Campuses and Clinical Sites

Addresses and Contact Information

San Marcos, California, Campus*
700 Windy Point Drive
San Marcos, CA 92069
United States of America

St. Augustine, Florida, Campus
1 University Boulevard
St. Augustine, FL 32086
United States of America

Austin, Texas, Campus
5401 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, TX 78739
United States of America

General Inquiries: 800-241-1027
Website: www.usa.edu

*Students attending campus-based programs in California will attend class sessions at this location.

Degrees & Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates

First Professional Degrees

The University awards the following first professional degrees:

• The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) degree program is offered as a full-time, 5-trimester program (designed to take 1 year, 8 months to complete) that combines online courses with weekend labs.
• The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree program is offered in 2 formats: (1) a full-time, 6-trimester program that is designed to take 2 years to complete, and (2) a 9-trimester flexible program (designed to take 3 years to complete) that combines online courses with weekend labs.
• The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree program is offered as a full-time 8-trimester program that is designed to take 2 years and 8 months to complete.
• The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is offered in 2 formats: (1) a full-time, 8-trimester program (designed to take 2 years and 8 months to complete) and (2) a 12-trimester flexible program (designed to take 4 years to complete) that combines online courses with weekend labs.

These degrees are offered on the following campuses:

San Marcos, California

• Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
• Flex Master of Occupational Therapy (Flex MOT)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Flex Doctor of Physical Therapy (Flex DPT)

Austin, Texas

• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) - blended learning format
• Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
• Flex Master of Occupational Therapy (Flex MOT)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Flex Doctor of Physical Therapy (Flex DPT)

Dallas, Texas 

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) -added 5/17/2020
• Flex Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Flex OTD)
• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) - blended learning format

St. Augustine, Florida

• Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
• Flex Master of Occupational Therapy (Flex MOT)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Flex Doctor of Physical Therapy (Flex DPT)

Miami, Florida

• Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
• Flex Master of Occupational Therapy (Flex MOT)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Post-Professional Degrees

    There are 8 post-professional degrees offered through a variety of opportunities, including online learning activities, nationwide seminars, and on-campus residencies. These programs are offered in part or in full as distance education programs and are administered out of the San Marcos, California campus.  The majority of the coursework is offered online, with options to attend face-to-face requirements at a USAHS campus location.

• The transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) degree is for those individuals with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy. The requirements for this degree vary depending on previous coursework and area of interest. The transitional DPT degree uses a combination of seminar/distance education and online courses.
• The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) degree is for those individuals with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy. The PPOTD degree is offered in an online format and includes optional on-campus residencies.
• The Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree is for those Individuals with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree or higher. The MHA degree is offered in an online format and includes an optional on-campus residency.
• The Master of Health Science (MHS) degree is for those individuals with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in athletic training. The MHS degree is offered in an online format and includes a 3-day, on-campus residency.
• The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is for registered nurses who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Specialty roles currently offered include family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse executive, and nurse informaticist. The program is offered online with practicum hours with a preceptor in the student’s own community.
• The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is for registered nurses who already have either a BSN degree or an MSN degree. For nurses who enter the program with a BSN, specialty roles currently offered include family nurse practitioner, nurse executive or nurse informaticist. For nurses who enter the program with an MSN, role specialization was completed in their MSN program so no role specialization is required. The DNP program, whether BSN entry or MSN entry, is offered online with practicum hours with a preceptor in the student’s own community.
• The Doctor of Education (EdD) degree is for health care providers with either a master’s degree or a clinical doctorate. The EdD degree is offered in an online format and includes two weekend clinical residencies.
• The Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degree is for physical and occupational therapists with either a master’s degree or a clinical doctorate. Students take part in designing a curriculum that is online, in a seminar format, or a combination of both. There are two weekend doctoral residency courses.

Nursing Post-Graduate Certificates

• Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
• Nurse Educator Certificate
• Nurse Executive Certificate
• Nurse Informaticist Certificate

The Campuses

The University’s San Marcos, California, campus and administrative headquarters is located at 700 Windy Point Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069. The California campus location is composed of three buildings, housing over 76,000 square feet of laboratories, classrooms, a library, a center for innovative clinical practice, and student areas. The California campus is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week, excluding holidays and trimester breaks (these dates can be located on the Academic Calendar). Administrative offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The California campus is located in San Marcos, California, in San Diego County, approximately 40 miles north of downtown San Diego. Known as the higher education center of North County, San Marcos has a population of approximately 95,000. Tucked along the 78 freeway in Twin Oaks Valley, it is home to California State University San Marcos and Palomar College. There are more than 55 miles of hiking and biking trails, many parks, and a wide variety of housing options. San Marcos is located 20 minutes from the Carlsbad beaches.

