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 in Physical Therapy, Nova Southeastern University
MS, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Northeastern University
BS, Physical Therapy, New York University
BS Health Education, Springfield College
Research Interests
Fall Prevention
Geriatrics
Home Health Care
Hospice
Performance Improvement
Areas of Expertise
Geriatrics
BACKGROUND
Dr. Jackie Crossen-Sills is the Associate Dean of Physical Therapy and Academic Program Director/Professor of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) at the University of St. Augustine, in Saint Augustine, FL. Dr. Crossen-Sills earned a BS in Health Education from Springfield College, BS in physical therapy from New York University, a MS in physical therapy neurology from the Northeastern University, and a PhD in physical therapy at Nova Southeastern University. Her dissertation topic was, “Using the OASIS to Predict Risk of Falls in Older Adults”.
Dr. Crossen-Sills is an experienced physical therapist with more than 30 years of clinical, instructional and administrative experience. Her experience as a physical therapist clinician, clinical instructor, manager, and administrator is diverse providing care and services to all ages in the areas of acute, neurology, rehabilitation, home health and end of life services. Her research has been published in journals such as Home Health Care Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Clinics of North America.
Dr. Crossen-Sills has presented nationally on topics such as: Transforming Clinical Practice to Meet the Future, Integrative and Innovative Care for the Diabetic Patient on Telehealth, Implementing a Chronic Care Program Utilizing Self- Management, Evidence Based Principles and a Multidisciplinary Approach and Neurological Rehabilitation.
