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Admissions FAQs
To help shed more light on the admissions process, we’ve assembled some of the most common questions we receive from prospective graduate students like you. Select a category below and explore frequently asked questions about the USAHS admissions process.
Also see detailed application steps here.
DPT Admissions Questions
Applying to the Program
Where can I find the application deadlines?
Application deadlines are located on the USAHS website (usa.edu), in the “Admissions and Aid” section. Or, for easy access, click here.
Can I apply to the DPT in both the Residential and Flex format? Can I apply to more than one campus?
You can indicate a primary format/campus choice and then (if you wish) a secondary format/campus choice. For example, if you’re primarily interested in the Residential DPT format, you could list St. Augustine as your first choice for campus and Miami as your second. Or if you’re open to the Flex format, you could list Austin as your first campus choice and Flex DPT in Austin as your second choice.
Please note that if your application is not moved forward for your first choice, it will be reviewed for your second choice. You should be ready to attend your second campus or program choice listed. If you are admitted to your second choice, we cannot switch you to your first choice.
Can I apply prior to the conferral of my bachelor’s degree?
Yes—you may apply while completing the last year of your bachelor’s program. Note that the degree must be completed and conferred prior to the start of classes at USAHS. Keep in mind that you must provide official transcripts for all prerequisite courses and/or degrees before the start of the program.
Will I need to complete any prerequisite coursework before starting this program?
For information about program prerequisites, see the DPT Admissions Requirements page.
Can I apply with certain requirements in progress?
- You may apply with up to three prerequisite courses in progress, as long as they are scheduled to be completed prior to the start of classes and meet a minimum threshold of a “C” (2.0) grade or better. Keep in mind that you must provide official transcripts for all prerequisite courses and/or degrees prior to the start of the program.
- Currently, Fall 2022 applicants may apply with 0 observation hours. Starting for Spring 2023 enrollments, applicants must apply with at least 40 observation hours completed; a total of 80 observation hours must be completed prior to the start of classes.
- You may apply with one out of the two references submitted, which must be a therapist reference. However, we encourage you to submit the second reference as soon as possible.
How do I apply for financial aid?
USAHS financial aid advisors are available to speak to candidates about general information and scholarship options. Once admitted, students have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a financial aid advisor to finalize a payment plan.
Does USAHS offer scholarships?
Yes. We offer two types of scholarships to all new students enrolling in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program (whether the Residential or Flex format): the Outstanding Academic Achievement and Leadership Scholarship, and the Community Service Scholarship. These scholarship funds are applied to tuition and fees only.
We encourage you to review the eligibility requirements and apply for a scholarship.
Submitting Documents and Test Scores
Where do I submit my application documents?
You will fill out and submit your application to the DPT program on PTCAS. Refer to PTCAS for directions about which documents you need to include with your application. Once your application is verified, our enrollment advisors can access all documents from PTCAS.
Which schools, colleges and universities do I need to provide official transcripts from?
Official transcripts from all the undergraduate, graduate and professional institutions you’ve attended must be submitted to PTCAS. This includes transfer credits and credits from international schools.
How do I submit my GRE scores?
Refer to PTCAS for instructions on submitting your GRE scores. Our institution code is 2209.
What is the average GRE score of DPT students accepted to USAHS?
The average GRE scores (verbal and quantitative combined) for DPT students are 294–305 on the new scale, with a 4.0 on the writing portion.
If I have a conferred master’s degree, do I still need to submit GRE scores?
No. The GRE requirement is waived for candidates who provide an official transcript from a conferred master’s-level degree.
How do I submit my TOEFL scores, if required?
International students can submit their TOEFL scores with their application; refer to instructions on PTCAS. Our institutional code is 0283.
Hearing Back
How will I know whether the Admissions Office has received all my application documents?
Once we receive your verified PTCAS application, an enrollment advisor will reach out to you. Together, we will review your application in its entirety and go over any other start date or campus options available to you.* If we have any recommendations to help you submit a more competitive application, we will offer those as well.
Note that after we receive your application, it can take our enrollment team 4–6 weeks to reach out. If more than 4–6 weeks have passed and you have not received an email or call from USAHS, contact your enrollment advisor or email [email protected].
Once I submit my application, how long will it take to receive a decision?
You can expect to receive a decision within 3–4 weeks. Decisions rendered will be one of three answers: 1) You’re admitted to either your first or second choice listed on the application; 2) We’re requesting an interview for your first or second choice listed on the application; 3) Your application has not been chosen at this time to move forward for either your first or second choice.
If I apply for admission early, will I be considered earlier?
Yes. We encourage all applicants to submit their application as early as possible; this will allow for timely processing and an earlier decision.
