General Information

State Licensure, Approvals, and Authorizations

The University’s approval to operate as a private, postsecondary institution in the State of California is based on provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (California Education Code, Title 3, Division 10, Part 59, Chapter 8), which became effective January 1, 2010. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education approves the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ San Marcos, California, campus. Information regarding the San Marcos programs or any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833, 916-431-6959, or www.bppe.ca.gov. A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about the University with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

This approval in California includes the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), the Flex Master of Occupational Therapy (Flex MOT), the Flex Doctor of Physical Therapy (Flex DPT), the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT), the Flex Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Flex OTD), Post Professional (PPOTD), Master of Health Science (MHS), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Education (EdD), Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP), Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degrees and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates.

The Commission for Independent Education (CIE), Florida Department of Education, Tallahassee, Florida, licenses the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences to offer its degree programs in Florida. Additional information regarding the University may be obtained by contacting the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (toll free number) 888-224-6684.

This licensure for the St. Augustine, Florida, campus includes the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT), Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD), the Master of Health Science (MHS), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Education (EdD), and the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degrees. Continuing education courses are not under the purview of the CIE.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ Miami, Florida, campus includes the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degrees.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has granted a Certificate of Authorization to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences to offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, Flex Doctor of Physical Therapy (Flex DPT) degree, Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP), Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs on the Austin, Texas, campus and the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) on the Dallas, Texas campus. The University has been granted an exemption as a private institution from the Texas Workforce Commission.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and approved by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences has been granted a provisional license by the District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission, 1050 First Street, NE, 5th Floor Washington, DC 20002, (202) 481-3951 to offer the following online degree programs in the District of Columbia, Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of the Health Sciences (MHS), Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Post Professional (OTD), Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) and Doctor of Education (EdD). updated 01/04/2019

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is authorized under the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Institutions Act of 1990 by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission.

This institution is authorized by the Indiana Board for Proprietary Education, 101 W. Ohio Street, Suite 670, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1984.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is registered with the Iowa College Student Aid Commission.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is currently licensed by the Board of Regents of the State of Louisiana. Licenses are renewed by the State Board of Regents every 2 years. Licensed institutions have met minimal operational standards set forth by the state, but licensure does not constitute accreditation, guarantee the transferability of credit, or signify that programs are certifiable by any professional agency or organization.

The university is registered with the Maryland Higher Education Commission to offer online education. For student complaints please contact the Maryland Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, 200 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-528-8662/888-743-0823 (toll free).

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions. Contact the Office at Minnesota Office of Higher Education, 1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55108, www.ohe.state.mn.us, 651-642-0533.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences to offer field placement components for specific degree programs. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at PO Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.

The University of St. Augustine is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to conduct practice experiences in the state of Washington for MSN/Nurse Educator, MSN/Nurse Executive, MSN/Nurse Informatics, and MSN/FNP program tracks.

http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission/NursingPrograms.aspx -updated 01/22/2019

Accreditations and Approvals

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510-748-9001.

Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
985 Atlantic Avenue, #100
Alameda, CA 94501
510-748-9001
www.wascsenior.org

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, Florida; San Marcos, California; and Miami, Florida are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE),  1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, telephone: 703-706-3245, email: accreditation@apta.org; or website: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call or email the Chair of the Institute of Physical Therapy at 904-826-0084 x1230 or jliphart@usa.edu.  -updated 07/15/2019

The DPT and DPT Flex programs at the Austin TX Campus of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. The programs’ current status is probationary accreditation; for more information see http://www.capteonline.org/WhatWeDo/RecentActions/PublicDisclosureNotices/. If needing to contact the programs/institution directly, please call (800) 241-1027 or email tdomenech@usa.edu.

RESPONSE TO CAPTE’S NOTICE OF PROBATION:

The University has been advised that it must demonstrate compliance to CAPTE on a portion of one standard with respect to the proportion of doctorally-prepared faculty in its CAPTE-accredited DPT and DPT flex programs offered from its Austin, Texas campus. This notice does not impact the programs’ accreditation, WASC institutional accreditation, access to financial aid, or preparation for licensure. This is not a reflection on the quality of our faculty or faculty-to-student ratios. In fact, CAPTE noted that the existing DPT “collective core and associated faculty include an effective blend of individuals with doctoral preparation and individuals with clinical specialization that appear sufficient to meet program goals, expected outcomes, and assigned program responsibilities.” Rather, CAPTE’s determination simply refers to a gap of two faculty without PhDs, EdDs, or other academic doctoral degrees. Based on the hiring and development plans already in place, both programs will return to full compliance with CAPTE standards prior to the next compliance report due to the accreditor on September 1, 2019.

