Technical standards outline the skills and expectations required for students to successfully enter, progress through, and complete the program. They ensure clarity and consistency for students, faculty, staff, administration, and disability services. These standards apply equally to all students.
If you require accommodations to fully participate in the program, please contact the Office of Disability Services to confidentially discuss your needs. Technical standards can be met with or without accommodations, and the examples provided are not all encompassing.
Technical Standard, Definition and Examples
Ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and integrate information and solve problems. Basic computer and word processing skills
Examples:
- Demonstrate the ability to understand engineering and technical drawings, and interpret the information to solve problems.
Physical abilities are sufficient to operate machining and manufacturing equipment in a safe manner
Examples:
- Manual dexterity sufficient to gain access and operate controls on a variety of electrical/mechanical equipment.
- Maintain safety precautions while working on electrical and mechanical equipment with potentially lethal voltages and mechanical hazards.
Tactile ability is sufficient for written communication and handling of equipment
Examples:
- Use writing utensils, keyboards, and computer controls.
- Use manipulatives and scientific equipment.
- Physically use technology (calculators, iPad, computers, etc.).
- Assess, examine, and interpret findings through touch.
Sufficient physical ability and stamina to attend classes and provide care to patients. Must possess the ability to lift, stand, stretch, squat, and crawl or contort to any position as required by the situation
Examples:
- Perform physical activities including, but not limited to, the manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer, keyboard, microscope, or other lab equipment.
Auditory ability is sufficient to distinguish various sounds, tones, and pitches emitted by machining and manufacturing equipment
Example:
- Distinguish and respond to sounds at a close range including, but not limited to, an instructor, other students in a classroom, and audio recordings.
- Ability to respond to alarm indicators during the operation of some electrical/electronic equipment.
- Ability to audibly discern unusual equipment noises that can indicate potential safety hazards.
Visual ability is sufficient for comprehending printed materials, specimens under a microscope, images, or videos projected on a screen
Examples:
- Ability to respond to visual alarm indicators during the operation of some electrical/electronic equipment.
- Use depth perception.
- Use peripheral vision.
Abilities are sufficient for interaction with others in verbal, nonverbal, and written form
Examples:
- Speak and write in standard English (unless the student is enrolled in a foreign language course).
- Listen and comprehend the spoken and written words.
- Interpret and follow verbal directions from others.
- Convey information clearly to others and in a timely manner.
- Read, comprehend, and communicate written material containing technical information.
Ability to interact with others whether face-to-face or through electronic means with professionalism and respect for perspns from diverse social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
Examples:
- Respond to instructors and/or other students with respect for their viewpoints whether in a traditional/face-to-face classroom or online.
- Function and contribute as part of a team.
- Exhibit ethical behavior and exercise good judgement.
Olfaction sufficient to detect odors and tolerate various odors. Must be able to function safely under varying environmental factors
Examples:
- Be able to work in hot or cold conditions.
- Maintain focus and productivity in a noisy shop or workplace.
- Work inside and outside under variable conditions.
Possess emotional stability sufficient to assume responsibility/accountability for actions and maintain composure in stressful situations
Examples:
- Ability to maintain a workspace that is appropriate and actively moving toward quality project completion.
- Calmly receive constructive feedback.
- Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
- Ability to maintain attention to the task at hand, especially for dangerous situations.
We are committed to ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed in this program. If you have a documented disability, reasonable accommodations will be provided unless they fundamentally alter essential training requirements, create undue hardship, or pose a safety risk to you or others.
Disability Services Statement
If you have a documented disability and need accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office (Ward Hall Building; 252-638-1454) as soon as possible—ideally before classes or field experiences begin. You are also encouraged to inform your instructor as needed so we can best support your learning.