Associate in Science Degree Technical Standards

Purpose Statement

All students in the Associate in Science degree program are expected to meet certain technical standards which are essential for the successful completion of all phases of the program, and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the student’s ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards below.

Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. The ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any certification exams or successful completion of the program.

 

Technical Standard Definition of Standards Examples
Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving Skills Ability is sufficient for solving problems in various contexts and fields.
  • Collect data, prioritize needs/tasks, and anticipate results.
  • Identify cause-effect relationships in various situations.
  • Sequence information related to the discipline.
  • Make decisions independently to determine strategies.
  • Apply appropriate formulas, processes, and techniques.
  • Measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, integrate, and apply information.
  • Use sufficient judgment to recognize and correct performance, and problem solve unexpected observations or outcomes from multiple sources.
Interpersonal Skills Abilities are sufficient to interact with individuals and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
  • Establish rapport with instructors, staff, and other students individually and in groups.
  • Participate in groups regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, or sexual orientation of other group members with respect and care.
Communication Skills Abilities are sufficient for interaction with others in verbal, electronic, and written forms.
  • Communicate with others in a clear, professional, and timely manner.
  • Interpret and follow verbal directions from others.
  • Comprehend written material to perform laboratory test procedures correctly and independently.
Coping Skills Possess coping skills sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations.
  • Adapt rapidly to changing environments and/or stress.
  • Reacts to feedback in a professional manner.
Mobility/Motor Skills

Physical abilities are sufficient to move in one’s environment with ease and without restriction.

Gross and fine motor abilities are sufficient to communicate results.
  • Dexterity is sufficient to use equipment (calculator, iPad, computer, other manipulatives).
  • Grasp small objects (e.g., pencil).
  • Manipulate sensitive/hazardous materials in a timely manner.
  • Possess the psychomotor skills to manipulate various instruments that require eye-hand coordination, and perform manual laboratory procedures with dexterity.
  • Lift and move objects of at least 20 pounds.
  • Sufficient physical endurance to perform up to 2 hours of walking, standing, and sitting.
Auditory Skills Auditory abilities sufficient to understand lectures, labs, and activities.
  • Distinguish and respond to normal speaking-level sound (e.g., person-to-person).
  • Distinguish and respond to auditory alarms (monitors, fire alarms, call bells).
Visual Skills

Visual ability is sufficient for observation and assessment in lectures, labs, and activities.
  • Recognize and distinguish objects at least 20 feet away on whiteboards, projector screens, and other mediums.
  • Visual acuity to use scientific equipment safely and accurately.
  • Distinguish minute details, very small variations in color, and adequate depth perception (size, shape, texture, color, clarity, viscosity, etc.).
  • Read and comprehend, and analyze text, numbers, graphs, and instruments in small print and on a monitor screen.
Tactile Skills Tactile ability is sufficient for written communication and handling of equipment.
  • Ability to use writing utensils, keyboards, and computer controls.
  • Ability to use manipulatives and scientific equipment.
  • Ability to assess, examine, and interpret findings through touch.
Environmental Possess the ability to tolerate environmental stressors.
  • Safely work with potentially harmful chemicals used in lab settings.
  • Work in areas that are close, crowded, and/or noisy.
  • Tolerate exposure to allergens (e.g. latex gloves).
  • Tolerate strong odors and soaps.
Emotional/Behavioral Possess emotional stability sufficient to assume responsibility/accountability for actions.
  • Adapt rapidly and be flexible to changing environments and/or stress.
  • Calmly receive feedback.
  • Demonstrate honesty and integrity beyond reproach.
  • Exercise safe and sound judgment.

 

In the case of an otherwise qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless doing so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the patient or student.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is invested in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Support Services is part of Student Services and is located in the K. Ray Bailey Student Services Center. For detailed information or to request accommodations visit Support Services. An appointment is recommended prior to enrollment in order to discuss any special concerns.