The University has developed and has been following a rigorous hiring and development plan to increase the proportion of faculty with PhDs, EdDs, or other academic doctoral degrees within its highly qualified faculty team in Austin, the majority of whom hold Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees and/or certifications in advanced specializations. This plan has been shared with CAPTE and we are on track to meet the standard. -addded 07/15/2019

The first professional Physical Therapy program in St. Augustine, Florida was accredited by CAPTE in October 1996, reaccredited in April 2001 and again in November 2011. The flexible Doctor of Physical Therapy (Flex DPT) program in St. Augustine, Florida, was accredited by CAPTE in October 2004 and reaccredited in November 2011. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program (both the resident and Flex programs) in San Marcos, California, was accredited by CAPTE in April 2007 and reaccredited in November 2011. The DPT program in Austin, Texas, was accredited by CAPTE in November 2011 and the Flex DPT program was accredited by CAPTE in 2013. The DPT program in Miami, Florida, was accredited by CAPTE in May 2016. 

Graduates of these programs are eligible to take the national licensing examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). In addition, all states require licensure to practice. After successful completion of the national exam and receiving state licensure, the individual will be a physical therapist (PT). A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the FSBPT examination or to attain state licensure.

Dallas, Texas Developing DPT Program Proposed Launch Fall 2020 – Not Currently Admitting Students

Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org, is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE for its Dallas, Texas campus. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on December 1, 2019. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

Complaints about the program may be submitted to CAPTE by requesting the Procedures for Handling Complaints about an accredited or developing physical therapy program. This document can be obtained by writing to CAPTE at 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; by calling 703-706-3245; by emailing: accreditation@apta.org, or by visiting www.apta.org.

The first professional St. Augustine, Florida Master of Occupational Therapy program (MOT) was accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449, 301-652-AOTA, www.acoteonline.org, in April 1999 and reaccredited in April 2009. The Flex program was added in St. Augustine, Florida in May 2012 and accredited by ACOTE. The California MOT program received accreditation from ACOTE in the fall of 2010 and reaccreditation in the spring of 2017. The Austin, Texas, MOT program received accreditation from ACOTE in the fall of 2015. The Flex program was accredited by ACOTE December 2016 and began in Texas in the fall of 2017. The Miami, FL MOT program received accreditation from ACOTE in April 2019. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. - updated 04/25/2019

Students must complete Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of all prior didactic portions of the program.

The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs (OTD) were added to the Austin, Texas and San Marcos, California campuses in spring 2017 and are accredited by ACOTE. Graduates of the programs will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Students must complete Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of all prior didactic portions of the program. Students must complete the experiential component of the program within 18 months following completion of the remaining didactic portion of the program.

The entry-level OTD program at the St. Augustine, FL campus has applied for accreditation and has been granted Preaccreditation Status by ACOTE. A program that has been granted Preaccreditation Status must complete an on-site evaluation and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Students must complete Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of all prior didactic portions of the program. Students must complete the experiential component of the program within 18 months following completion of the remaining didactic portion of the program.

The entry-level OTD programs at the Miami, FL and Dallas, TX campuses have applied for accreditation and have been granted Candidacy Status by ACOTE. The programs must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. -updated 04/25/2019

Students must complete Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of all prior didactic portions of the program. Students must complete the experiential component of the program within 18 months following completion of the remaining didactic portion of the program.

For more information about the occupational therapy accreditation process, contact the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449, 301-652-AOTA or visit www.acoteonline.org. -updated 09/18/2018 - OT accreditation info updated 02/08/2019

Complaints about the program that cannot be resolved after following the University’s procedures must be submitted electronically to the ACOTE Chairperson, c/o the AOTA Accreditation Department. The complaint must be submitted as an attachment to an e-mail addressed to accred@aota.org and must include a signed complaint form, “Complaint Against a Program Subject to ACOTE Accreditation”. -updated 02/08/2019

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “pre-accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of five years. updated 10/24/2018

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102. In obtaining this approval, the university has demonstrated that it complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is internationallyrecognized as the standard of good practice. As a result of their Authorized Provider accreditation status, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is authorized to offer IACET continuing education units (CEUs) for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standard.

The Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship was re-accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) in 2013 as a postprofessinal fellowship program for physical therapists in orthopaedic manual physical therapy. The Clinical Orthopaedic Residency program was re-accredited by ABPTRFE in 2016 as a postprofessional residency program for physical therapists in clinical orthopaedics.

The Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship program is not under the purview of the Commission for Independent Education.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Important Notice:  

Effective January 2019, the California Board of Registered Nursing (“Board”) adopted regulations requiring nurse practitioner programs to obtain approval by the Board to offer clinical placements to their students in the State of California.  Currently, to the best of our knowledge, there is no approval process in place, and we continue to reach out to the Board to obtain further instructions. Once USAHS receives information on the approval process, we anticipate following the required procedures for approval by the Board.  This does not impact USAHS’ existing authorizations for clinical placements in other states.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (FNP specialization) programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. -updated 06/07/2019

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is recognized by the Board of Certification, Inc. to offer continuing education for Certified Athletic Trainers.

For more information, contact:

Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer
1415 Harney Street, Suite 200
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
(402) 559-0091
BOC@bocatc.org

Mission Statement of the University

The mission of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is the development of professional health care practitioners through innovative, individualized, and quality classroom, clinical, and distance education.

Core Values

• Student first
• Professionalism
• Promoting excellence and innovation in education
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Health and wellness
• Responsiveness
• Creative and critical thinking

Institutional Learning Outcomes

As a result of their educational experiences at the University of St. Augustine, graduates will achieve the following:

• Employ the skills necessary to engage in lifelong learning through intellectual inquiry
  • Promote the value of lifelong learning
  • Demonstrate information literacy
  • Analyze knowledge and skills to formulate a plan for self-improvement
  • Teach and mentor others
•  Apply an interdisciplinary approach to solving problems
  • Foster respect in the values and roles of interdisciplinary professionals
  • Determine the need for interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Practice interdisciplinary teamwork and communication
  • Recognize self-limitations and the need for referral
•  Utilize effective practice based on foundational knowledge and professional skills
  • Perform safe and competent skills as a clinician/researcher/educator
  • Apply the evidence to decision making across various aspects of practice
  • Promote the use of evidence in the workplace
  • Seek knowledge to stay current with practice standards
• Use effective professional communication
  • Appreciate the value of professional communication in daily interactions
  • Demonstrate professional communication across diverse groups and varied situations
  • Evaluate appropriate communication strategies
  • Build rapport with all types of people
• Exhibit professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards
  • Reflect on the value of professionalism in daily interactions
  • Demonstrate appropriate ethical and moral choices (in practice settings) that are in the best interest of the client
  • Apply a nonjudgmental approach in decision making by respecting values and beliefs of people from a variety of backgrounds
• Display leadership skills in a given profession
  • Define the role of leadership in professional advocacy
  • Promote the profession and ones abilities in a positive, constructive manner
  • Exhibit personal leadership development
  • Use effective organization and time management for efficient practice
• Apply evidence to decision making across various aspects of practice
  • Utilize critical thinking, logic, and sound reasoning when making decisions
  • Practice intellectual independence
  • Evaluate the problems, solutions, and consequences of current practice issues
  • Use flexible and creative thinking to solve problems

Financial Resources

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences has no pending petition in bankruptcy nor operates as a debtor in possession. The University has not filed a petition within the preceding 5 years, nor has the University had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding 5 years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

Degrees Offered

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 (1 year, 8 months) to complete that combines online courses with weekend labs.

The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree program is offered in two formats: (1) a full-time, 6-trimester program that takes 2 years to complete, and (2) a 9-trimester (3 years) flexible program 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 takes 2 years and 8 months to complete.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is offered in two formats: (1) a full-time, 8-trimester program that takes 2 years and 8 months to complete, and (2) a 12-trimester (4 years) flexible program that combines online courses with weekend labs.

These degrees are offered on the following campuses:

San Marcos, California

• Master of Occupational Therapy (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)
• 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)
• Flex Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Flex OTD)

                   -added 02/08/2019

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

    There are eight post-professional degrees offered through a variety of opportunities, including online learning activities, nationwide seminars, and on-campus residencies.

• 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 upon previous coursework and interest area. 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 degree. Specialty roles currently offered include 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 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 seminar format, or a combination of both. There are two weekend doctoral residency courses.

Philosophy of Distance/Online Education

The University of St. Augustine 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.

