must be able to accept appropriate suggestions and criticism and, if necessary, respond by modification. Candidates must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties and in situations of physical and emotional stress. Candidates must demonstrate ethical behavior and exercise good judgment in the completion of patient care responsibilities. They must possess interpersonal skills that promote mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients, including compassion, integrity, motivation, empathy and concern for others.