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Minimum Technical Standards

MU-COM is dedicated to developing empathic, proficient physicians committed to continuous learning, innovation, and excellence in clinical practice, education, research and service. The admissions process is rooted in the medical college mission and seeks candidates who are academically competent, who will actively engage in campus life and the diverse communities we serve, who will enhance and contribute to the diversity of our school and university, and contribute unreservedly to serving, promoting and improving the health of the public.

Observation and Visual Integration

Applicants and students must have sufficient visual capabilities to observe demonstrations, experiments, and laboratory exercises in the basic and clinical sciences, as well as proper evaluation and treatment integration in order to assess asymmetry, range of motion, and tissue color and texture changes.

They must be able to observe a patient accurately at varying distances and with the ability to discern nonverbal communication.

Communication

Applicants and students should be able to speak, hear and observe patients in order 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 in English. 

Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing. Applicants and students must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team in English.

Motor Function

Applicants and students must have sufficient motor function to execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Examples of movements reasonably required of physicians include, but are not limited to, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous medication, the application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, the suturing of simple wounds, the performance of obstetrical maneuvers and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.

Sensory Skills

Applicants and students of osteopathic medicine must possess an enhanced ability to use their sensory skills. Individuals with disabilities 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. Such individuals may include those with significant previous burns, sensory motor deficits, cicatrix formation and malformations of the upper extremities.

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 with disabilities 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

Applicants and 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 perform these functions under a time limitation and do so under a reasonable amount of stress, as physicians are 65 expected to be able to perform such duties in diverse clinical settings where others may be present and where there is a certain degree of noise. Applicants and students must be able to accurately write prescriptions, accurately perform basic mathematical functions, and accurately and quickly read charts with minimal error in areas where there may be distractions. They also must demonstrate ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships, and to understand spatial relationships of structures.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

Applicants and 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. Applicants and students must be able to tolerate physically 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 and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational processes.

Individuals who seek a reasonable accommodation as defined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, of the Americans with Disabilities Act, shall follow the University’s procedures for verification of eligibility, which are available through the Personalized Learning Center

These Technical Standards, and any exceptions or accommodations granted to a learner, apply at the MU-COM only, and do not carry over to required licensing examinations or into residency. Therefore, each learner is independently responsible for meeting the requirements for licensure and residency.

Self-Assessment and Meeting Technical Standards:

Essential abilities and characteristics required for completion of the DO degree consist of certain minimum physical and cognitive abilities and emotional characteristics to assure that candidates for admission, promotion, and graduation are able to complete the entire course of study and participate fully in all aspects of medical training, with or without reasonable accommodation. If a student has a question as to their ability to meet these standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, they should contact the Personalized Learning Center.

 

Updated 10/25/23

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Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.

Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.

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