Essential Personal Attributes and Capabilities for Admission, Promotion, and Graduation
The primary goal of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) School of Pharmacy is to prepare students for the practice of pharmacy. Doctor of Pharmacy candidates at the UMES School of Pharmacy must be able to perform essential functions that fall into several broad categories outlined below. The Admissions Committee uses these technical standards along with established academic standards to select students with the intelligence, integrity, physical, personal, and emotional attributes necessary to become an effective pharmacist. All students accepted into the UMES School of Pharmacy must meet the academic and technical standards set forth by the college to insure that they will be able to complete all aspects of the curriculum. However, it is recognized that degrees of ability vary among individuals. If you feel you are unable to meet these technical standards, you are encouraged prior to application, to discuss your disability with the Admissions Coordinator (410)-621- 2292 or rxstudentaffairs@umes.edu. UMES is committed to making reasonable accommodations to enable students to complete the course of study leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Observation/Sensory/Motor Skills
All students must be able to observe and participate in demonstrations and experiments in the basic and pharmaceutical sciences. This includes, but is not limited to microscopic studies of microorganisms, evaluation of tissues in normal and pathologic states, physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations in animals, medical illustrations and models, and the accurate compounding and preparation of prescription products for dispensing to patients. Students must also have sufficient motor function to:
- Conduct physical assessment of patients (e.g. pulse & blood pressure readings)
- Perform basic clinical laboratory tests (e.g. glucose monitoring when needed for therapeutic monitoring)
- Administer general care and emergency treatments to patients (e.g. first-aid, immunizations, cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
Communication
All students must be able to communicate effectively with patients, prescribers, caregivers, and other health care providers. Students must possess the ability to communicate with patients in a sensitive and culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. They must be able to understand and communicate fluently using American English. Communication includes verbal, non-verbal, writing, reading, and computer literacy.
Intellect
Pharmacy education consists of a broad and complex body of knowledge. Ultimately, students will have to solve difficult problems and make therapeutic recommendations. All students must possess the ability to memorize, reason, analyze, synthesize and apply large quantities of complex information in a timely manner. Students must also be able to perform scientific measurement and calculation and will eventually have to critically evaluate biomedical literature. Students must be able to learn in a variety of formats including, but not limited to: classroom instruction, small group discussion, individual study of materials, preparation and presentation of written and oral reports, and use of computer based technology. Students are expected to be fully alert and attentive at all times in classroom and clinical settings.
Professional/Behavioral/Social Attributes
The practice of pharmacy is governed by ethical principles and federal laws. All students must have the aptitude for learning and understanding these values and laws and performing within their guidelines. Students must be dedicated and willing to relate to colleagues, staff, and patients with honesty, integrity, and compassion, in a non-discriminatory manner.
The study and ongoing practice of pharmacy may involve demanding workloads and stressful situations. Students must have the physical, mental, and emotional stamina to function at a high level under these circumstances.
