Baylor College of Medicine has established technical standards for admission to, continued enrollment in, and graduation from Baylor programs.
Baylor College of Medicine’s academic units are guided by standards set by the Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, National Commission on Prosthetic and Orthotic Education, Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Although specific programs may have technical standards in addition to those listed below, these six essential areas are required among medical professionals, researchers and medical scientists in the School of Medicine, School of Health Professions, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and the National School of Tropical Medicine.
Observation
Students must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences. Students must be able to observe accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation. It is enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell.
Communication
Students should be able to speak, to receive information in oral form, and to observe others in order to elicit information, to describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and to perceive non-verbal communications. Students must be able to communicate effectively with others. Communication includes not only speech, but also reading and writing. Students must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently, and rapidly, when required, in oral and written form with others and with all members of the health care and/or research team.
Motor
Students should have sufficient motor function to meet the functional demands of their specific program.
Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
Students must be able to demonstrate ability in measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, synthesis and problem solving. Students must possess the intellectual, integrative and quantitative abilities to independently carry out these responsibilities.
Behavioral and Social Attributes
Students must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships in the workplace. Students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties and ambiguities. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that should be assessed during the admissions and education processes.
Ethical Standards
Students must demonstrate professional demeanor and behavior, and must perform in an ethical manner in all dealings with peers, faculty, staff and others.
Candidates and current students who have questions regarding the technical standards or who believe they may need to request reasonable accommodation(s) in order to meet the standards are encouraged to contact Student Disability Services.
