• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • MyUSA
  • Library
  • USAHS Shop
  • Continuing Education
  • Request Information
  • Apply Now

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Clinical Excellence Through Graduate Education

Menu
  • Academics
    • DEGREE PROGRAMS ― Click here to browse all of our degree programs
    • College of Rehabilitative Sciences
      • Occupational Therapy Programs
        • Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
        • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
        • Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)
      • Physical Therapy Graduate Programs
        • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
        • Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT)
      • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP)
    • College of Health Sciences
      • Master of Health Administration (MHA)
      • Master of Health Science (MHS)
      • Doctor of Education (EdD)
      • School of Nursing
        • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
        • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
        • Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
      • Continuing Education
        • Clinical Orthopedic Residency
        • Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship
        • Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
        • Physical Therapy Online Courses for International Students
      Close
    • Admissions & Aid
      • Admissions & Aid

        USAHS focuses on providing the best and more appropriate academic and financial aid counseling throughout the admissions process. Whether applying to a first-professional, campus based program or a post-professional distance program, an assigned Enrollment Advisor is available to assist you from application to acceptance.

        Admissions & Aid Home
      • Application Deadlines | USAHS
      • Catalog/Handbook
      • Financial Aid
      • Academic Calendar
      • COVID-19 Information
      Close
    • About
      • General
        • History
        • Accreditation
        • B Corp Certified
        • Student Achievement Data
        • Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
        • News
        • Diversity and Inclusion
        • Partnerships
      • People
        • Alumni
        • Leadership
        • Board of Directors
        • Careers
        • Student Ambassador Program
        • Our Faculty
        • Contact Us
      • Campuses
        • San Marcos, CA
        • St. Augustine, Florida
        • Miami, FL
        • Austin, Texas
        • Dallas, Texas
      • Campuses and Locations
      • Admission Questions? Get In Touch
      Close
    • Events
    • MyUSA
    • USAHS Shop
    • Continuing Education
    • Blog

    May 2022 Leave a Comment

    A Day in the Life of a Nurse Manager

    A Day in the Life of a Nurse Manager

      As we celebrate Nurses Month, we at USAHS wanted to get a sense of what a typical workday is like for a nurse manager. We asked alum Ahnnya Slaughter, DNP, to tell us all about a day in her life. Dr. Slaughter graduated in 2021 from USAHS’ Doctor of Nursing Practice program, the Nurse Executive role specialty. Coming from a military family, she began working at a VA hospital in the Los Angeles area 30 years ago as a critical care RN. “Veterans deserve the best care,” she says. “My calling wasn’t to be in the military. This is my way of being able to serve the country.” Over the years, she worked her way up, through positions such as informatics specialist, deputy nurse executive, and director of clinical staff development. She began Read more

    Recent University News

    OT Student Teaches 3D Printing to Her Peers Through TikTok Video Included

    OT Student Teaches 3D Printing to Her Peers Through TikTok

    What Salary Range Can I Expect With My Doctor of Occupational The …

    What Salary Range Can I Expect With My Doctor of Occupational The …

    Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy

    Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy

    Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?

    Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?

    More Like This

    • USAHS
    • All stories
    • Videos
    Home of USA.edu - Health Sciences
    Menu
    • Academics
      • DEGREE PROGRAMS ― Click here to browse all of our degree programs
      • College of Rehabilitative Sciences
        • Occupational Therapy Programs
          • Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
          • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
          • Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)
        • Physical Therapy Graduate Programs
          • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
          • Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT)
        • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP)
      • College of Health Sciences
        • Master of Health Administration (MHA)
        • Master of Health Science (MHS)
        • Doctor of Education (EdD)
        • School of Nursing
          • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
          • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
          • Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
        • Continuing Education
          • Clinical Orthopedic Residency
          • Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship
          • Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
          • Physical Therapy Online Courses for International Students
        Close
      • Admissions & Aid
        • Admissions & Aid

          USAHS focuses on providing the best and more appropriate academic and financial aid counseling throughout the admissions process. Whether applying to a first-professional, campus based program or a post-professional distance program, an assigned Enrollment Advisor is available to assist you from application to acceptance.

          Admissions & Aid Home
        • Application Deadlines | USAHS
        • Catalog/Handbook
        • Financial Aid
        • Academic Calendar
        • COVID-19 Information
        Close
      • About
        • General
          • History
          • Accreditation
          • B Corp Certified
          • Student Achievement Data
          • Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
          • News
          • Diversity and Inclusion
          • Partnerships
        • People
          • Alumni
          • Leadership
          • Board of Directors
          • Careers
          • Student Ambassador Program
          • Our Faculty
          • Contact Us
        • Campuses
          • San Marcos, CA
          • St. Augustine, Florida
          • Miami, FL
          • Austin, Texas
          • Dallas, Texas
        • Campuses and Locations
        • Admission Questions? Get In Touch
        Close
      • Events
      • MyUSA
      • USAHS Shop
      • Continuing Education
      • Blog
      • Request Information
      • Apply Now
      Categories
      Close
      • Physical Therapy PT
      • Occupational Therapy OT
      • Speech-Language Pathology SLP
      • Nursing MSN & DNP
      • Health Administration MHA
      • Editorial
      • News
      COVID-19 Updates
      Blog home  >  Editorial  >  Applying to USAHS: S…

      March 2022 Leave a Comment

      Applying to USAHS: Setting Yourself Up for Success

      usahs-application

      Graduate school is competitive. How can you make sure your application stands out from the rest?

