Purpose Statement:

All students in this program are expected to meet certain essential functions/technical standards which are essential for successful completion of all phases of the program and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the students’ ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the following technical standards: 

Standard Definition of Standard Example(s) of Technical Standard
1. Critical Thinking Skills Ability to collect, interpret, and integrate information and make decisions

Use of judgment and problem-solving

Read and comprehend relevant information in textbooks and written records

Problem solve technical and conceptual challenges in all stages of production

2. Mobility/Motor Skills Good dexterity (eye and hand coordination)

Sufficient fross and fine motor skills to manipulate equipment

Sufficient strength to lift equipment or other necessary articles

Use of computer keyboard

Standing for prolonged periods of time

Extensive bending and stooping

Use equipment appropriately (i.e. put cameras on tripods, hold and maneuver camera stabilization, adjust equipment settings, hold a boom pole overhead, set up lights (including lights on a grid), climb ladders, carry equipment, use a mouse and keyboard for editing, thread a projector/editor/camera, edit with a splicer, use power tools to construct sets, etc.
3. Tactile Skills Sense of touch sufficient to manipulate equipment properly

Ability to tolerate heat

Able to load a camera and thread a projector

Ability to insert and remove recording media, batteries, lenses, etc.

Adjust lights while wearing safety gear. Work under hot lights.

Work for long periods outside in varying weather

Ability to control equipment (press buttons, using touch screens)

4. Auditory Skills Sufficient hearing to communicate with others

Monitor electronic equipment

Ability to tolerate loud noises

Hear equipment notifications and necessary sounds during operation of equipment

Monitor audio for interruptions/noise

5. Visual Skills Sufficient eyesight to observe others, adjust lights and camera settings

Read equipment

Visually monitor equipment and move through sets in dim lighting

Ability to tolerate bright lights

Use sight to visually compose and adjust settings for light in video

Work under studio and field lights

6. Communication Skills Express one’s self effectively in English using verbal, nonverbal, and written format with others Give directions and answer questions

Keep accurate camera/sounds logs using appropriate terms and spelling

Demonstrate active listening skills

Recognize, interpret, and respond to non-verbal behavior of self and others

Create written analysis of film work

7. Interpersonal Skills Ability to work collaboratively with others at the college and in the community

Ability to listen to others and determine their wants and needs

Ability to adapt to changing environments and work-related challenges

Establish rapport with others and work as a team

Interact appropriately with individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds

Ability to employ basic conflict management skills

8. Behavioral Skills Works under time constraints

Follows instructions in a timely manner

Accepts and responds appropriately to constructive feedback, can self-evaluate, can give constructive feedback to others

Shows respect for self and others

Arrives on time for professional commitments

Manage academic schedules and deadlines

Demonstrate initiative, flexibility, enthusiasm, honesty, cooperative behavior

Demonstrate respect for others and the profession

Perform duties efficiently, willingly, and thoroughly

Present professional appearance appropriate to the work and maintain personal hygiene

In the case of a qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless to do so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the patient or student.

Accessibility Services Statement

The College has a legal obligation to provide appropriate accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you have a disability and are seeking accommodations, you should contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office (Sink Building; (828) 694-1813; access@blueridge.edu). Students can contact SAS at any time, however they are encouraged to initiate this process as soon as possible (prior to the start of classes and/or field experience).