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Fundamentals of Health Care

Fundamentals of Health Care Competency Model

In 2012, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) worked with the Health Professionals Network (HPN) and other technical and subject matter experts from education, business, and industry to develop a comprehensive competency model for the allied health sector. The model is a compilation of competencies that can be included as a basis for preparation in the field of allied health. In 2015, HPN and its members reconvened to begin the process of updating the model. Developed as a collaborative effort with subject matter experts from partnering organizations, the updated model was finalized in April 2016. To reflect evolving changes in the industry, the name has been changed to the Fundamentals of Health Care Competency Model.

In 2025, the foundational tiers of the model were updated to align with changes in the Building Blocks Model. For more information, download the Summary of Changes document.


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Fundamentals of Health Care Competency Model


Fundamentals of Health Care Building Blocks Pyramid

<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Displaying skills to work effectively with others. <strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Displaying strong moral principles and work ethic. <strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Maintaining a professional presence. <strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrating a commitment to effective job performance by taking action on one`s own and following through to get the job done. <strong>1.5 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Displaying responsible behaviors at work. <strong>1.6 Adaptability and Flexibility</strong> Displaying the capability to adapt to new, different or changing requirements. <strong>1.7 Lifelong Learning</strong> Demonstrating a commitment to self-development and improvement of knowledge and skills. <strong>2.1 Reading</strong> Understanding written sentences, paragraphs, and figures in work-related documents on paper, on computers, or adaptive devices. <strong>2.2 Writing</strong> Using standard business English to compile information and prepare written documents on paper, computers, or adaptive devices. <strong>2.3 Mathematics</strong> Using mathematics to express ideas and solve problems. <strong>2.4 Science and Technology</strong> Using scientific rules and methods to express ideas and solve problems on paper, on computers, or on adaptive devices. <strong>2.5 Communication</strong> Listening, speaking, and signaling so others can understand using a variety of methods, including hearing, speech, American Sign Language, instant messaging, text-to-speech devices, etc. <strong>2.6 Critical and Analytical Thinking</strong> Using logical thought processes to analyze information and draw conclusions. <strong>2.7 Basic Computer Skills</strong> Using information technology and related applications, including adaptive devices and software, to convey and retrieve information. <strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. <strong>3.2 Customer Focus</strong> Efficiently and effectively addressing the needs of clients/customers. <strong>3.3 Planning and Organizing</strong> Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. <strong>3.4 Creative Thinking</strong> Generating innovative and creative solutions. <strong>3.5 Problem Solving and Decision-Making</strong> Generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions to problems. <strong>3.6 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology, including adaptive tools and technology, to facilitate work activity (with accommodation when necessary). <strong>3.7 Scheduling and Coordinating</strong> Making arrangements that fulfill all requirements as efficiently and economically as possible. <strong>3.8 Checking, Examining, and Recording</strong> Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/digital format, including adaptive devices and software. <strong>3.9 Business Fundamentals</strong> Using information on basic business principles, trends, and economics. <strong>3.10 Sustainable Practices</strong> Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. <strong>3.11 Health and Safety</strong> Complying with procedures for a safe and healthy work environment. <strong>4.1 Health Industry Fundamentals</strong> Understanding the basic components and culture of the Health Industry. <strong>4.2 Health Care Delivery</strong> Understanding the practices, procedures, and personnel used to deliver quality patient care. <strong>4.3 Health Information</strong> Understanding the types of health information and the rules and regulations surrounding their use. <strong>4.4 Health Industry Ethics</strong> Evaluating and applying the merits, risks, and social concerns of activities in the field of health care. <strong>4.5 Laws and Regulations</strong> Understanding the relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations that impact the Health industry. <strong>4.6 Safety Systems</strong> Understanding the procedures and protocols necessary to ensure a safe, secure, and healthy work environment. <strong>5.1 Patient Interaction</strong> Interacting with a patient or client in a safe, informative, respectful, and effective manner with the goal of communicating medical information or providing patient-centered care. <strong>5.2 Health and Disease</strong> Understanding the human body and the impact of disease and injury on normal function. <strong>5.3 Infection Control</strong> Producing and maintaining an environment to minimize pathogenic microorganisms. <strong>5.4 Medication</strong> Understanding the types of drugs/medications and their purpose, function, and effects on the body. <strong>5.5 Documentation</strong> Understanding the types of drugs/medications and their purpose, function, and effects on the body. <strong>5.6 Diagnostic Procedures</strong> Understanding the purpose of diagnostic procedures and the recording and reporting of test and assessment results. <strong>5.7 Rehabilitation Therapy</strong> Understanding the purpose of therapy as a means to restore the function of a patient/client diagnosed with an illness, injury, or disability. 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