      We spoke to enrollment advisors (EAs) for our entry-level degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. They offered tips for how prospective students can navigate the application process and set themselves up for success.

      A Customized Journey

      Rebecca Thomason, EA, MS-SLP program
      Rebecca Thomason, EA, MS-SLP program

      Rebecca Thomason, an EA dedicated to our Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program, says that the application process is customized for each person. “We meet with the prospective student early in the process, and we take the time to understand their current and future goals,” she says. “We begin with the end in mind and work backwards to establish a timeline for progressing to each next step on the application journey and completing any missing requirements within the due dates. We’re a resource to assist students submit a competitive application.”

      For step-by-step instructions on applying to the program of your choice, check out our new How to Apply hub.

      Preparing to Apply: Best Practices

      Brianna Woods, EA, DPT program
      Brianna Woods, EA, DPT program

      Brianna Woods is an enrollment advisor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program on our San Marcos campus. “It’s great when students connect with us early in the process,” she says. “If we meet them when they’re still in undergrad—such as at a career fair—we can help them choose the right courses that will help with prerequisites.” She adds that it helps to earn your bachelor’s degree in a health sciences field so you can get a jump-start on your application timeline. Early in the process, she says, prospective students should focus on the following:

      1. Completing all needed prerequisites during undergrad.
      2. Keeping their grade point average (GPA) above 3.0, especially in prerequisite courses. (If needed, you may be able to raise your GPA by retaking one or more courses. USAHS will use the higher of the two grades.)
      3. Prepping for the GRE. PT applicants should aim for a 294 combined GRE score. Note that the GRE requirement is waived for our OT programs and is waived for the MS-SLP program in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.
      4. Completing clinical observation hours as needed. (For OT applicants, starting in Fall 2022, clinical observation hours will no longer be required. However, they are strongly encouraged.)
      5. Lining up professional/academic contacts who are willing to write recommendation letters.

      MS-SLP candidates who are entering speech from another field can take one or more of our MS-SLP leveling courses to earn the necessary prerequisites. Our EAs work with SLP applicants to create a customized, detailed plan for completing leveling courses before applying to graduate school.

      Doing Your Homework

      It’s a good idea to thoroughly research each school and program you want to apply to. This will help you ask the right questions of your enrollment advisor and put your effort into the programs that are the best fit for you.

      1. Explore the USAHS website and blog.
      2. Learn more about USAHS and the program of your choice by attending a webinar, virtual tour, or (best yet) an on-campus tour.
      3. Be sure you meet your program’s application requirements. Check out the requirements for your program of choice.
      4. Connect with an EA to strategize how to fill in any gaps. Admissions staff look at your whole application and handle situations on a case-by-case basis.
      5. Research how to apply through the Common Application System (CAS) that serves your program of interest (PTCAS, OTCAS, or CSDCAS). OT applicants may alternatively apply directly through USAHS’ online application.

      Gathering the Documents

      Woods says that once the prospective student is ready to meet with an EA, “then the conversation is about how the elements look and what they still need. There are many moving pieces, and the process is different for everyone.” This stage of the process involves:

      1. Gathering all the documents you need to apply: GRE score (if applicable), transcripts (showing all prerequisites needed), two letters of recommendation, résumé, and statement of purpose or writing sample. (See below for more about these.)
      2. Meeting with an EA to review the application components and any remaining items your application may need. Together, you will set goals and dates for completion. You will also discuss your needs—what you’re looking for in a program, what other schools you’re looking at and why, etc.
      3. Making sure you stay on top of all the due dates for submitting your application.

      Statement of Purpose/Writing Sample: Best Practices

      The statement of purpose/writing sample is a key element of every application. It’s a platform for you to share who you are and what brought you on your journey. Rather than just submitting a “form” statement, Woods advises, “Show that you know our program—and tell us why you’re interested in USAHS. This is a platform for you to share who you are, what sparked your interest in PT, any experiences you are drawing from, and what you are hoping to accomplish as a licensed clinician.”

      Emma Roberts, EA, OT program
      Emma Roberts, EA, OT program

      “It’s about your unique story and journey,” says Emma Roberts, enrollment advisor for our occupational therapy programs on the Dallas campus. She says that for OT candidates, it’s important to show why USAHS is a good fit and pinpoint specific experiences that inspired you to choose OT as your path. Along with the statement of purpose, the application for the MOT and OTD programs also include five supplemental questions. And beginning in Fall 2022, students applying to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program will complete an additional OTD-specific essay.

      The Interview: Best Practices

      The Admissions interview is held virtually, in a small group including two to three students. Roberts offers the following tips on the interview, based on prep sessions that she hosts. (Note that interviews are part of the admissions process for the PT and SLP programs, but will no longer be part of the OT application process as of Fall 2022.)

