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
MS in Occupational Therapy, Florida International University
BS in Recreational Therapy, Florida International University
Research Interests
Neurological Rehabilitation
Assistive Technology
Kristian Llaca has been a practicing Occupational Therapist for 5 years working in different healthcare setting ranging from acute care, home health, inpatient rehab, and private practice. He graduated from Florida International University with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Since then, Professor Llaca has specialized in the adult neurological population while working at West Gables Rehab Hospital as an OT in the Inpatient rehab facility. Professor Llaca has also attained his ATP certification and is a Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist. Professor Llaca has taught at the University of St. Augustine for 2 years as a contributing faculty member and has recently transitioned to core faculty. His role at the University of St. Augustine includes lead instructor in several courses for both residential and flex programs as well as serving as a level 1 fieldwork preceptor. In addition to his duties at the University of St. Augustine, Professor Llaca has also developed several CEU courses focusing on the treatment of the neurological population and taught those courses at Select Medical divisional hospitals across the country.
