Technical Standards for Admission
All applicants accepted to National University of Health Sciences must be able to meet the University's technical standards for the program they are interested in. Technical standards are those physical, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive criteria that an applicant must already possess as personality traits, life skills or acquired abilities before enrolling in the University. These qualities are regarded as essential requirements needed to participate and complete the entire spectrum of study, training and experiences within each educational program offered by the University. These standards are applied in addition to, and separate from, academic standards of qualification.
Students must review the technical standards that apply to the educational program they intend to enroll in and to sign a form certifying they have read, understand, and are able to meet the standards (with or without reasonable accomodations) of that program. this information is provided to help every student be more awaree ofthe types of performance and expectations associated with different educational programs that the University offers. The use of technical standards is derived from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. These laws provide a framework for individuals with documented disabilities to request reasonable accomodations to fulfill their objectives. Reasonable accomodations are defined as any change or modification in the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to participate as fully as possible in an educational program. An effective accomodation for a disability can ensure that an otherwise qualified student with a disability is able to perform and be assesed on their ability rather than their disability.
Candidates with documented disabilities who wish to request accomodations under the American with Disabilities Act must follow the University's procedure for requesting an accomodation. This procedure, in summary, requires submitting a written request for accomodations and supporting documentation of a life-limiting disability to the dean of student and alumni affairs. The dean will review the request and determine whether a reasonable accomodation can be made.
National University of Health Sciences does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment or admission to its programs, services or activities. Any information disclosed by an applicant regarding disabilities will not adversely affect admissions decisions nor eligibility to remain enrolled.
The University reserves the right to reject requests for accomodations that would fundamentally alter the nature of a University educational program, lower the academic standards, cause an undue hardship on the University, or endanger the health or safety of a student with a disability, other students, clinic patients, or any other member of the University community.
Massage Therapy Students
Massage therapy students must have abilities and skills of five varieties:
Sensory/Observation
A student must have sufficient sense of vision, hearing and touch to perform palpation sufficient to note changes in soft tissue tone and consistency, and visual observation capable of noting changes in skin and eye color, posture and gait (walking). A student must also be able to observe classroom and laboratory demonstrations including, but not limited to, demonstrations on human cadavers, animals, microbiologic cultures, and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states.
Communication
A student must be able to speak, to hear and to observe the client in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity, and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications. A student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively in both oral and written form with clients and any other members of the health care team.
Motor/Strength/Coordination
A student must have sufficient motor function and strength to elicit information and perform therapeutic massage procedures on clients by palpation and by skillful movement of the limbs, head and neck. A student must also have the strength and coordination to assist clients to assume comfortable positions, and the dexterity to handle equipment, devices and assistive materials such as sheets, lubricants, orthotic pillows, etc. A student must be able to execute motor movements required to provide emergency and first aid care to clients such as CPR, applying pressure to stop bleeding and opening an obstructed airway. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and the senses of touch and vision.
Conceptual, Integrative & Quantitative Abilities
These abilities include measurement, calculations, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving and the planning and execution of tasks in group and individual settings require all of these intellectual abilities. Testing and evaluation of these abilities in the College of Allied Health Sciences employs periodic examinations as an essential component of the curriculum. Successful completion of these examinations is required of all candidates as a condition for continued progress through the curriculum. Examples of these tests include essay, oral and/or multiple choice tests, typewritten papers, oral presentations, and lab practicals designed to assess a variety of cognitive and non-cognitive skills in a simulated or supervised clinical setting.
Behavioral & Social Attributes
A student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the care of clients. A student must be able to function effectively under stress. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that a student must possess to successfully complete the challenges encountered in training to become a certified massage therapist.
