i.ii Technical Standards
As certified occupational therapists, students have already demonstrated the abilities to meet the demands of an occupational therapist. In the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) program, students must be able to take part fully in an online learning environment to benefit from the educational activities and to succeed in fulfilling requirements for the degree. The following technical standards are considered necessary for full participation in the PP-OTD program:
Communication:
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion and development of positive team/client-therapist relationships
- Articulate and speak with volume that is understandable to the listener or audience
- Verbal and non-verbal interpersonal and communication skills that are consistent with productive classroom participation (virtually and in person), respectful interactions with faculty, peers, staff, and members of the interprofessional team, in one-to-one, small group and large group settings
- Demonstrate sensitivity in appropriate communication with all individuals, regardless of lifestyle, of various ages, genders, ethnic/racial and religious/spiritual backgrounds, educational levels, and socioeconomic status, with various physical, cognitive, emotional disabilities
- Uphold privacy and confidentiality policies
Intellectual/Judgment:
- Participate in intellectual activities that require critical thinking, judgment, analysis, conceptualization of spatial relationships, calculation of arithmetic data, problem-solving, abstract and professional reasoning, and organizing and planning within reasonable time frames and within a multitask setting
- Ability to interpret information from multiple sources, including observation, written, verbal, interpersonal, environment, etc.
- Comprehend and follow written instructions, such as policies and procedures
- Demonstrate self-reflection and ability to apply feedback in order to develop proactive strategies for professional growth and development
Professional Behavior/Social Skills:
- Possess the emotional health required for full use of one’s intellectual abilities, adaptation to change, exercise of good judgment, adherence to ethics, and safe and timely completion of all responsibilities
- Relate to others with respect, courtesy, maturity, and compassion to honor their dignity by using a tone and attitude that is the appropriate level and type of language for the person, group, and/or situation
- Demonstrate ability and willingness to modify behavior/performance after feedback from faculty, peer, or mentor
Physical/Motor:
- Manipulate computer touch screens and keyboards
In accordance with the provisions and philosophy of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), faculty are committed to providing appropriate learning experiences that maximize every student’s potential and working with students with disabilities to determine if there are ways to assist them in performing essential functions and skills to meet educational standards. This process involves students taking initiative to identify and request reasonable accommodations as appropriate to their disability status. The MGH Institute of Health Professions will consider any applicant who meets its academic criteria and demonstrates the ability to perform or to learn to perform the skills listed in the policy with or without reasonable accommodations consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students are expected to contact the Office of Student and Accessibility Services (OSAS) at ihpds@mghihp.edu to request accommodations and speak with the Program Director regarding the necessary accommodations that will ensure their success in the program. Detailed information can be found in the IHP Catalog under Accessibility Resources: https://www.mghihp.edu/overview/accessibility-resources