Essential Functions of a HIT Student

Essential functions are those considered to be necessary or fundamental to the performance of a job. In post-secondary education, the student’s job is to learn and participate in an academic environment and the clinical environment as well. The student, with or without reasonable accommodation, must possess these essential functions.

• Must be able to use computer programs following written instructions, (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, flow-charting software, plus health information programs (e.g., electronic health records, encoders, tracking systems, etc.) Jobs may include up to eight hours per day of computer work.
• Must be able to protect the confidentiality/security of health and facility/practitioner business information. Must be able to comply with laws, regulations and standards. Must show honesty/ethics including not cheating and not plagiarizing on assignments.
• Requires psychomotor coordination of hands/eyes in using automated equipment, etc. Must be able to keyboard 40-45 words per minute, sort, assemble and file records from floor to ceiling level, and carry 25 pounds at waist height a distance of 50 feet. Must be able to read names/numbers on charts and voluminous paper or computerized medical records/reports/databases. Must be able to distinguish colors in color coded systems, interpret code books and reference materials, and prepare office layouts, design forms and computer screens. Must be able to operate equipment such as computer, calculator, scanner, movable files, etc.
• Must be able to exert up to twenty-five pounds of force and/or lift/move objects up to twenty-five pounds. Physical demands exceed that of sedentary work, (e.g. walking, sitting, standing, stooping, reaching, etc.) for extended time. Typical job is eight hours with a meal break and two short rest breaks during the shift.
• Requires ability to communicate orally and in written form (or comparable communication skills) and use proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar. Must use critical thinking, exhibit sound judgment, show emotional stability/maturity, show physical/mental stamina, and receive/share information/instructions from instructors, patients, physicians, and others in didactic and/or clinical setting
• Must complete tasks accurately and timely. Must be able to apply principles of logical/scientific thinking, deal with nonverbal symbolism, and comprehend concepts Must be adaptable, able to make decisions related to class/lab/clinical assignments and have the ability to build/maintain constructive cooperative working relationships with others and develop goals/priorities to organize/accomplish work.
• Must demonstrate professionalism, work alone or in teams, demonstrate integrity and sincerity, and show caring/sensitivity especially in areas of patient care. Must demonstrate neatness and good hygiene. Requires positive attitude when receiving constructive criticism. Must be willing to alter plans or change approaches in the learning/work environment, maintain composure and continue to function during stress. Must show respect to others. Must show dependability in attendance.
• Must be able to utilize mathematical formulas, determine percentages/decimals; determine time; use metric systems, use/display descriptive statistics, calculate hospital statistics, productivity information, quality improvement studies, budgets, equipment and supply needs/costs, medical bills, etc. Must be able to apply algebraic formulas when preparing computerized spreadsheets.
• Requires the ability to travel to and from any or all of the following: home of the student, College campus, Professional Practice Experience facilities, public locations for the purposes of various meetings and other assigned locations off campus.