Associate in General Education Degree Technical Standards


Purpose Statement

All students in the Associate in General Education 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

Demonstrate ability to remember, understand, apply, analyze, and evaluate information.

Basic computer and word processing skills.

  • Process information from multiple sources.
  • Analyze and interpret abstract and concrete data.
  • Evaluate outcomes.
  • Understand the difference between fact and opinion.
  • Collect and evaluate data.
  • Identify cause-effect relationships.
  • Sequence information related to the discipline.
  • Transfer knowledge from one situation to another.
  • Use long-term and short-term memory.
  • Prioritize tasks.
  • Analyzing the feedback from instructors to make changes and improvements.
  • Create a Word-accessible document or use word processing software compatible with our current learning management system.
  • Access information using the Internet and in Moodle.
  • Access and comprehend information from textbooks, journals, resource books, and other documents both in print and electronic formats.
  • Access, read, compose, and send emails.
Interpersonal Skills Ability to interact with others whether face-to-face or through electronic means with professionalism and respect for persons from diverse social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
  • 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 judgment.
  • Negotiate interpersonal conflict.
Communication Skills Abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal, nonverbal, and written form.
  • Speak and write in standard English (unless the student is enrolled in a foreign language course).
  • Listen and comprehend the spoken and written word.
  • Interpret and follow verbal directions from others.
  • Convey information clearly to others in a timely manner.
  • Read and comprehend written material to perform laboratory test procedures, assessment instructions, classroom activities/critiques, handouts, and workshops correctly and independently.
Coping Skills Refer to Emotional/Behavioral Standards.
  • Refer to examples in Emotional/Behavioral standards.
Mobility/Motor Skills Physical abilities are sufficient to function in a classroom, laboratory, or online setting with ease.
  • Move around and work in a classroom setting. Classes may be up to 90 minutes in duration and may require presentations and moving within the classroom for group work.
  • Perform physical activities including but not limited to the manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer, keyboard, microscope, or other lab equipment.
  • Tolerate wearing personal protective equipment including but not limited to safety goggles, aprons, and gloves.
Auditory Skills Auditory abilities are sufficient for classroom or online needs.
  • Distinguish and respond to sounds at a close range including but not limited to an instructor, other students in a classroom, and audio recordings.
Visual Skills Visual ability is sufficient for comprehending printed materials, specimens under a microscope, images, or videos projected on a screen.
  • Tolerate working indoors in artificial light and the glare of a computer screen.
  • Wear safety glasses/goggles.
  • See objects up to 20 feet away.
  • Read printed or electronic documents.
  • Use depth perception.
  • Use peripheral vision.
Tactile Skills Tactile ability is sufficient for written communication and handling of equipment.
  • 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.
Environmental Possess the ability to tolerate environmental stressors.
  • Tolerate variable indoor temperatures.
  • Safely work with potentially harmful chemicals or biological samples in laboratory settings.
  • Work in areas that are close, crowded, and/or noisy.
Emotional/Behavioral Possess emotional stability sufficient to assume responsibility/accountability for actions and maintain composure in stressful situations.
  • Adapt rapidly to changing environments and/or stress.
  • Calmly receive feedback.
  • Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
  • Able to receive constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Establish professional relationships.
  • Deal with the unexpected.
  • Focus attention on the task.
  • Cope with your own emotions.
  • Perform multiple responsibilities concurrently.
  • Cope with strong emotions in others.

 

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.