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 in Education Leadership & Administration, University of Phoenix
Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education, University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Simon Fraser University
Research Interests
Developing Critical Thinking in Doctoral Learners
Assessment in Higher Education
Instructional Strategies and Healthcare
Faculty Perceptions of Higher Education
Faculty Development in Higher Education
Technology in Healthcare Education
Dr. Sunddip Aguilar is the Program Director for the Doctorate of Education program in the College of Health Sciences. Prior to working at the University of St. Augustine, she has been in the field of education for over 17 years. She started her career teaching students in middle school, high school, and online before shifting to teaching in postsecondary education. In addition to working in education, she has been nominated to serve on several boards of directors to help organizations make positive changes in meeting their mission, vision, and goals. She was the recipient of Faculty of the Year in 2017.
As an educational consultant and workshop presenter, she has developed undergraduate and graduate curricula in the United States, Canada, Africa, and the United Kingdom, as well as facilitated faculty training sessions in The United Kingdom, China, India, and Canada. She is the author of the book Teacher Survival Skills: An Action Plan for Successful Teaching and has published in several peer-reviewed journals, including: Research in Higher Education, American International Journal of Contemporary Education, Journal of Education and Social Policy, and Athletic Training Journal. She currently serves as a reviewer for higher education journals and is currently leading the curriculum committee for the College of Health Sciences.
