Technical Standards
To be eligible for and successfully complete the Nursing Assistant Training Program, certain physical and behavioral standards are required as part of the program and clinical/lab experience. These technical standards have been developed using the U.S. Department of Labor's skills and abilities for those working in a medical setting. Some cooperative work experience opportunities may have additional requirements beyond the technical standards listed here, and requirements may vary by agency. Students must satisfy the program’s technical standards and the individual agency requirements before a clinical assignment is approved.
These technical standards are established in accordance with the Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act. All students must be able to satisfy these standards with or without reasonable accommodation. These include:
Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
Communicate effectively either independently or with corrective devices.
Communicate in English through reading, orally and in writing to instructors, professors, clinical staff, clients, families and all members of the health care team.
Understand oral directions/requests from health care workers, clients, voice pages and telephone messages stated in a normal tone.
Auditory Ability
Hear all alarms on technical and supportive equipment set at a normal volume.
Listen and respond to distress sounds from clients.
Accurately detect audibly blood pressure readings with a stethoscope.
Visual Ability
See and accurately read all written medical information pertaining to the client.
See and accurately read all readings and functions of technical equipment pertaining to client care.
See and accurately read all calibrated containers for accurate measurement of body fluids and specimens.
Physical Strength (Gross Motor Control)
Ability to lift 25 pounds unassisted in a safe manner, thereby protecting yourself, the client, and those in close proximity to you.
Bend and/or lift to assist client with activities of daily living and manipulate client equipment.
Lift to safely transfer or position all clients in various situations.
Move, push or pull equipment, beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, etc.
Ability to raise arms over one’s head in order to assist clients and manipulate equipment.
Walk/stand for extended periods and distances over an 8-hour period.
Manual Dexterity (Fine Motor Movement)
Accurately manipulate dials, gauges, buttons and switches to set, monitor and care for client care related equipment.
Safely and effectively perform dressing procedures without contaminating the wound.
Successfully don and remove protective apparel (including sterile gloves) to maintain standard precautions.
Behavioral/Mental Performance
Function safely, effectively and calmly under stressful situations.
Prioritize and manage tasks simultaneously.
Exhibit social skills necessary to interact therapeutically with clients, families, staff, and faculty.
Maintain personal hygiene consistent with department dress code guidelines.
Display ethical attitudes and actions consistent with professional behavior.
Display the social skills to behave with politeness, tact, and sensitivity to others in all settings.
Exhibit respect for cultural and ethnic differences of clients, peers, and individuals.
Remain free from alcohol and/or chemical impairment in classroom and clinical settings at all times.
Please contact the O'Neill Center at 774.330.4533 to discuss the documentation needed based on the student’s disability. It is the student's responsibility to make their needs known to the college well in advance and to provide appropriate documentation of disability if services are requested.