*Not all formats (i.e., Residential/Flex) may be offered on each campus. Please check the website for the most up-to-date information.
OT Admissions Questions
Applying to the Programs
Where can I find the application deadlines?
Application deadlines are located on the USAHS website (usa.edu), in the “Admissions and Aid” section. Or, for easy access, click here.
How do I apply to your OT programs?
OT students have two options: You may apply through USAHS’ free online application, or you may apply through the Common Application System: OTCAS. Choose only one option.
What are the admissions requirements for USAHS’ OT programs?
You can find the requirements for our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program here and the requirements for our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program here.
We strongly encourage you to review these requirements, as they were updated in February 2022. If you have questions regarding these changes, contact your enrollment advisor or email [email protected].
Can I apply to more than one program?
No, you may apply to only one program/format at a time. That is, you must choose between MOT, Flex MOT, OTD, and Flex OTD. You must also choose a campus and start date.
Can I apply to more than one campus?
Yes. Be sure to indicate your second choice of USAHS campus in the event that your campus of interest has met capacity.
Can I apply prior to the conferral of my bachelor’s degree?
Yes. You may apply while completing the last year of your bachelor’s program. Note that the degree must be completed and conferred prior to the start of classes at USAHS. Keep in mind that you must provide official transcripts for all prerequisite courses and/or degrees before the start of the program.
Can I apply with certain requirements in progress?
Yes. You may apply with up to three prerequisite courses in progress, as long as they are scheduled to be completed prior to the start of classes. Keep in mind that you must complete the pending course(s) with a minimum threshold of a “C” (2.0) grade or better and provide official transcripts for all prerequisite courses and/or degrees prior to the start of the program.
Is it possible to check whether my prerequisites are acceptable?
Yes. You can find acceptable courses through our prerequisite check. Note that USAHS may update the list of equivalencies for prerequisites courses at any time. Also, this is a resource list—not a guarantee that your course will be accepted. All prerequisite course grades must meet the minimum threshold of a “C” (2.0) grade or better and appear as college credit on the transcript.
Please be advised that if a course is not listed, that doesn’t mean it’s not accepted. Connect with your enrollment advisor to discuss options.
Are observation hours required for admissions?
The Occupational Therapy department does not require observation hours to apply for our graduate programs. However, we highly recommend that all applicants do observe occupational therapy in at least two areas of practice. This will not only support your submission essays; it will also help you confirm that OT is the profession for you.
How do I apply for financial aid?
USAHS financial aid advisors are available to speak to candidates about general information and scholarship options. Once admitted, students have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a financial aid advisor to finalize a payment plan.
Does USAHS offer scholarships?
Yes. We offer two types of scholarships to all new students enrolling in the MOT and OTD programs (whether the Residential or Flex format): the Academic Excellence Scholarship, and the Leadership and Service Scholarship. These scholarship funds are applied to tuition and fees only.
We encourage you to review the eligibility requirements and apply for a scholarship.
Submitting Documents and Test Scores
Where do I submit my application documents?
USAHS online application:
Upon submitting your online application, you will receive instructions on submitting the required documents.
Electronic transcripts should be sent to:
Or by mail:
Admissions Office
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
One University Blvd.
St. Augustine, FL 32086
OTCAS application:
You will fill out and submit your application to the OT programs on OTCAS. Refer to OTCAS for directions about which documents you need to include with your application. Once your application is verified, our enrollment advisors can access all documents from OTCAS.
Please note that you can only apply to one program/format and start date; see above.
Which schools, colleges and universities do I need to provide official transcripts from?
Official transcripts from all the undergraduate, graduate and professional institutions you’ve attended must be submitted via the USAHS online application or through OTCAS. This includes transfer credits and credits from international schools.
How long does the statement of purpose need to be, and what needs to be included?
The statement of purpose should be 600–1200 words. You should explain why you wish to pursue occupational therapy as a career and what attracts you to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
If you are completing your application through OTCAS, follow the instructions in OTCAS to complete your statement of purpose. If you choose this route, you may also choose to complete an optional USAHS-specific statement of purpose.
Where do I send my GRE scores?
The GRE is no longer required for our occupational therapy programs.
How do I submit my TOEFL scores, if required?
International students can submit their TOEFL scores with their application; refer to instructions on OTCAS. Our institutional code is 0283.
Hearing Back
How will I know whether the Admissions Office has received my application documents?
USAHS online application:
While submitting application documents, you will be able to monitor what we have received in your application portal. After completing your application, you should receive an email from your enrollment advisor to schedule an application review phone call. If you feel your application is complete, but you have not received an email, contact your enrollment advisor or email [email protected].