      • Before the interview, double-check that your technology (audio, camera, Internet connection) is working well.
      • Dress professionally.
      • Come with questions; this shows you’re invested and engaged.
      • Demonstrate good communication skills: listen to others and speak confidently when it’s your turn.
      • Show how you will be a collaborative, team-oriented student in the classroom and colleague in the field.
      • Highlight your time management skills and leadership abilities.

      A Personalized, Rewarding Process

      While other schools may not respond to every applicant, USAHS completes a personal review with the student of every application we receive. “We’re here for applicants every step of the way,” Woods says. “Reach out to us at any point in the process so we can steer you in the right direction.”

      When asked what she finds most rewarding about her role as an EA, Roberts says, “When you work with an applicant for months and they’re not very competitive at first, but you help them get their GPA higher and get more shadowing experience—that’s what I love. You’re watching the journey from start to finish, and then you get to be the person who called them to congratulate them and see their excitement that their hard work has paid off!”

       

      Blog Single Post: Sidebar

      Want to learn more?
      Contact an enrollment advisor.
      Request Information

      Latest Stories

      A Day in the Life of a Nurse Manager

      Editorial, Nursing MSN & DNP, Main Feature

      A Day in the Life of a Nurse Manager

      OT Student Teaches 3D Printing to Her Peers Through TikTok Video Included

      Occupational Therapy OT, Main Feature

      OT Student Teaches 3D Printing to Her Peers Through TikTok

      What Salary Range Can I Expect With My Doctor of Occupational The …

      Occupational Therapy OT

      What Salary Range Can I Expect With My Doctor of Occupational The …

      More Editorial

      USAHS-nurse-manager-hero

      Nursing MSN & DNP

      A Day in the Life of a Nurse Manager

      tik-tok-3d-printing Video Included

      Occupational Therapy OT

      OT Student Teaches 3D Printing to Her Peers Through TikTok

      Occupational Therapy

      Occupational Therapy OT

      What Salary Range Can I Expect With My Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree?

      Footer

      • Schedule a Tour
      • Apply for Admission
      • Upcoming Events
      • News
      • Financial Aid
      • Faculty Directory
      • Social Media Guidelines
      • Library
      • Continuing Education
      • Careers @ USA
      • MyUSA
      • Webmail
      • Catalog/Handbook
      • Media Resources
      • Legal and Consumer Disclosures
      • State Licensure

      University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Instagram
      • YouTube
      • Linkedin

      San Marcos, CA Campus
      700 Windy Point Drive
      San Marcos, CA 92069

      St. Augustine, FL Campus
      1 University Boulevard
      St. Augustine, FL 32086

      Miami, FL Campus
      Douglas Entrance North Tower
      800 S. Douglas Road, Suite 149
      Coral Gables, FL 33134

      Austin, TX Campus
      5401 La Crosse Ave
      Austin, TX 78739

      Dallas, TX Campus
      5010 Riverside Drive, Suite 120
      Irving, TX 75039

      General Inquiries: (904) 826-0084
      Media Inquiries: (760) 407-2301
      Fax: (904) 826-0085
      Registrations: (800) 241-1027

       

       

      Copyright © 2022 Legal & Consumer Disclosure  •  Title IX / Safety & Security  •  Privacy Policy  •  Program Data  •  Accreditation  •  Contact

      Request For Information

      • The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also available at our Miami, FL, Austin, TX and San Marcos, CA campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also available at our Austin, TX, Miami, FL and St. Augustine, FL campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also available at our Miami, FL, St. Augustine, FL and San Marcos, CA campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also available at our Austin, TX, Miami, FL, St. Augustine, FL and San Marcos, CA campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also available at our Austin, TX, St. Augustine, FL and San Marcos, CA campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also available at our Miami, FL, Austin, TX and San Marcos, CA campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also available at our Austin, TX, Miami, FL and St. Augustine, FL campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also available at our Miami, FL, San Marcos, CA and St. Augustine, FL campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also available at our San Marcos, CA, Austin, TX and St. Augustine, FL campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Flex Master of Occupational Therapy program is also available at our Austin, TX and Miami, FL campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to being considered for additional campuses.
      • The Flex Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also available at our Miami, FL and St. Augustine campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to being considered for additional campuses.
      • Hidden
      • Hidden
      • Hidden
        The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also offered in a convenient Flex format (Online + Weekend Labs on campus). Check here if you're interested in hearing more about the Flex MOT currently offered in Miami, Austin and St. Augustine.
        The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also offered in a convenient Flex format (Online + Weekend Labs on campus). Check here if you're interested in hearing more about the Flex DPT currently offered in Austin, San Marcos and St. Augustine.
        By clicking the checkbox, I provide my express written consent for University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences to contact me via email, text, telephone, and prerecorded message regarding furthering my education. I understand that calls may be generated using automated technology. You may opt-out at any time. Please view our Privacy policy or Contact Us for more details.