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
PhD, University of Wales,
MSc Advanced Occupational Therapy, Plymouth University
Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Education, Glyndwr University
Diploma Occupational Therapy Liverpool Institute of Higher Education
Dr. Helen Carey joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in March 2020 from the United Kingdom. Dr.Carey qualified as an occupational therapist in 1990 and gained clinical experience in mental health and physical fields in a wide variety of settings. She built a special interest in neurology from 1993 and developed clinical services in acute, outpatient and community services. Latterly her clinical role has been with Reach Rehabilitation Services delivering case management rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injury.
Dr. Carey managed occupational therapy services in Chester, UK from 1996 and delivered a Therapy Director role. In 2006, she supported the establishment of new occupational therapy education at Glyndwr University, North Wales and became a lecturer practitioner eventually leading the occupational therapy service. The subject now delivers occupational therapy part-time and full-time program, physiotherapy and post-registration therapy masters delivery. Dr. Carey gained fellowship funding in 2012 to study the impact of increasing the level of doing for people with ALS and this became the focus of her PhD which she attained in 2017. Dr. Carey has devised the Model of Doing which embraces the delivery of occupational therapy in a rehabilitation context.
Dr. Carey is Chairperson of the North Wales Branch of Motor Neurone Disease Association and a supporter of the Florida Chapter of ALS. She has presented widely regarding the delivery of occupational therapy for people with ALS.
