Health Science, DHSc

This program is no longer enrolling students.

Mission Statement

The DHSc degree is focused on teaching students to comprehend and adapt scientific knowledge and apply it in a manner that exemplifies clinical excellence. The DHSc degree shall prepare health care professionals to become leaders in the areas of clinical practice and academia through the development of advanced and concentrated practice skills. The degree will assist students in making meaningful contributions in their respective professions.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the DHSc program, the graduate will demonstrate the ability to

• demonstrate scholarly writing skills;
• demonstrate pedagogically sound presentation skills;
• demonstrate advanced research skills directed toward the understanding of the current body of research and knowledge in a given field of health and clinical sciences;
• demonstrate the ability to think logically, critically, creatively, and independently;
• develop proficiency in assembling, synthesizing, and presenting knowledge through the use of technological and other information services;
• comprehend the critical elements in the role and scope of health sciences and clinical education;
• develop knowledge of fundamental concepts from which one can develop a rational and systematic approach to solving problems in health sciences and clinical education;
• demonstrate the ability to conceptualize individual activities with a sense of independence in discovering information, fostering new ideas, and solving health sciences and clinical education problems; and
• synthesize and apply knowledge in the form of a scholarly project.

Admission Requirements

Admission is open to physical and occupational therapists who have a master’s degree or a clinical doctoral degree (DPT, OTD, etc.) and are currently licensed and/or practicing in their profession.

All students entering the DHSc program must undergo an application/admission process. Documents that must be submitted include the following:

• Application for Admission
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions of higher learning
• Two recommendations from professional colleagues
• Writing assessment
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae
• Copy of professional license, if applicable

International Students Applying for Admission

Foreign-trained candidates who do not require a student visa can be considered for admission. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences does not offer English language services, including instruction. All instruction at the University is conducted in English. To apply for admission, foreign-trained candidates must submit the following, in addition to the items listed above:

• Transcripts (original and a translated version, if applicable) and a credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) that provides evidence of training at a level equivalent to that of a master’s degree earned at an accredited institution in the United States.
• An official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report, if education was completed in a language other than English. A minimum score of 210 (computer-based testing), or 83 (IBT—Internet based testing) is required.

Notification of Status

Each applicant will be notified by e-mail from the Admissions Office of his or her admission status after all required application materials have been reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Qualified candidates may be invited to participate in an interview.

Each student who is admitted to the program must successfully complete the Introduction to Interprofessional Scholarly Studies or Introduction to Doctoral Studies course in order to fully matriculate in the DHSc program.

Program Overview

Students must complete a total of 60 credits. There are 49 required credits of core courses included in the curriculum. Of these 49 credits, 15 credits are based on clinical coursework and credit can be obtained for certifications, residency, or fellowship programs. The additional 11 credits are completed through electives, independent studies, teaching internships, or a combination of all three.

Courses in the DHSc program are offered in several formats. Students will take part in designing a curriculum that can be online, in weekend seminar format, or a combination of both. There are two required doctoral residencies. Students are responsible for travel, lodging and meals.

Delivery of Coursework

Courses in the DHSc program are offered in a distance format (excluding seminar attendance). The online courses consist of Web-based text with extensive graphics, videos, and audio clips. There are opportunities provided for faculty-to-student and student-to-student synchronous and asynchronous interactive collaboration.

Active Status and Academic Requirement

To remain active in the DHSc program, the student must

• begin the program in the trimester for which he or she was admitted by registering for and completing at least one course;
• register for and complete a minimum of nine credits, or fewer with written permission of the Program Director, each ensuing full calendar year and complete those courses within the prescribed period;
• maintain timely and effective communication with the program office; and
• maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Incomplete Coursework

The grade of “I” (Incomplete) is used, for reasons acceptable to the instructor(s), a student has not completed required work within a course by the end of a term. The length of time granted for the completion of the requirement of the course is one additional trimester (15 weeks) after which the “I” grade will be changed to an “F” if the coursework has not been completed. Upon successful completion of the requirement, the student will be assigned a letter grade by the instructor. If the “I” is assigned a grade of “D” or “F” the appropriate action will be taken per present written policy on academic standing..

Time Limit

Students must complete all DHSc program requirements within 5 years. An extension of up to 2.5 years may be requested. If the Program Director approves the extension, there is an extension fee of $333.00 per trimester.

Tuition and Fees

See Tuition and Fees section of this catalog.