San Diego is California’s second-largest city and the eighth-largest city in the United States. San Diego is known for its Mediterranean climate, a city where the sunlight warms the soul. There are more than 320 square miles of hills and canyons to explore, as well as 70 miles of glistening beaches. Popular attractions include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Sea World San Diego, and LEGOLAND^® California. San Diego offers an expansive variety of things to see and do, appealing to guests of all ages from around the world. San Diego is considered one of the most desirable year-round vacation spots in the nation.

The University’s St. Augustine, Florida, campus is located at 1 University Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086 on a 26-acre site. The academic building houses classrooms, laboratories, a library, clinics, and a student wellness center. An administrative building houses student services and offices for faculty and staff as well as a center for innovative clinical practice. The St. Augustine campus is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week, excluding holidays and trimester breaks (these dates can be located on the Academic Calendar). Administrative offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, has more than 450 years of history reflecting occupation by the French, Spanish, and British. Careful attention to retaining history and archaeological sites reflects the pride local residents have in the city’s heritage. Each year more than 4 million visitors experience the city’s history, culture, and charm.

St. Augustine is known for its historic sites, festivals, unspoiled beaches, moderate climate, attractions, and shopping. Some visitors come to experience the Castillo de San Marcos or to marvel at the Spanish architecture, churches, and Flagler College with its Tiffany glass. They also enjoy the parks, carriage rides, boat or walking tours, and one-of-a-kind restaurants. Area attractions include the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Antique shops, art galleries, two outlet malls, and numerous specialty stores provide a unique shopping experience.

St. Augustine offers extensive outdoor recreational activities such as biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and much more. St. Augustine is located on the Intracoastal Waterway with a nearby opening to the Atlantic Ocean and miles of beaches for swimming or surfing. Boaters can enjoy the protected and offshore waters, saltwater game fishing, or bass fishing along the waterways. World-class tennis and golf are also offered in northeast Florida, including World Golf Village, which is located in the St. Augustine area.

St. Augustine is a 1-hour drive from Jacksonville and Daytona airports and 2 hours from Orlando. St. Augustine is conveniently located for taking advantage of Florida’s many attractions. With diverse surroundings, St. Augustine offers its visitors and residents a lifestyle that cannot be duplicated.

The University’s Austin, Texas, campus is located at 5401 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX 78739. The campus originally consisted of one building with administrative offices, a library, laboratories, collaborative learning spaces, and a center for innovative clinical practice. A second building was completed in 2014 with additional classrooms, labs, and a student lounge. A third building was completed in 2015 and includes a rehabilitation clinic and wellness center. The Austin campus is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, excluding holidays and trimester breaks (these dates can be located on the Academic Calendar). Administrative offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The campus is located in the state capital of Austin, Texas and more specifically in Circle C Ranch, a master-planned community in the southwest portion of the city. Rolling hills and waterways define the landscape in Austin making it unique among the major cities in Texas. Austin provides a wealth of entertainment options and unique attractions. The hundreds of music venues have earned Austin the title of “live music capital of the world,” and more than 1,900 bands and performing artists call the Austin area home.

Notably, Austin was selected as the No. 2 Best Big City in “Best Places to Live” by Money magazine in 2006 and No. 3 in 2009. Austin’s temperate climate offers year-round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and activities such as hiking, biking, and camping, and water sports of all kinds on the area’s lakes and rivers. Numerous award-winning golf courses, as well as serene botanical gardens and nature preserves, offer further recreational opportunities. It’s young, active, highly-educated, and culturally diverse population makes Austin a wonderful place to live, work, and attend school.

