• 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
      • 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

    June 2022 Leave a Comment

    Is DPT Worth It?

    Is DPT Worth It?

    Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Worth It? If you’re dreaming about helping patients restore their mobility and quality of life, and you’re exploring what it would take to become a physical therapist, you may be wondering, “Is a degree in physical therapy worth it?” The answer to this question depends, of course, on your personal career goals. Some people choose to become physical therapist assistants because only a two-year associate degree is required. It’s true that pursuing a doctorate takes time and effort; however, there are countless advantages to earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. To that end, let’s look at some of the factors that make a Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree the best first step on an exceptional career Read more

    Recent University News

    The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Pract … Video Included

    The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Pract …

    Students Explore the Emotional Aspect of Stuttering Video Included

    Students Explore the Emotional Aspect of Stuttering

    Searching for Equity: The Library’s LGBTQIA2+ Resources

    Searching for Equity: The Library’s LGBTQIA2+ Resources

    A Day in the Life of a Nurse Manager

    A Day in the Life of a Nurse Manager

    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
        • 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  >  Occupational Therapy OT  >  The OT Pinning Cerem…

      June 2022 Leave a Comment

      The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Practice

      At a key transition point in their studies, occupational therapy students across all USAHS campuses participate in a meaningful ritual, witnessed by family and friends. The OT pinning ceremony marks the end of the classroom portion of their studies and the beginning of their fieldwork. For Residential MOT and OTD students, this happens in their fourth term, and for Flex, in the seventh term.

      A longstanding tradition in OT practice, the pin celebrates the diversity of practice areas, the client-centered nature of our practice and the values of our profession.

      “It’s an opportunity for faculty to acknowledge our students’ transition from classroom learning to clinical learning,” says Mary Zadnik, ScD, MEd, OTR/L, director of the entry-level OT programs on the Austin campus.

      “We celebrate their success so far, and we offer our continued support.”

      A Rite of Passage

      Watch our OT students walk through the pinning ceremony—and to on to their fieldwork and beyond.

      Receiving Their Pins

      Our pinning ceremonies are held in venues off campus, attended by students’ family members and friends. Our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students participate together, walking on stage one-by-one to receive their pin.

      Dr. Zadnik says the pin symbolizes the fact that as you enter OT practice, you continue to carry with you the values and support of USAHS. It’s embossed with the University crest, which pictures:

      • An open book, representing academic knowledge and manifestation, supporting the University’s values of lifelong learning and innovation
      • A lighthouse, representing light, life and spirituality (our founding campus in Augustine, Florida, is located on a coastal inlet)
      • A graduation cap, which represents completing your studies and moving toward practice
      • The Vitruvian Man, a symbol of the art and practice of medicine

      pinning-graduation-USAHS-04

      “The pin represents that the students have the foundational skills and knowledge to be successful as they go forward into practice,” says Erin Schwier, OTD, EdD, OTR/L, director of the entry-level OT programs in San Marcos. “It also symbolizes that faculty members are still going to support our students, even if the students are out on clinical internships and away from the classroom.” During their fieldwork assignments, which range from pediatric OT to adult neurological settings, students stay in contact with faculty through email, text and Facetime, asking questions and getting support.

      Taking an Oath

      After they receive their pins, the students recite an oath pertaining to the practice of occupational therapy. This oath of ethical practice honors students’ commitment to the core OT values of altruism, equality, freedom, justice, dignity, truth and prudence.[1] It begins: “I will practice occupational therapy with compassion for the vulnerabilities in each of my patients, and I will work to preserve their dignity and promote their health and welfare.” The Oath serves as a guide to students’ decision making as they transition to clinical learning.

      “It’s a moment of excitement,” says Maureen Johnson, PhD, OT/L, an assistant professor of OT in San Marcos.

      “They’ll be working with real people in real situations and trying to make a difference in the world.”

      Hearing from Their Mentors

      After guiding students through the Oath, faculty offer words of wisdom and encouragement. “Therapy happens in the points of transition,” Dr. Zadnik tells the crowd. “We meet our clients at their most vulnerable states: At points in their lives of major change where they face an unknown future and unexpected outcome.” Students can help their clients find resiliency and optimism in the face of those challenges, she says.

      “This pinning ceremony marks a significant change and transition for you as students,” she continues. “And although change is hard, we believe that we have given you the skills and knowledge to meet your future challenges. It is through this celebratory ritual we would like to offer you our encouragement, belief and trust that you have that capability to continue to meet challenges without us present.”

      Celebrating Together

      At the reception that follows the ceremony, students enjoy food and drink and have their picture taken by a professional photographer. “Today was a huge milestone for us,” says Yanni, a fourth-term MOT student in San Marcos. “Now we can really go out there and refine our skills and really make a difference in people’s lives.”

      Dr. Schwier says, “You all have worked incredibly hard to get to this point. The hard work does not stop here. We have high expectations for you, but we also believe that each and every one of you is capable of making a tremendous difference in the lives of your future clients and within this profession.”

      “So, as you leave the comfort of the classroom for the challenges of clinical practice, remember to live in gratitude, embrace change as an opportunity, accept the challenges that lie ahead, and—celebrate often!”

       

      The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers hands-on Master of Occupational Therapy(MOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degrees. Join a collaborative cohort of peers who learn under the mentorship of expert faculty-practitioners. Practice with mock patients in our state-of-the-art simulation centers and learn anatomy with our high-tech tools. Prepare for clinical practice with patients across the lifespan. The OTD program includes a capstone project and additional coursework in practice leadership and policymaking. Residential (online coursework + in-person labs on weekdays) and Flex (online coursework + in-person labs on weekends)formats are available.

      The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree (MOT) programs on the San Marcos, California; St. Augustine and Miami, Florida; and Austin, Texas, campuses and the entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree (OTD) programs on 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 AOTA is 301-652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Visit USAHS MOT Accreditation and OTD Accreditation for more information.

      [1] AOTA, “AOTA 2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics,” The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2020, Vol. 74: https://research.aota.org/ajot/article/74/Supplement_3/7413410005p1/6691/AOTA-2020-Occupational-Therapy-Code-of-Ethics

       

       

      Blog Single Post: Sidebar

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

      Latest Stories

      Is DPT Worth It?

      Physical Therapy PT

      Is DPT Worth It?

      The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Pract … Video Included

      Occupational Therapy OT, Main Feature

      The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Pract …

      Students Explore the Emotional Aspect of Stuttering Video Included

      Speech-Language Pathology SLP, Main Feature

      Students Explore the Emotional Aspect of Stuttering

      More Occupational Therapy OT

      doctor of physical therapy students

      Physical Therapy PT

      Is DPT Worth It?

      Video Included

      Occupational Therapy OT

      The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Practice

      Shayna, Colton, and their dog Zura Video Included

      Speech-Language Pathology SLP

      Students Explore the Emotional Aspect of Stuttering

      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