Professional Technical Standards for the School of Pharmacy

The professional technical standards for the Pacific University School of Pharmacy identifies the functions required for the successful completion of the Pacific University School of Pharmacy program.

Physical Skills

• Stand, sit, bend and reach while performing clinical assessments and dispensing functions.
• Function in a structured environment for several hours.
• Move freely and maneuver in small spaces.
• Demonstrate hand/eye coordination.
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and assist in emergencies.
• Provide immunizations to patients.
• Effectively manage physical conditions in order to prevent impediments to appropriate services.

Sensory Skills

• Read patient profiles – CRT/LCD/other monitors, printouts, small print and/or handwritten notes.
• See with measurable depth perception and in low-light conditions.
• Distinguish color variations and discern shades of black and white.
• Hear, understand and accurately communicate the information/directions verbally and in writing.
• Discern sounds related to patient assessment and treatment.
• Distinguish smells of various drugs and solutions used in health care settings.
• Recognize changes in patient status and feel subtle differences in skin temperature.

Cognitive Skills

• Comprehend, analyze and synthesize complex science and clinical content.
• Apply prior learning to new situations.
• Concentrate on task at hand amidst a variety of environmental distractions, including noise and interruptions.
• Interpret patient findings, recognized anomalies and make recommendations that improve patient care.
• Use personal computers to complete assignments.
• Complete standardized tests within established time limits.
• Able to manage one’s realities in ways that do not restrict balanced services to their patients/clientele.

Communication Skills

• Speak and write English clearly.
• Provide patients with clear drug information and instructions appropriate for their level of understanding.
• Document clear and legible handwritten notes.
• Organize thoughts and ideas into appropriately written and referenced essays and research papers.

Interpersonal Skills

• Interact with individuals, small groups and large audiences.
• Establish sufficient rapport and maintain boundaries in order to effectively relate to fellow colleagues, patients, health care professionals, faculty and staff.
• Demonstrate concern and empathy for a diverse population of patients.

Professional Skills

• Present a professional appearance and maintain personal health.
• Maintain composure during stressful situations.
• Work both independently and as a team member.
• Organize tasks, set priorities, problem solve and multitask.
• Maintain accuracy and confidentiality of patient information.
• Comply with established policies and procedures.
• Provide care to all patients regardless of age, race, ethnicity, origin, physical or mental status, or other conditions.

Program Specific Requirements

• The program consists of a semester-based curriculum system that provides a learner-centered paradigm that integrates pharmaceutical, biomedical, clinical, and administrative sciences to enhance students' interactive learning. The curriculum is designed to promote students’ personal and professional development and supports students to apply their knowledge and skills to patient care in order to prepare graduates to be practice-ready.  The courses are administered on a grading system that uses letter grades (A-F).
• Following an invitation for admission, each student must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check (coordinated by the program), a drug test (coordinated by the program), and must attain intern licensure by both the Oregon and Washington State Boards of Pharmacy prior to the start of orientation. Licensure in both states must be maintained for the duration of the Program.
• Experiential rotation placements (both introductory and advanced) may require the student to relocate outside of the Portland area for time ranges of 3 weeks to the entire P3 year.

For any questions regarding meeting these standards, please contact Office of Accessibility & Accomodation Services.