Nov 23, 2024

2023-2024 University Catalog/Handbook (Fall)

2023-2024 University Catalog/Handbook (Fall) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

General Information

Board of Directors
Administrative Officers and Staff
Mission Statement of the University and Core Values
University History
Institutional Learning Outcomes
University Self-Evaluation Process
Expectations for Students in Professional Programs
State Licensure, Approvals, and Authorizations
Accreditations and Approvals
Financial Resources

Board of Directors

John Hoey, Chair
Damon Conway
Donna Dorsey
Ana Lopez-Blazquez
Nick Mancini
Jonathan Metrick
Kimberlee Moore
Paul Nicoletti
Dr. Lynn Priddy
Dr. Neetu Trivedi

Administrative Officers and Staff

Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer	Vivian A. Sanchez
President and Chief Academic Officer	Brian Goldstein, PhD
Chief Experience Officer	Terry Rakosky
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, Campus Operations	Stephanie Furlough-Morris, PhD
Chief Information Officer	Damien Cooper
Interim Chief Marketing Officer	Terry Rakosky
General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Compliance	Deborah L. Zimic
Vice Chancellor	Melanie Storms, PsyD
Associate Chief Academic Officer and Vice President, Teaching, Learning, and Innovation	Maria Puzziferro, PhD
Vice President, Accreditation and Assessment	Melanie Davis, DHEd
Vice President, Human Resources	Susan Waugh
Vice President, Student Administration	Dawn Werling
Vice President, Enrollment Management	Julie Gonick
Vice President, OT Accreditation and Assessment	Anne Hull, OT, EdD
Associate Dean, Occupational Therapy Programs	Tia Hughes, DrOT, MBA, OTR/L
Interim Associate Dean, Physical Therapy Programs	Elaine Lonnemann, PT, DPT, MTC
Associate Dean, College of Health Sciences	Elaine Lonnemann, PT, DPT, MTC
Interim Assistant Dean, College of Health Sciences Program Director, MHA/MHS Programs	Kathy Wood, PhD
Executive Director, Admissions and Registration Services	Heidi Terry, MA
Executive Director, Campus Operations and Facilities	Sylvia Berenguer
Executive Director, Institutional Research and Assessment	Nga Phan
Executive Director, PT Accreditation and Assessment	Claire Peel, PhD, PT, FAPTA
Executive Director, Clinical and Career Services	Mariesol Wallace, PT, DPT, CCI
Executive Director, Human Resource Operations	Laura Kauffman
Interim Executive Director, School of Nursing	Sarah M.I. Cartwright, DNP, MSN-PH, BAM, RN-BC, CAPA, FASPAN
Senior Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program St. Augustine and Miami, Florida	Beth Ennis, PT, EdD, PCS
Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Miami, Florida	Gabriel Somarriba, PT, DPT, EdD
Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program San Marcos, California	Cherie Peters-Brinkerhoff, PT, EdD, MPT, MHA, C/NDT
Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Austin, Texas	Manuel Domenech, PT, DPT, EdD
Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Dallas, Texas	Thomas Werner, PT, MA, PhD
Program Director, Occupational Therapy Programs St. Augustine, Florida	Helen Carey, PhD, OTR/L
Program Director, Occupational Therapy Programs Miami, Florida	Marcia Hamilton, OTD, MSHS, OTR/L, BCP, BSTS
Program Director, Occupational Therapy Programs Austin, Texas	Mary Zadnik, ScD, MEd, OTR/L
Program Director, Occupational Therapy Programs San Marcos, California	Erin Schwier, EdD, OTD, OTR/L
Program Director, Occupational Therapy Programs Dallas, Texas	Keith B. McWilliams, OTD, OTR/L, DRS
Program Director, Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy	Elaine Lonnemann, DPT
Program Director, Doctor of Education	Sunddip Aguilar, EdD
Program Director, Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy	Karen Menard, PhD, OTR/L
Senior Academic Program Director, Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Austin and Dallas, Texas	Meghan Savage, PhD, CCC-SLP
Program Director, Physician Assistant Program Austin, TX	Michael Roscoe, MSPS, PhD, PA-C
Assistant General Counsel	Claudia Chahin
Controller	Erik Amaro, CPA
Registrar	Katie L. Carrillo, MS
Senior Director, Clinical Learning Innovation	Elisabeth McGee, PhD, DPT, MOT, PT, OTR/L, MTC, CHT, CHSE
Senior Director, Digital Learning and Design, Online Education	Raja Sen
Senior Director, Media and Digital Marketing	Vicki MacDonald
Senior Director, Brand and Content Marketing	Rosemary Whaling
Senior Director, Enrollment	Josephine Loiacono
Director, Accreditation	Dean Bartness
Director, Alumni Engagement	Polly Crabtree
Director, Compliance Initiatives	April Aldredge
Director, Continuing Professional Education	Lori Hankins
Director, Financial Aid	Vanessa Flowers
Interim Head Librarian, Library Services	Jessica Cain, MLIS
Director, Tutoring Services and Writing Center	Hideki Nakazono
Director, Residency and Fellowship Programs	Amanda Grant, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, CLT, MTC
Director, Safety and Security	Rudy Estrada
Director, Student Life	Jessica Murphy
Director, Student Welfare and Accessibility	Candice Vasquez, M.ED, LPC
Director, University Communications	Suzanne Harbison

