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
DPT, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
BS in Kinesiology, Stephen F. Austin State University
Research Interests
Orthopedics
Pain Science
Learning Theory
Areas of Expertise
OrthopedicsPain Science
Dr. Peyton Sykes graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2009. In 2014, he earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, Texas. He has worked primarily in the Austin community as an outpatient orthopedic clinician, although he spent 2017-2018 gaining experience in various acute care hospitals as a travel physical therapist. He completed an orthopedic residency through Evidence in Motion in December of 2016, and in June of 2018, he became a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). He became a full-time Core Faculty Instructor for the Flex DPT Program in April of 2018. In August of 2019, he began his pursuit of a Doctor of Education with an emphasis in Learning Theory and Organizational Change at Baylor University. His passions for learning include exploring the physical therapy student learning experience, curriculum design and implementation, and the science of pain. Peyton also enjoys creating and experiencing live music, traveling, outdoor activities, and physical fitness.
