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
Doctor of Education (Ed. D), Educational Leadership, Fielding Graduate University
Certificate of Concentration in Community College Leadership, Fielding Graduate University
Masters Business Administration, California State University, Sacramento, CA
Bachelor Science Business, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Research Interests
Public college funding models and student success
Effective Revenue Cycle Management
Affordable Healthcare Act and pharmaceutical costs
Areas of Expertise
Finance & AccountingExcel
Dr. Rachelle Agatha currently teaches finance courses in the Master of Health Administration (MHA) Program where she developed the Finance and Economics and Revenue Cycle Management courses.
Rachelle has a broad blend of operational and financial leadership experience from both the private and public sectors in several very complex organizations and industries. She holds a Certified Public Accountant’s license in the state of Tennessee and California. She is a member of several organizations including: the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA); the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CSCPA); the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA); Rotary of Nashville TN; Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA); and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). She has also served as an External Team Evaluator for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Rachelle is currently the President of Brightwood College in Nashville, TN, a college serving the growing Nashville community in allied health and other workforce development programs. Prior to becoming the College President at Brightwood College, Rachelle held other key leadership positions in California higher education including the Vice President of Administrative Services with San Diego Mesa College in California serving over 25,000 students in a very diverse community focusing on equity and inclusion for all students. She also held the role of Chief Financial Officer/Corporate Vice President of the University of St. Augustine for
Health Sciences. She also served as a Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller for hospitals and large healthcare organizations in California. Rachelle has over 25 years of experience teaching in several colleges and universities in a traditional classroom setting and distance education.
Rachelle has a passion for higher education and makes it a priority to find creative and innovative ways to enhance the student experience and positively impact student success.
