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
OTD, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
MOT, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
BS, University of Central Florida
Research Interests
Improving upper extremity functional use following CVA
Fall prevention in the community
Areas of Expertise
GeriatricsAging in PlaceStroke RehabilitationOrthopedic Evaluation of InjuryAdult Rehabilitation
Jessica Fagan OTD, OTR/L, graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with her Master of Occupational Therapy in 2013 and Doctor of Occupational Therapy in 2017. She is a licensed occupational therapist with experience in adult and geriatric rehabilitation. Dr. Fagan has worked with neurological injuries, geriatrics, adult rehabilitation and polytrauma. She has special interest in stroke rehabilitation and reducing falls in the community.
After graduation, Dr. Fagan moved home to Belleview, FL and worked primarily in subacute rehab where her interest in stroke rehab was enhanced. She later worked in acute care at a level 2 trauma hospital. This allowed for experience with a variety of diagnosis and experience in ICU/CVIVU. She also began practicing in home health, which began her interest in research with falls in the community and living in place.
Dr. Fagan remains active primarily in the home health setting. She recently completed the Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS) courses and anticipates starting a community fall prevention program in Belleview. She loves to learn and believes the most personal growth happens when doing things out of your comfort zone.