Mission Statement of the University

The mission of USAHS is the development of professional healthcare 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

University History and Growth

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 Physical Therapy (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 in either Manual Therapy and Cranio-Facial.

In 1991 the Institute relocated to St. Augustine, Florida. 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.]

The current University’s milestones of campus and programmatic development include the following:

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 (entry-level) 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 State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities (SBICU) authorized USAHS to award the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) degree, to restructure its MScPT to a Master of Health Science (MHS) degree and to implement a Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) degree.
In 2000, the University began the dual degree option whereby a student could earn a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree and a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree concurrently.
In 2001, the University was given authorization by the Florida Commission for Independent Education for the Department of Education (CIE) to award the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). This replaced the entry-level 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 Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship, initially accredited in 2002 and reaccredited in 2013 by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE).
In 2004, the University’s Flexible Doctor of Physical Therapy (Flex DPT) program was granted accreditation by CAPTE and launched in 2005 in Boca Raton, Florida. The Flex program combines online learning with face-to-face, hands-on instruction during select weekends. The Flex DPT program was moved from Boca Raton, Florida, 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, multiple classrooms, separate wet and dry anatomy labs, a fitness center, and a physical therapy clinic.
In 2007, the University received approval from the California Bureau for Private, Postsecondary, and Vocational Education and accreditation from CAPTE to begin a DPT program in San Diego, California. This campus officially opened on August 29, 2007. The San Diego Flex DPT program was accredited by CAPTE in October 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 accreditation status” from ACOTE for the San Marcos MOT program, which allowed the inaugural class to begin in Fall 2009. The dual-degree MOT/DPT option also began in Fall 2009.
The University received approvals 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 the accreditation of the DHSc degree in 2010.
The University’s Clinical Orthopaedic Residency was granted initial accreditation in 2010 and reaccreditation in 2016 by ABPTRFE.
As a provider of continuing professional education, the University was granted initial accreditation in 2010 and reaccreditation in 2020 by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
On April 16, 2011, Dr. Wanda Nitsch was inaugurated as the fourth President of USAHS. 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. CAPTE granted accreditation in November 2011. Construction on the Austin campus commenced in February 2012 and opened with its inaugural DPT class in August 2012.
In January 2013, the St. Augustine campus commenced the Master of Occupational Therapy degree in a flexible online and weekend format (Flex MOT) after receiving appropriate accreditation approval from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
In November 2013, the Flex DPT program in Austin, Texas, was granted accreditation by CAPTE and began a cohort of students 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.
In July 2014, the University was granted initial regional accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
In 2015, the MOT program in Austin, Texas, which began a cohort of students in Fall 2014, was granted accreditation by ACOTE. The University began the Master of Health Science Athletic Training (MHScAT) degree and opened the Miami, Florida, campus at its Dolphin Mall location. Approvals were gained for the Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree program.
In 2016, the Miami campus DPT program was granted accreditation by CAPTE and accepted its inaugural class of DPT students. State licensure 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 program. The MHScAT program was redesigned to become the Master of Health Science (MHS) degree program.
The University voluntarily resigned accreditation with the Distance Education Accrediting Commission on May 31, 2016, concluding a successful relationship of 23 years.
In October 2017, the University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program received initial accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
In July 2018, The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) awarded candidacy to the University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program.
In September 2018, the permanent Miami, Florida, campus opened in Coral Gables for the inaugural class of students, and the Miami OTD program began a cohort. In Fall 2018 the Austin campus welcomed its inaugural cohort of students in the MS-SLP program.
In October 2018, the University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (FNP specialization) programs received initial accreditation from CCNE.
In December 2018, the OTD programs of the San Marcos, California, and Austin, Texas, campuses, which welcomed their first cohort of students in Spring 2017, were granted accreditation by ACOTE.
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.
In April 2019, the Miami MOT program, which welcomed its first cohort of students in Fall 2017, was granted accreditation by ACOTE, and the University opened the Dallas, Texas, campus in the Riverside Commons complex in Irving, Texas.
In May 2019, the OTD program was launched in Dallas, Texas.
In June 2019, the University was granted reaffirmation of institutional accreditation by WSCUC.
In July 2019, the St. Augustine, Florida, OTD program, which welcomed its first cohort of students in the fall of 2018, was granted accreditation by ACOTE. Also in July 2019, CAA approved the addition of a satellite/branch campus in Dallas, Texas to the University’s MS-SLP program.
In September 2019, the MS-SLP program was launched in Dallas, Texas.
In March 2020, the Miami, Florida, OTD program was granted accreditation by ACOTE.
In April 2020, CAPTE granted Candidate for Accreditation status to the Dallas, Texas, DPT program.
In February 2021, the University was granted accreditation as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by ANCC.
In April 2021, ACOTE reaccredited the St. Augustine, Florida MOT program.
In May 2022, CAPTE reaffirmed accreditation for the DPT and Flex DPT programs in San Marcos, St. Augustine, Miami (DPT only), and Austin for a period of 10 years.
In July 2022, The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) awarded initial accreditation to the University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program.
In August 2022, ACOTE reaccredited the Austin, Texas MOT program.
In April 2023, CAPTE granted Initial Accreditation status to the Dallas, Texas, DPT Program