The University’s Miami, Florida, campus is located at 800 S. Douglas Road Suite 149, Coral Gables, FL 33134 at Douglas Entrance Office Park. The Miami campus is in a well-appointed, upscale office complex that is in close proximity to downtown Miami, retail, airport, housing, and other amenities. The facility features administrative offices, classrooms, labs, a wet lab, ADL, CICP, learning studio, research, library, testing rooms, study spaces, and a student lounge. The Miami campus is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week, excluding holidays and trimester breaks (these dates can be located on the Academic Calendar). Administrative offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Douglas Entrance Office Park is a historical landmark completed in 1924 and originally named La Puerta del Sol (The Gate of the Sun) after the central plaza in Madrid. Douglas Entrance boasts a beautiful, expansive outdoor common space for students to enjoy farmers’ markets, eating lunch, and studying. There is plenty of free public transportation in Coral Gables, with trolley services making regular stops at Douglas Entrance.

Coral Gables, Florida, located only 4 miles from downtown Miami and 12 miles from world-famous South Beach, is home to historical attractions such as The Biltmore Hotel, Fairchild Gardens, and Venetian Pool. As a year-round tourist destination, each year Miami hosts multiple renowned festivals such as Miami Book Fair, Art Basal Miami Beach, Miami Music Week, and Calle Ocho Music Festival, and is home to the Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, and Miami Dolphins professional sports teams. The Miami, Florida, campus in Coral Gables offers a diverse experience for destination, local, and international students.

The University’s Dallas, Texas, campus is located at 5010 Riverside Drive, Irving, Texas 75039. Only 11 miles from downtown Dallas and 10 miles from the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, our Dallas campus is centrally located in a popular office complex called Riverside Commons and features administrative offices, state-of-the-art classrooms, dry labs, ADL, library, testing rooms, study spaces, and a student lounge. The campus is walking distance to the metro light rail station and close to great shopping, good food, housing, and other amenities.

Dallas is as diverse as its citizens, and around every corner, there are opportunities to spend time outside. Hit the trail, jog by the lake, or bike through the arts district. Our Dallas campus is a respite from bustling downtown Dallas yet only a few miles away.

Building Hours

Students may access campus buildings from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, except during holidays and term breaks as defined in the Academic Calendar. Austin campus weekend hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time. Business offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time.

Business Days

The University offers classes 7 days per week. Students should refer to the course syllabus regarding due dates.

A business day refers to Administrative Offices that operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in each respective time zone.

Commuter Alternatives Program (CAP)

USAHS is focused on providing its students, staff, and faculty with options to enhance the experiences on campus. USAHS is conscious of its carbon footprint and the impact the university has on the local environment. In an effort to balance both, the university offers CAP. 

Through CAP, the University will provide participants with incentives for carpooling, bicycling, walking or taking public transportation to and from campus.

Students, faculty, and staff can participate in one of the following options:

1. Carpooling: Two or more participants who wish to ride together may enroll in CAP under the carpool option. Participants who choose this option will each receive a $50 Amazon gift card each term and one CAP Parking Permit hang tag to be shared among the carpool team members. Carpool teams must register together and complete the CAP form with the carpool box checked. Participants who choose to sign up for this option for the first time will be required to turn in the originally issued USAHS Student or Staff/Faculty parking permit at the time of registration. Participants who were signed up under this option from the previous term will be required to exchange their expired CAP Parking Permit for a current permit.
2. Bike, Public Transportation, or Walk: Participants who rely on alternate methods of transportation may enroll in CAP under the Bike, Public Transportation or Walk option. Participants who choose this option will receive a $50 Amazon gift card each term, in lieu of a parking permit to park on campus. Participants who choose to sign up for this option for the first time will be required to turn in the originally issued USAHS Student or Staff/Faculty parking permit at the time of registration. Participants who were signed up under this option from the previous term will be required to confirm their enrollment for the current period. In addition to the $50 gift card, participants will be entered into a drawing each month to receive a $100 gift card.

Due to demand, CAP Permits are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. CAP registration for incoming students will take place during orientation. CAP enrollment and re-enrollment will take place at the reception desk Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

As a reminder, only vehicles that display a USAHS Student Parking Permit, a CAP Parking Permit or a USAHS Staff/Faculty Permit are authorized to park on campus property. Please note, at most campuses, local ordinances restrict off-campus parking on local city streets, at local businesses, and in residential neighborhoods. Vehicles that fail to properly display the required permit will be subject to citation and/or impound.

For questions about the CAP, contact Luis James at ljames@usa.edu. 

Parking

The University is an independent organization, and as such, the property and parking lots are private property. The operation and/or parking of any vehicle on USAHS property is a privilege, not a right. The University has the right to regulate the use of motor vehicles on its property for the good and safety of everyone. Carpooling is strongly encouraged whenever possible.