Methods for Delivery of Education Courses

The University of St. Augustine 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 pure 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 in an exclusively live format (not online) in a classroom or laboratory.
• Seminar/Online. This means students will need 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. Secondly, 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 are called fieldwork, in physical therapy internship, and in nursing practicums.

University History (Prior to Becoming a University)

In 1966 Stanley V. Paris, PT, PhD, began teaching continuing professional education courses to physical therapists. These courses carried continuing education units (CEUs), which are helpful in both maintaining and developing professional competency and, in an increasing number of states, for maintaining professional licensure.

In 1979 the University formally known as the Institute of Graduate Health Sciences (the Institute) was founded. The State of Georgia granted authority to offer a clinically based, post-professional (advanced) Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT) degree. Thus, the Institute became the first independent, proprietary school in physical therapy able to confer a graduate degree.

In 1981 the Institute began a certification process in manual therapy wherein candidates, after taking a series of courses, were examined in their written, oral, and practical abilities. Successful candidates were awarded a Certificate of Competency. There are now four certifications: Manual Therapy; Sports Physical Therapy; Primary Care; and Craniomandibular, Head, Neck, and Facial Pain.

In 1991 the Institute relocated to St. Augustine, Florida, and became established at the Flagler Health Park campus. Soon thereafter, the Institute achieved accreditation for its MScPT degree from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). [Note: This degree is no longer offered at the University.]

Growth and Development

The following bulleted items outline the programmatic and campus development of the current University:

• In 1994 the Institute commenced a first professional degree in physical therapy—the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT). This program was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE) in October 1996 and reaccredited in 2001 and 2011.
• In 1996 the Institute of Occupational Therapy was founded to offer a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree, a first professional program. The MOT program was accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) in April 1999 and was reaccredited in April 2009.
• On March 4, 1997, the organization formally became the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Also in 1996–97, the University entered into contracts to purchase a small private hospital and an adjoining 26 acres of land at the Flagler Health Park Campus in St. Augustine, thus creating the University’s current St. Augustine, Florida, campus.
• In 1999 the University began the dual degree option whereby a student may earn a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree and a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree concurrently.
• In January 1, 2000, the University was authorized by the State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities (SBICU) to award the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) degree, to restructure the MScPT degree to a Master of Health Sciences (MHSc) degree, and to implement a Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) degree.
• In 2001 the University was given authorization by the Florida Commission for Independent Education for the Department of Education (CIE) to award the first professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). This replaced the first professional Master of Physical Therapy (MPT). Also approved were the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) and the transitional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (tOTD), both post-professional degrees.
• In 2003 the University began to offer the manual physical therapy fellowship which was approved by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as a credentialed fellowship in orthopaedic manual therapy in 2003 and recredentialed in 2008 and currently undergoing recredentialing.
• The University received accreditation and licensure in 2004 to begin a Flexible Doctor of Physical Therapy (Flex DPT) program in Boca Raton, Florida, and gained accreditation by CAPTE. It is an expansion of the campus-based program requiring part time attendance with online education and weekend labs. The Flex DPT program was moved from Boca Raton to the St. Augustine campus in 2010.
• In June 2006 the University broke ground on a 98,000 square foot academic and clinic building at the St. Augustine campus. The building was completed in August 2007. Amenities include labs, seven classrooms, separate wet and dry anatomy labs, fitness center, and physical therapy clinic.
• In 2007 the University received approval from the California Bureau for Private, Postsecondary, and Vocational Education and CAPTE to begin an expansion of the DPT program in San Diego, California. This campus officially opened August 29, 2007. The San Diego campus began offering the Flex DPT program in September 2008.
• Dr. Stanley Paris, the founding president, retired on August 4, 2007, and Dr. Michael Hillyard, DPA, was inaugurated as the second president of the University. In 2009 Dr. Hillyard resigned and Dr. Paris resumed the presidency of the University.
• In January 2009 the San Diego campus moved to a 76,000 square foot, three-building corporate center in San Marcos, California. The University received “developing program status” from ACOTE for the San Marcos program, which allowed the inaugural class to begin in fall 2009. The dual  degree option also began in fall 2009.
• The University received accreditation and licensure in 2009 to begin to offer the Doctor of Education (EdD) degree.
• In 2010 the University received approval from CIE to restructure the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degree. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission approved accreditation of the DHSc degree in 2010.
• On April 16, 2011, Dr. Wanda Nitsch was inaugurated as the fourth president of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. The University headquarters was moved to San Marcos, California.
• In September 2011 the University was approved by the Texas Workforce Commission to offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in Austin, Texas, to commence in the fall of 2012. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board gave approval in October 2011. Construction on the Austin campus commenced in February 2012 and opened with its inaugural DPT class in August 2012.
• The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) gave approval to the University to begin to offer the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree in a flexible online and weekend format in May 2012. Students started in this program in January 2013 on the St. Augustine, Florida, campus.
• The Flex DPT and full-time MOT programs were approved by their respective accrediting agencies to begin a cohort of students on the Austin, Texas, campus in fall 2014.
• In November 2013 the University became part of the Laureate International Universities network. At the time, the Laureate network consisted of more than 82 campus-based and online universities offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to over 1 million students in 29 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. - updated 04/01/2019
• In July 2014 the University achieved regional accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
• In 2015 the University began the MHScAT (Athletic Training) degree and opened the Miami, Florida, campus at its Dolphin Mall address. Approval was gained for the Master of Health Administration (MHA). - updated 04/01/2019
• In 2016 approvals were obtained to begin a DPT program on the Miami campus, an online Master of Science in Nursing Program, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The MHScAT program was redesigned to become the Master of Health Science (MHS). The Miami campus accepted its inaugural class of DPT students.
• The University voluntarily resigned accreditation with the Distance Education Accrediting Commission on May 31, 2016, concluding a successful relationship of 23 years.
• In September 2018, the permanent Miami, FL campus in Coral Gables opened for the inaugural class of students. - added 04/01/2019
• In February 2019, the University was acquired by University of St. Augustine Acquisition Corp., which is affiliated with Altas Partners, an investment firm with a long-term orientation focused on acquiring significant interests in high-quality enterprises in partnership with outstanding management teams. - added 04/01/2019