OTCAS application:
Once we receive your verified OTCAS application, an enrollment advisor will reach out to you. Together, we will review your application in its entirety and go over any other start date or campus options available to you.* If we have any recommendations to help you submit a more competitive application, we will offer those as well.
Note that after we receive your application, it can take our enrollment team up to 4 weeks to reach out. If more than 4 weeks have passed and you have not received an email or call from USAHS, contact your enrollment advisor or email [email protected].
If I apply for admission early, will I be considered earlier?
Yes. We encourage all applicants to submit their application as early as possible; this will allow for timely processing and an earlier decision.
Are interviews required?
The USAHS OT programs no longer require interviews for admissions. You are now required to complete five supplemental questions that will help us learn more about you.
Once I submit my application, how long will it take to receive a decision?
Decisions may vary based on when you submit your application. Typically, it takes 3–4 weeks to receive a decision. During your application review, your enrollment advisor can give you an updated timeframe based on your program, campus and start date.
*Not all formats (i.e., Residential/Flex) may be offered on each campus. Please check the website for the most up-to-date information.
MS-SLP Admissions Questions
Applying to the Program
Where can I find the application deadlines?
Application deadlines are located on the USAHS website (usa.edu), in the “Admissions and Aid” section. Or, for easy access, click here.
Can I apply to more than one campus?
On your CSDCAS application, you will indicate if you’re interested in our Austin or Dallas campus. You will also have a third option to indicate that you would be open to attending either campus and don’t have a preference.
Can I apply prior to the conferral of my bachelor’s degree?
Yes. You may apply while completing the last year of your bachelor’s program. Note that your degree must be completed and conferred prior to the start of classes at USAHS. Keep in mind that you must provide official transcripts for all prerequisite courses and/or degrees before the start of the program.
Will I need to complete any prerequisite coursework before starting this program?
For information about program prerequisites, see the MS-SLP Admissions Requirements page.
Can I apply with certain requirements in progress?
- You may apply with up to three prerequisite courses in progress. Ideally, those will be completed prior to the start of classes. However, if the MS-SLP program director provides advance written approval, newly admitted students may matriculate/enroll with up to two eligible prerequisite courses. You can enroll with up to two preapproved eligible prerequisite courses pending (i.e., ASHA basic courses, the leveling course Introduction to Audiology and the leveling course Aural Rehabilitation). Written approval is required from the MS-SLP program director prior to enrollment. Successful completion of the prerequisite courses with a “C” or better is a condition to continued enrollment in the MS-SLP program beyond the end of the second term.
- Under certain conditions, an applicant may move forward for interviews with zero observation hours completed. We recommend that prospective students contact their enrollment advisors for further details.
How do I apply for financial aid?
USAHS financial aid advisors are available to speak to candidates about general information. Once admitted, students have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a financial aid advisor to finalize a payment plan.
Submitting Documents and Test Scores
Where do I submit my application documents?
You will fill out and submit your application to the MS-SLP program on CSDCAS. Refer to CSDCAS for directions about which documents you need to include with your application. Once your application is verified, our enrollment advisors can access all documents from CSDCAS.
I thought this was an online program. Why do I need to choose a campus?
The MS-SLP program is mostly online, but students meet for in-person residencies on our campuses in Austin and Dallas. You can specify which campus you are interested in or select a third option indicating that you are open to either campus.
Which schools, colleges and universities do I need to provide official transcripts from?
Official transcripts from all the undergraduate, graduate and professional institutions you’ve attended must be submitted to CSDCAS. This includes transfer credits and credits from international schools.
How do I submit my GRE scores?
The GRE is no longer required for our MS-SLP program.
How do I submit my TOEFL scores, if required?
International students can submit their TOEFL scores with their application; refer to instructions on CSDCAS. Our institutional code is 0283.
Hearing Back
How will I know whether the Admissions Office has received all my application documents?
Once we receive your verified CSDCAS application, an enrollment advisor will reach out to you. Together, we will review your application in its entirety and go over any other start date or campus options available to you.* If we have recommendations that could help you submit a more competitive application, we will offer those as well.
Note that after we receive your application, it can take our enrollment team up to 4 weeks to reach out. If more than 4 weeks have passed and you have not received an email or call from USAHS, please contact your enrollment advisor or email [email protected].
Once I submit my application, how long will it take to hear about interviews?
After your enrollment advisor submits your application to our Admissions team, you should expect a decision within 3–4 weeks. Decisions will include either an invitation to interview for the MS-SLP program or a notice that your application has not been chosen to move forward at this time.
*Not all start dates may be offered on each campus. Please check the website for the most up-to-date information.