The University is not liable for theft or damage to any vehicle, including student vehicles. Every effort will be made by University staff and personnel to ensure student safety whenever possible. Reports of damage to vehicles should be filed with local authorities and a copy of the report provided to the University Student Services Office.

Vehicles parked in violation of University regulations are subject to being booted or towed without notice by the University. The student is required to pay the boot fee or to contact the towing company to make arrangements for retrieving his or her vehicle and paying the towing fee.

St. Augustine Campus

Students are not permitted to park in the north, west, and south patient/visitor/staff/faculty parking lots from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students who are parked in these lots will be issued a parking citation of $25.00. The parking citation money is dispersed to the students’ professional organization. After 5:00 p.m. students may park in the west and south visitor/staff/faculty parking lots. Students may park in front of the main entrance for a maximum of 15 minutes to deliver items to faculty/staff or pick up items. This policy is subject to change.

When resident classes are not in session, but the University is otherwise open, students are required to use only the student parking lot so as not to interfere with regular business operations of the University.

Additional provisions of the University parking policy are as follows:

• No parking is permitted along the curbs of the student parking lot.
• No parking is permitted adjacent to University property—that is, access and side roads and other business’ parking lots.
• No parking is permitted on the extreme northern facing parking spots “carved” into the Orthopaedic Associates space.
• No double-parking is permitted.
• Excessive speed in the student parking lot or in accessing University roadways is prohibited.
• All automobiles must be locked while on University property.
• All stop signs and stop bars are to be observed.
• Parking in the gravel lot is permitted but may be limited due to other University functions.
• Students are not permitted to park in the parking spots on the driveway entering and exiting the University.
• Access to the student parking lot is via San Bartolo Avenue. Access through the Flagler Hospital Emergency Room entrance road is prohibited.

Flex St. Augustine, Florida Campus

Flex students may use the permanent University student parking lot on weekends and after 5:00 p.m. weekdays students may park in the west and south visitor/staff/faculty parking lots.

San Marcos Campus

Students are not permitted to park in any of the parking spots on the perimeter of the two buildings excluding designated visitor, handicapped, or carpool spots unless the appropriate parking permit is displayed.

Currently, there is no charge for parking, but the University reserves the right to begin charging for parking in the future if it is deemed necessary.

Students are responsible for any parking tickets received from the city for improperly parking on the street.

Any students who are parked in unapproved spots in the parking lot will be issued a parking citation of $50.00 by the University. The parking citation money will be dispersed to the respective student professional association.

Additional provisions of the University parking policy include the following:

• No parking is permitted along the curbs of Windy Point Drive, Borden Road, or the streets within defined neighborhoods.
• No parking is permitted at the red curbs or in handicapped or visitor spots unless the necessary designation applies.
• No double-parking is permitted.
• Excessive speed in the parking lot is prohibited.
• All automobiles must be locked while on University property.
• All stop signs are to be observed.
• No overnight parking is allowed.

Because of city ordinances and traffic plans, participation in CAP is encouraged. These options include the following:

• Carpool: Carpooling is strongly encouraged whenever possible. To encourage this activity, premium parking spots between the two buildings are reserved for registered CAP participants. 
• Bike: Bike racks are available for individuals biking to school. Bikes should be secured with an appropriately applied chain and lock.
• Public transportation: North County Transit offers a public transportation system called the Sprinter. The closest station to the campus is San Marcos Civic Center Station (#12). It is about three-quarters of a mile from this station to the campus. There are currently no public bus options to the campus. Students can ride the Sprinter and bike/walk to the campus. For more information about light rail visit http://www.gonctd.com/sprinter-stations.htm.

Austin Campus

Students are not permitted to park in any of the parking spots on the perimeter of the three buildings, excluding designated visitor, handicapped, or carpool spots unless the appropriate parking permit is displayed. All USAHS students are responsible for any parking tickets received for improperly parking on the street. Any students who are parked in unapproved spots in the parking lot will be issued a parking citation of $25.00 by the University. The parking citation money will be dispersed to the respective student professional association.

