Technical Standards

Technical Standards

Students are expected to meet the technical standards for enrollment in some college programs and four credit lab sciences. In some cases, assessment and foundation courses may help students meet these standards.

Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations. The college complies with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; therefore, the college will make a reasonable accommodation for an applicant with a disability who is otherwise qualified. Please see appropriate program page(s) for technical standards.

Technical Standards for Lab Courses

These standards apply to the following departments: BIO, CHE, EAS, ECR, PHY, PLB, VTE 

  • Comprehend textbook and lab book material at the college level.

  • Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer format.

  • Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.

  • Be able to use a microscope, where appropriate, to visualize specimens.

  • Be able to function individually and as part of a team, where appropriate.

  • Be able to differentiate changes in color, texture, and shape for the purpose of laboratory experimentation.

  • Respond to instrumentation alarms and monitor signals for laboratory equipment.

  • Perform and understand the operation and manipulation of mechanical equipment.

  • Determine by touch (or other means) hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, or motion/non-motion.

  • Use the small muscle dexterity (or other means) necessary to do such things as gloving and operating controls on laboratory instrumentation.

  • Identify behaviors that would endanger a person’s life or safety and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.

  • Remain calm, rational, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during an emergency situation.

  • Be able to articulate, and follow written and verbal instructions.