1 Updated 03-14-14 Technical Standards and Essential Functions

Certain disabilities can interfere with a student’s ability to complete the program of study and acquire the essential functions necessary for the practice physical therapy. * Reasonable accommodation can be made to compensate for some limitations. However, those that interfere with patient care, safety or require the use of an intermediary may be incompatible with independent professional practice. *having these essential functions does not guarantee successful completion of the physical therapy program. Observational skills (includes functional use of vision, hearing and somatic sensations): The student must be able to: Observe lecture and laboratory demonstrations. Read and interpret equipment dials, assessment graphs, patient charts, professional literature, and notes from patients, physicians, and other health professionals. Obtain visual information from clients. Effective auscultation/auditory evaluation such as lungs, heart, apical pulse, blood pressure, joint noises, prostheses. Respond to such things as a patient calling from behind a curtain, warning calls from anyone, an