In the last several years, the University has been growing at a healthy pace, adding programs, faculty, and facilities to meet the needs of health care in this time of great change and challenge. The University will continue to be a leader in providing meaningful educational experiences in areas and directions that both health care providers and consumers require.

The Campuses

The University’s San Marcos, California campus, the administrative headquarters, is located at 700 Windy Point Drive, San Marco, CA 92069. The California campus location, where all class sessions are held for our CA students, is comprised 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 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.

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, library, laboratories, and 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.

(Updated 8.16.18) The University’s Miami, Florida campus is located at 800 S. Douglas Road Suite 149, Coral Gables, FL 33134 at Douglas Entrance, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 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. 

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 well-appointed, upscale office complex called Riverside Commons. The complex is close to great shopping, good food, housing and other amenities. The campus is also walking distance to the metro light rail station and features administrative offices, state-of-the-art classrooms, dry labs, ADL, library, testing rooms, study spaces, and a student lounge. Dallas is as diverse as its citizens, and there’s motivation to spend time outside around every corner. Hit the trail, jog by the lake, or bike through the arts district. -added 02/08/2019

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 each term for student assignment. The clinical education faculty will communicate with students regarding the protocol for clinical placement.

Learning Resource Center

The University’s Learning Resource Center, comprised of the University Library and the Computer Lab, with physical branches at all campuses of the University in addition to a robust online presence, offers students and faculty members convenient access to current health sciences information through the library’s collection of books, journals, videos, OT assessments, anatomy models, treatment tables, equipment, eBooks, online journals, and online databases. The Learning Resource Center’s holdings include over 3,000 books, including eBooks, full text access to over 20,000 journals, and dozens of videos to support the University’s curriculum. Physical campus libraries are each open and staffed more than 80 hours per week during regular academic terms and provide physical study space, reference services, and printing/copying/scanning services. Library staff members are available through library chat, email, and phone approximately 17 hours a day, including evenings and weekends. The library’s electronic resources are available 24/7. Trained and knowledgeable librarians are available to provide formal and informal library and information literacy instruction by faculty request. See the Library tab of MyUSA for full details.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, has nearly 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. Over four million visitors each year 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 Fort 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 Alligator Farm, St. Augustine Lighthouse, and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth. 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 the 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.

San Marcos, California

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 in Twin Oaks Valley along the 78 freeway, it is home to California State University San Marcos and Palomar College. There are over 55 miles of hiking and biking trails, many parks, and a wide variety of housing options. It 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 over 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.

Austin, Texas

The Texas campus is located in the state capitol of Austin 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 Texas cities. 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 over 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, 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. Its young, active, highly educated and culturally diverse population makes Austin a wonderful place to live, work, and attend school.

Miami, Coral Gables, Florida (Fall 2018)