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Technical Standards

These are the abilities and expectations for all students admitted to our Ph.D. in therapeutic science program.

A doctoral degree in therapeutic science signifies that the holder is prepared to assume leadership in research programs related to human disability. It follows that graduates must have the knowledge and skills to articulate theory and perform scientific research. Therefore, all individuals admitted to the University of Kansas therapeutic science degree program must have the following abilities and expectations with or without accommodations.

The following technical standards, in conjunction with the academic standards, are requirements for admission, promotion and graduation. The term "candidate" refers to candidates for admission to the program as well as current students who are candidates for retention, promotion or graduation.

KU School of Health Professions maintains a strong commitment to equal educational opportunities for qualified students with disabilities who apply for admission to the program or who are already enrolled. The technical standards are not intended to deter any candidate for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the fulfillment of the complete curriculum.

Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Academic Accommodations Office at 913-945-7035 (711 TTY) or cukoko@kumc.edu early in the application process to begin a confidential conversation about what accommodations they may need to meet these standards. This process is informed by the knowledge that students with varied types of disabilities have the ability to become successful health professionals.

  1. Problem Solving:
    The culminating activity in the preparation of an occupational therapist is clinical reasoning. The post professional occupational therapy student is expected to develop advanced expertise and demonstrate research skills. Therefore, a candidate must be able to conduct research, to make correct observations, and have the skills of measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis.
  2. Judgment:
    The candidate will be expected to demonstrate judgment in classroom and research settings which shows an ability to make mature, sensitive, and effective decisions in the following areas: a) relationships with supervisors, peers, and patients/clients, b) professional behavior, c) the effectiveness of intervention and research strategies. He or she must demonstrate an understanding of the rationale and justification for his or her performance.
  3. Communication:
    • Written communication: The candidate must be able to assimilate information from written sources (texts, journals, medical/school records, etc.). The candidate must be able to attain, comprehend, retain, and use new information presented in written formats. Candidates are required to use information from written sources and must be able to produce appropriate written documentation.
    • Verbal and nonverbal communication: Candidates must be able to communicate effectively to elicit information from patients/clients/consumers, supervisors, and peers. Candidates must possess the ability to convey factual information, but also to communicate the more subtle cues of mood, temperament, and social responses. Communication with patients/clients and with all members of the intervention team or academic unit must be accurate, sensitive, effective, and efficient. Response time to emergencies/crisis situations, as well as more routine communication must be appropriate to the situation or setting.
  4. Sensorimotor:
    Candidates must have sufficient gross motor, fine motor, and equilibrium functions, and functional use of sensory systems to enable them to perform all tasks essential to their career paths.
  5. Behavioral and social attributes:
    Candidates are expected to exhibit professional behaviors and attitudes during their participation in classroom, clinical, and research experiences. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds. This includes, but is not limited to, an ability to establish rapport and communicate with others, to use appropriate language, possess flexibility toward change, and to accept responsibility for one’s own conduct. Students are expected to exhibit a positive attitude toward patients/clients, peers, and supervisors.
KU School of Health Professions

Occupational Therapy Education
KU Medical Center
3901 Rainbow Blvd  MS2003
Kansas City, KS 66160
913-588-7195 • 711 TTY