Technical Standards

Laboratory Animal Science Program Technical Standards

The abilities and skills that candidates and students must possess in order to complete the education and training associated with the master's of Laboratory Animal Science program are referred to as “Technical Standards.” These abilities and skills are essential for professionals in animal care facilities and preclinical biomedical research settings which utilize animal models.

1.0 Observation Skills Technical Standard

1.01 Demonstrate sufficient attention and accuracy in observation skills (visual, auditory and tactile) in the lecture hall, laboratory and/or online settings. Indicators include but are not limited to accurate visualization and discrimination of text, numbers, patterns, graphic illustrations and other imaging texts.

2.0 Communication Skills Technical Standard

2.01 Demonstrate effective communication skills with biomedical research or animal care professionals and with people of varying cultures, ethnicities and personalities.

2.02 Indicators include, but are not limited to, these examples:

1. Clear, efficient and intelligible articulation of spoken English language.
2. Legible, efficient and intelligible written English language.
3. Accurate and efficient English language reading skills.
4. Accurate and efficient, expressive and receptive communication skills.
5. Ability to accurately follow directions (oral and written).

3.0 Critical Reasoning Skills Technical Standard

3.01 Demonstrate critical reasoning skills, including but not limited to intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities.

3.02 Indicators include but are not limited to these examples:

1. Demonstrate ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize information.
2. Demonstrate ability to acquire, retain and apply new and learned information.

4.0 Motor and Sensory Function Technical Standard

4.01 Demonstrate sufficient motor and sensory function to perform typical animal care or laboratory duties.

4.02 Indicators include but are not limited to these examples:

1. Functional and sufficient sensory capacity (visual, auditory and tactile) to use laboratory equipment and perform procedures.
2. Execute motor movements that demonstrate safety and efficiency in the various learning settings (i.e., classroom, online and laboratories).
3. Physical stamina sufficient to complete the online didactic and some laboratory study, which will include prolonged periods of sitting.

5.0 Behavioral and Social Attributes Technical Standard

5.01 Demonstrate the behavioral and social attributes vital to participation in a professional program and service as a practicing animal care and laboratory professional.

5.02 Indicators include but are not limited to these examples:

1. Possess the emotional health required for full utilization of mental faculties (judgment, orientation, affect and cognition).
2. Ability to develop mature and effective professional relationships with faculty, animal user researchers, the public and other members of the animal care or use team.
3. Possess personal qualities that facilitate effective therapeutic interactions (compassion, empathy, integrity, honesty, benevolence, confidentiality).
4. Demonstrate impartial motives, attitudes and values in roles, functions and relationships.
5. Ability to monitor and react appropriately to one’s own emotional needs and responses.
6. Display appropriate flexibility and adaptability in the face of stress or uncertainty associated with clinical encounters and clinical environments.
7. Compliance with standards, policies and practices set forth in the program handbook.

The medical school is committed to diversity and to attracting and educating students who will make the population of healthcare professionals’ representative of the national population. We provide confidential and specialized disability support and are committed to excellence in accessibility; we encourage students with disabilities to disclose and seek accommodations. Students who, after review of the technical standards determine that they require accommodation(s) to fully engage in the program, should contact the Student Disability Services Department (StudentDisability@EVMS.edu) to confidentially discuss their accommodations needs. Accommodations are never retroactive; therefore, timely requests are essential and encouraged.