Technical Standards
The abilities and skills candidates and students must possess in order to complete the education and training associated with the Public Health (M.P.H.) program are referred to as technical standards. These abilities and skills are essential for entry into most professional practice settings associated with this degree program.
1.0 Observation Skills Technical Standard
1.01 Demonstrate sufficient attention and accuracy in observation skills (visual, auditory and tactile) in the lecture hall 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 Students must be able to communicate with faculty, colleagues and the target audience with whom they work.
2.02 Indicators include, but are not limited to, these examples:
a. Clear, efficient and intelligible articulation of verbal language.
b. Legible, efficient and intelligible written English language.
c. Accurate and efficient English language reading skills.
d. Accurate and efficient expressive and receptive communication skills.
e. Ability to accurately follow oral and written directions.
3.0 Critical Reasoning Skills Technical Standard
3.01 Abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, data analysis and synthesis.
3.02 Students must have the intellectual capability to improve their knowledge based upon standard textbooks, conferences, lectures, current scholarly literature and journals.
3.03 Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills are necessary.
3.04 Demonstrate ability to acquire, retain and apply new and learned information.
3.05 Indicators include, but are not limited to, these examples:
a. Demonstrate ability to evaluate the effectiveness of community health intervention programs.
b. Demonstrate ability to analyze and interpret data using basic statistical tests, measures of disease occurrence and association.
4.0 Motor and Sensory Function Technical Standard
4.01 Students should have sufficient motor functions to be able to execute movements reasonably required to complete their public health education.
4.02 Indicators include, but are not limited to, this example:
a. Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study, which may include prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
5.0 Behavioral and Social Attributes Technical Standard
5.01 Students must possess the emotional health required for adequate utilization of intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and evidence of mature and sensitive relationships with faculty, colleagues and the public.
5.02 Evidence of integrity, ethical standards and concern for others, as well as appropriate appearance and hygiene, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admission process and throughout the educational progression through the curriculum.
5.03 Indicators include, but are not limited to, these examples:
a. Demonstrate impartial motives, attitudes and values in roles, functions and relationships.
b. Ability to monitor and react appropriately to one’s own emotional needs and responses.
c. Display appropriate flexibility and adaptability in the face of stress or uncertainty.
d. Compliance with standards, policies and practices set forth in the Institutional Handbook and the MPH Academic Student Handbook.