The University continues to add programs, faculty, and facilities that provide meaningful educational experiences and enable the development of healthcare leaders.

Institutional Learning Outcomes

Upon graduating from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, graduates will have achieved the following in their healthcare-related roles.

Apply knowledge, current research, skills, critical thinking, and evidence-informed decision making.
Exhibit professional behaviors consistently and adhere to ethical standards.
Demonstrate effective professional communication appropriate to the situation and individual(s).
Apply interprofessional competencies.
Establish strategies for post-graduation growth and development.

University Self-Evaluation Process

The institution has an assessment process for academic programs. There are three outcome levels: institutional learning outcomes (ILOs), program learning outcomes (PLOs), and course learning outcomes (CLOs). The PLOs define the levels of performance required at the end of the program and are aligned with the ILOs and professional accreditation standards where applicable. The process includes the annual program assessment cycle, where each academic program assesses its PLOs yearly. In a five-year cycle, all PLOs are assessed, culminating in a comprehensive program review process that includes an external reviewer(s). Data analysis determines progress toward educational effectiveness goals, using evidence from the annual program assessment and program review processes to shape initiatives and action plans.

Expectations for Students in Professional Programs

Graduate healthcare education prepares students for the professional practice of their discipline and develops the skills necessary to become a self-directed, lifelong learner within the ever-changing field of healthcare. In order to successfully progress through the academic program and transition into the role of a healthcare professional, it is important that students are self-directed in their learning and assume responsibility for their educational and professional growth and development. Students should relate prior academic or life experiences to new learning while recognizing that there is usually more than one answer or approach to resolving most questions or problems. Students should exhibit high levels of self-reflection, self-motivation, engagement, intellectual curiosity, professionalism, and ethical standards. Students are expected to devote sufficient time to their studies and to be committed to learning activities both in and out of the academic setting.

Appeal Process

Students have the right to appeal to the appropriate University committee and should refer to the Professional Misconduct and Academic Evaluation and Appeal Policy policies for information on appeal processes.