Additional provisions of the University parking policy are as follows:

• No parking is permitted at any time along the curbs of the student parking lot.
• No parking is permitted in handicapped or visitor spots without the appropriate designation.
• Students should try to avoid parking on the streets surrounding the campus. It is important to be considerate and avoid causing problems for surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
• No parking is permitted behind construction areas.
• No double-parking is permitted.
• Excessive speed in the student parking lot or in accessing University roadways is prohibited.
• All automobiles must be locked while on University property.
• All stop signs are to be observed.

Flex Austin, Texas Campus

Students are permitted to park in any of the parking spots on the perimeter of the three buildings, excluding designated visitor or handicapped spots unless the appropriate parking permit is displayed.

Miami Campus

Priority for parking access will be given to students who enroll in one of the Commuter Alternatives Program (CAP) options.

Students with a valid parking access card are permitted to park in the Douglas Entrance Parking Garage, on the 10th to 12th floors from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. This policy is subject to change.

Additional provisions of the University parking policy are as follows:

• No parking is permitted in the surrounding residential vicinity.
• No double-parking is permitted.
• Excessive speed in the Douglas Entrance parking garage is prohibited.
• All automobiles must be locked while in Douglas Entrance parking garage property.
• All stop signs and stop bars are to be observed.

Dallas Campus

Parking is available on the premises. All cars must display the USAHS hanging tag.

Lockers

On each campus campuses, lockers are not assigned and are therefore on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must supply their own locks and remove these locks at the end of each term. All lockers are subject to search at any time as they are considered University property.

Lockers can be found in the following locations:

• San Marcos Campus: Hallway by the library and first floor of Building C
• St. Augustine Campus: Academic building in the first-floor lavatories
• Austin Campus: Buildings A and B on the upper level near the amphitheater classroom
• Miami Campus: Main building in the hallway leading to the administrative offices.
• Dallas campus: First floor outside the Anatomy room and in the dressing rooms adjacent to the lavatories across from the Anatomy room

Clinical Sites

The University has affiliations with clinical sites nationwide and internationally for the clinical portion of the student’s experience. Not all sites are available for student assignments each term. The clinical education faculty will communicate with students regarding the protocol for clinical placement. For more information on the clinical placement process, please see the Clinical Education Handbook found at MyUSA, Clinical Education tab, Student Resources and Forms link.

Philosophy of Distance/Online Education

USAHS intends to provide a delivery method of education that not only excels in quality but is unique in performance. We aim to provide an education that facilitates rich learning environments; that includes opportunities for acquiring basic and advanced skills, knowledge, and conceptual understanding; and that has relevance to the health and clinical sciences. The education provided should not function as an isolated dimension of intellectual activity but as a contribution to learners’ development of strong identities—as individual learners and participants in meaningful social and educational practice.

Purpose of Distance/Online Education

It is the intention of USAHS to offer online coursework that will parallel the mission and philosophies of the University’s programs. USAHS aims to provide a program that is unique to the health care education while at the same time maintaining uniformity in content and presentation.

Methods for Delivery of Education Courses

USAHS offers a variety of formats in educational delivery. Below is a summary of such offerings:

• Pure Online Course: This course format offers content that is delivered purely online. Students will have scheduled weekly interaction with an experienced faculty member as well as other classmates. On a limited basis, a purely online course may offer students the opportunity to work at their own pace and interact only with the assigned faculty member.
• Combination Laboratory/Online Course: This course format offers lecture-type materials in an online format with laboratory sessions in a face-to-face (traditional) format. In many cases, the online course materials will be reviewed prior to attending the laboratory sessions.
• Traditional Lecture/Laboratory: These courses are delivered exclusively in a face-to-face format (not online) in a classroom or laboratory.
• Seminar/Online: This course format requires students to first attend a seminar. The most up-to-date seminar calendar is available under Continuing Education on the University’s website, www.usa.edu. Students will be able to see when and where seminars are being provided. After attending the seminar, students will need to complete the online course that corresponds with the seminar they attended.
• Residency: These courses require students to be on-site.
• Blended Learning: This format offers materials in both online and face-to-face (traditional) format.
• Clinical Education: Some programs require students to spend a designated number of hours practicing in a patient-care setting under the supervision of a licensed health care practitioner. Depending on the program, the title of these courses can vary: for example, in occupational therapy these courses are called fieldwork, in physical therapy internships, and in nursing practicums.

USAHS has sufficient facilities and the necessary equipment to support the achievement of the educational objectives of all the courses and educational programs in which students are enrolled.