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 Read more
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.
Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Walden University
Doctor of Physical Therapy, College of St. Scholastica
Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, McKenzie Institute International
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Queen’s University
Graduate Certificate, Medical Human Anatomy, University of Florida
Research Interests
Cognitive Structure and Knowledge Organization
Clinical Anatomy
Self-Care
BACKGROUND
Allan Besselink, PT, DPT, Dip. MDT, is a physical therapist and assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin.
Dr. Besselink is a graduate of Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. He has been in Austin, Texas, since 1990. During that time, he has developed a unique perspective on sport- and fitness-related injuries and primary prevention for both the recreational and elite athlete. He has coached a wide variety of athletes in events ranging from the 800 meters to 100-mile ultraruns and Ironman triathlons. He is the author of RunSmart: A Comprehensive Approach to Injury-Free Running.
Dr. Besselink is one of 400 practitioners internationally that have attained the Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy from the McKenzie Institute International in New Zealand, the highest level of training and achievement in the McKenzie Method. His clinical practice is one of the few in the world that specifically focuses on the application of MDT to a sports population.
Dr. Besselink has also had an active role as a consumer advocate. He has been actively involved in promoting legislation regarding Consumer Direct Access to Physical Therapy in the state of Texas, speaking to legislators and providing testimony in this role.
He is the lead lab instructor for both Gross Anatomy I and II. He is teaching Evidence-Informed Practice I and the Administration and Management course.