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. Approval to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in the Ed. Code. 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, 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834; P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818; telephone: 916-574-8900 or toll-free: 888-370-7589; fax: 916-263-1897; 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 Flex Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Flex OTD), the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT), Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (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) and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degrees, and the Graduate Certificates 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), the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degrees, and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates (Nurse Executive, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care). 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), Flex Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), RN to Master of Science in Nursing (RN-MSN-FNP, RN-MSN-PMHNP-PC, and RN-MSN-AGNP), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree programs on the Austin, Texas, campus and the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Flex Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) 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 Private School Licensure Division of the Alabama Community College System and has an exemption with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

USAHS’ programs are exempt from authorization by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education under AS 14.48, as USAHS’ programs are offered online only and USAHS does not have a physical presence in the state.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences has been granted a license by the District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission, 1050 First Street NE, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20002; 202-727-6436 to offer the following online degree programs in the District of Columbia: Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), Flex Master of Occupational Therapy (Flex MOT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Flex Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Flex OTD), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Flex Doctor of Physical Therapy (Flex DPT), Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of the Health Science (MHS), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner (PG Cert-FNP), Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (PG Cert-PMHNP-PC), Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD), Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT), Doctor of Health Science (DHSc), Doctor of Education (EdD), Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Business Intelligence, and Graduate Certificate in Interprofessional Education.

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 approved by the Kansas Board of Regents, 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 520, Topeka, KS 66612-1368; 785-430-4240.

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 two years. Licensed institutions have met minimal operational standards set forth by the state, but licensure does not constitute accreditation, guarantee the transferability of credit, nor signify that programs are certifiable by any professional agency or organization.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences 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 Place, 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 55108-5227; www.ohe.state.mn.us; 651-642-0567.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, 101 N. 14th Street, 10th Floor, James Monroe Building, Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600.

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 P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430 or by email at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences 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/FNP, MSN-entry DNP, DNP (FNP), and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (FNP) program tracks.

http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission/NursingPrograms.aspx

Accreditations and Approvals

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501; 510-748-9001; www.wascsenior.org.

The University achieved regional accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in 2014 and reaffirmation of accreditation in 2019.

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)
1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500
Alameda, CA 94501
510-748-9001
www.wascsenior.org

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine and Miami, Florida; and Austin and Dallas, Texas, and the DPT Flex programs in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine, Florida; and Austin, Texas, are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245, email: accreditation@apta.org; or website: http://www.capteonline.org. The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, Clinical Orthopaedic Residency, and Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship programs are not subject to accreditation by CAPTE. If needing to contact the San Marcos programs directly, please call Dr. Cherie Peters-Brinkerhoff at 760-410-5314 or email cpeters-brinkerhoff@usa.edu. If needing to contact the St. Augustine or Miami programs directly, please call Dr. Beth Ennis at 904-770-3645 or email bennis@usa.edu. If needing to contact the Austin programs directly, please call Dr. Manuel (Tony) A. Domenech at 737-202-3347 or email tdomenech@usa.edu. If needing to contact the Dallas program directly, please call Dr. Thomas P. Werner at 469-498-5740 or email twerner@usa.edu.

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.

To submit a complaint against the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, contact the APTA Accreditation Department at 703-706-3245 or at accreditation@apta.org to obtain the necessary materials for complaint submission. For more information on this process, please visit http://www.capteonline.org/Complaints/.

The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree (MOT) programs at the San Marcos, California; St. Augustine and Miami, Florida; and Austin, Texas, campuses are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is 301-652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. 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 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program at the Dallas, Texas, campus has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program 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.

Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree (OTD) programs at the San Marcos, California; St. Augustine and Miami, Florida; Austin and Dallas, Texas, campuses are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o of AOTA is 301-652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. 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 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of all prior didactic portions of the program. Students must complete an individual 14-week capstone experience within 18 months following completion of the remaining didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.

For more information about the occupational therapy accreditation process, contact the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929; 301-652-2682 or visit www.acoteonline.org.

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.”

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology {residential Austin, TX; satellite Dallas, TX; both distance education} at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited 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.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ (USAHS) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program is not accredited by ARC-PA at this time and is not accepting applications.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is approved as an Accredited Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), 21670 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 170, Sterling, VA 20166. In obtaining this accreditation, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences has demonstrated that it complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard which is widely recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of the Accredited Provider 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 program is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Education (ACOMPTE).

The Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship and the Clinical Orthopaedic Residency are accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE). The Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship and Clinical Orthopedic Residency programs are not under the purview of the Florida Commission for Independent Education.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the 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.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (NP role specialties) 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.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC).

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

For information on Student Achievement Data, please visit https://www.usa.edu/about/student-achievement-data/.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is approved to admit students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). See International Students Applying for Admission for details, including the programs and campuses currently approved to offer the SEVP.

Financial Resources

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