Technical Standards for Admission, Promotion and Graduation

The purpose of this document is to clarify the technical standards that are necessary for successful completion of the didactic and clinical components of the Occupational Therapy Program at Columbia University. Students must possess the physical, cognitive, emotional, professional, and interpersonal abilities needed to complete the curriculum and graduate, with or without reasonable accommodations. Eligibility for admission is evaluated individually, considering the skills, attributes, and accommodations required to meet these standards, in alignment with federal, state, and institutional policies.

Applicants to the program are required to sign this document as part of the application submission process. If a student feels that they require reasonable accommodation for didactic and/or clinical components of the program, they must contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) and follow the required procedures before any accommodations can be made. All students are valued participants whose experiences and perspectives strengthen the diversity of our program. All candidates for a degree must be able to complete the entire course of study and participate fully in all aspects of academic and clinical training, with or without reasonable accommodation, and these standards will be reviewed again at least at each phase of the curriculum. If a change in status occurs after admission that affects a student’s ability to meet a technical standard, they are required to notify the Program Director and ODS. Students may be asked to re-sign this document after a change in status.

In accordance with Columbia’s policies which, in turn, embody applicable federal, state, and local laws (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act), the occupational therapy program does not discriminate in admissions or educational programs against any individual on the basis of their disability. No otherwise qualified individual with a disability will be excluded from admission. However, the use of an intermediary that would, in effect, require a student to rely on another individual’s power of observation and/or communication is not considered a reasonable accommodation. Prospective and admitted students should be referred with questions to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) and the admissions committee makes the determination based on ODS’s recommendation. Should, despite reasonable accommodation (whether the candidate chooses to use the accommodation or not), a candidate or student’s existing or acquired disability interferes with patient or peer safety or otherwise impede the ability to complete the occupational therapy program and advance to graduation or fieldwork training, the candidate may be denied admission or may be separated, discontinued, or dismissed from the program.

The following abilities and characteristics are defined as technical standards, and are requirements, with or without accommodations, for admission, promotion, and graduation.

Fundamental Knowledge

Students must demonstrate the ability to:

· Acquire, retain, and apply foundational knowledge in occupational therapy and related biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences.

· Learn and engage effectively through a variety of instructional methods, including lectures, laboratories, simulations, clinical experiences, group work, independent study, and the use of technology.

· Process information efficiently, including sustaining attention, organizing information, and recalling previously learned material as required by the curriculum.

· Perform quantitative and qualitative reasoning and calculations necessary for coursework and clinical decision-making.

· Understand how spatial relationships and movement sequences affect daily activities and therapeutic interventions.

· Maintain sufficient alertness and engagement to participate in academic and clinical activities safely and effectively.

Physical Skills and Safety

Students must demonstrate the ability to:

· Frequently lift and carry up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds, with the physical capacity to perform examinations and execute movements required to safely handle, manipulate, lift, transfer, and guide individuals and objects of varying sizes and weights during activities, while preventing injury to clients and self.

· Coordinate gross and fine motor movements, assume a variety of body postures, demonstrate postural control and proper body mechanics, maintain balance, and integrate senses to complete academic requirements and clinical competency.

· Tolerate physical activity for up to 8-10 hours per day, sitting for up to two hours at a time and sufficient endurance to set up the educational and clinical environment to effectively manage client care within reasonable time while adhering to best practice guidelines.

· Access transportation to academic and clinical education sites.

· Use and coordinate gross and fine motor movements to safely handle equipment and tools while performing therapeutic interventions and procedures to meet learning and clinical goals.

· Adhere to safety standards applicable to inpatient and outpatient settings and other clinical, academic, and community activities.

· Demonstrate sufficient ability to detect temperature, texture, vibration, and pressure to safely perform assessments and interventions.

· Respond appropriately to emergency situations to ensure the safety of clients, self, and others.

Communication Skills

Students must demonstrate the ability to:

· Communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively with clients, families, peers, faculty, supervisors, and members of the interprofessional healthcare team in spoken, written, and electronic formats.

· Obtain relevant information, including medical and occupational histories, in a timely and professional manner.

· Develop therapeutic relationships through respectful, empathic, and culturally responsive communication.

· Interpret and respond appropriately to verbal and non-verbal communication cues.

· Produce accurate, organized, and timely documentation, including evaluation reports and treatment plans, consistent with academic, clinical, and legal standards.

· Communicate proficiently in English at a level sufficient to ensure patient safety and effective collaboration in healthcare and community settings.

Appropriate Professional Attitudes and Behaviors

Students must demonstrate the ability to:

· Exhibit professionalism, integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct consistent with occupational therapy standards and codes of ethics.

· Maintain appropriate emotional regulation, resilience, and adaptability in academic and clinical environments that may involve uncertainty, stress, and extended hours.

· Interact respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including differences in culture, language, socioeconomic status, ability, religion, and lived experience.

· Establish compassionate therapeutic relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

· Work collaboratively as a member of interprofessional and supervisory teams.

· Accept feedback constructively and modify performance in a timely and appropriate manner.

· Demonstrate responsibility for personal conduct, appearance, and communication consistently with professional expectations.

· Prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and respond appropriately to changing clinical demands.

· Make timely and safe decisions, including recognizing when to seek supervision or assistance.

· Apply ethical reasoning and professional judgment in academic and clinical situations.