Technical Standards

The technical standards for admission set forth by the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) outline the non-academic abilities considered essential for students to achieve the level of competence required by the faculty and by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) in order to obtain a PharmD degree.

A candidate must have skills and abilities in five areas: I) observation; II) communication; III) motor; IV) conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and V) behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some limitations in these areas but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

I. Observation:

The candidate must be able to make accurate observations at a distance and in close proximity. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses.

II. Communication:

The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently and sensitively in both oral and written form and be able to perceive nonverbal cues or forms of communication. The candidate must also develop the skills necessary to instruct and supervise technical personnel assisting with the delivery of pharmaceutical services. Candidates are expected to accept appropriate suggestions and criticism and if necessary, respond quickly, appropriately and cooperatively by modifying behavior.

III. Motor:

Candidates must be able to coordinate both gross and fine muscular movements, maintain equilibrium and have functional use of the senses of touch and vision. The candidate must possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination to perform profession-specific skills and tasks.

IV. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities:

The candidate must be able to problem solve, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, record, perform numerical recognition and integrate large amounts of information in a timely manner. The candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships.

V. Behavioral and Social Attributes:

The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, exercise good judgment, be consistent and prompt in completing all responsibilities and be able to develop mature, sensitive and effective relationships. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically, mentally and emotionally taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. The candidate must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, interest and motivation to learn are all personal qualities required during the educational process.

Candidates for admission to the DKICP are required to certify that they understand the technical standards detailed above. Candidates who may not meet the technical standards are encouraged to contact the Director of Student Services to discuss and identify reasonable accommodations which may be made to enable performance at the required level.