University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences: Graduate Programs, Campuses and Accreditation Guide

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a prominent graduate-level institution focused on health sciences education, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, clinical excellence, and interprofessional collaboration.

Founded in 1979 and renamed in 1997, USAHS has grown into a multi-campus university offering doctoral and master’s programs in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, speech-language pathology, and health administration. Accredited by leading bodies like WSCUC, CAPTE, and CCNE, the university serves around 5,000 students across campuses in Florida, Texas, and California, as well as through online platforms.

With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 and a diverse student body, USAHS prioritizes personalized education, clinical readiness, and global engagement. It also supports student success through advanced labs, wellness programs, career services, and a robust alumni network, preparing graduates for licensure and leadership in evolving healthcare settings.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences: A Deep Dive into Graduate Health Education

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) stands as a prominent institution dedicated to graduate-level education in various health sciences disciplines. Established in 1979 as the Institute of Physical Therapy by Stanley V. Paris, the institution officially became the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 1997. It has since grown into a multi-campus university with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, interprofessional collaboration, and preparing healthcare professionals for licensure and successful careers.

Institutional Overview and History

Founded with a vision to advance physical therapy education, USAHS began by offering a post-professional Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT) degree. Over the decades, it has expanded its program offerings to address a broader spectrum of healthcare needs. Key milestones in its history include:

1979: Founded as the Institute of Physical Therapy in Atlanta, Georgia.

1991: Relocated to St. Augustine, Florida.

1994: Commenced the first professional degree in physical therapy, the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT).

1996: Established the Institute of Occupational Therapy, offering a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree.

1997: Officially became the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

2002: The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program replaced the MPT as the entry-level degree.

2010: Received approval for the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degree.

2011: Expanded to Austin, Texas, opening a DPT program.

2015: Opened a campus in Miami, Florida, and launched the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Master of Health Science Athletic Training (MHScAT) degrees.

2018: Began offering the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program.

2024: Became part of Perdoceo Education Corporation.

Campuses

USAHS operates across multiple campuses, providing diverse learning environments in key destination cities:

• San Marcos, California
• St. Augustine, Florida (Headquarters)
• Miami, Florida
• Austin, Texas
• Dallas, Texas

In addition to on-campus programs, USAHS also offers master’s and doctoral programs online, often with optional in-person immersions.

Academic Programs

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences focuses exclusively on graduate-level health sciences education. Its programs are designed to equip students with the clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional competencies required for leadership and practice in various healthcare settings. Major program offerings include:

Doctoral Programs:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
• Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Master’s Programs:

• Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Master of Health Administration (MHA)
• Master of Health Science (MHS) – formerly Master of Health Science Athletic Training (MHScAT)

Post-Graduate Certificates:

• APRN Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
• Various Continuing Education Certifications

The university is known for its hands-on practice, utilizing state-of-the-art clinical simulation laboratories and integrating interprofessional collaboration into its curriculum.

Accreditation

USAHS holds several important accreditations, validating the quality of its institution and specific programs:

• Institutional Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Physical Therapy Programs: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• Occupational Therapy Programs: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
• Nursing Programs: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Speech-Language Pathology Programs: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA)
• Continuing Education Program: International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)

Student Body and Demographics

While specific real-time enrollment numbers fluctuate, recent data indicates a total enrollment of approximately 5,000 students across its campuses and online programs.

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 30%, making it accessible to many aspiring health professionals.
• Student-Faculty Ratio: Around 10:1, suggesting a personalized learning environment.
• International Students: Approximately 36, contributing to a diverse learning environment.

Enrolled Student Population by Race/Ethnicity (approximate percentages):

• White: 46%
• Hispanic or Latino: 19.2%
• Asian: 12.5%
• Black or African American: 11.6%
• Two or More Races: 2.8%
• American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.316%
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders: 0.168%

Faculty

USAHS faculty are described as dedicated educators, researchers, and practicing clinicians with specialized experience in their respective health sciences fields. They provide guidance, mentorship, and support to students for licensure and career readiness. The faculty directory lists a significant number of faculty members across various programs and campuses, for example:

• OT Programs: 101 faculty
• PT Programs: 119 faculty
• MS-SLP Program: 32 faculty
• Nursing Programs: 10 faculty

Tuition and Costs

Tuition and fees at USAHS vary by program and level.

• First-year graduate tuition fees: Range approximately from USD 21,555 to USD 40,809 (INR 18 L – 35 L).
• Additional Costs: Students should also consider living expenses such as room and board, food, utilities, and personal expenses. The cost of living in St. Augustine is considered moderate compared to larger cities.

Student Life and Resources

USAHS offers a range of resources and facilities to support student success and well-being:

• Libraries and Study Resources: Comprehensive library services, including physical and online libraries with 24/7 access to research tools and academic databases.
• Labs and Research Facilities: Physical therapy labs for student practice and state-of-the-art clinical simulation laboratories.
• Wellness Programs: Modern fitness centers on campus and a range of wellness programs.
• Student Groups and Organizations: Opportunities for student engagement.
• Career Services: An online job portal, and guidance for OPT and CPT for eligible international students. Visa and work authorization guidance is also provided.

Alumni Network

The USAHS Alumni Association boasts an international network of over 18,000 graduates. The association aims to provide opportunities for alumni engagement through:

• Continuing Professional Education (CPE) discounts and complimentary learning series.
• Networking and alumni chapter events.
• Career services access (Handshake virtual job board and career fairs).
• Perpetual email access.
• Clinical education partnerships.
• An alumni engagement program launched in 2021 to foster volunteerism, service, and partnership.

Research Initiatives

While specific large-scale research centers are not prominently detailed as they might be in a traditional research university, USAHS emphasizes its faculty’s role as practicing clinicians and educators, often engaged in research relevant to their fields. The focus is on innovative approaches to healthcare education and preparing practitioners for evidence-based practice. High pass rates for licensure exams in physical therapy and occupational therapy reflect the quality of education and preparation students receive.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences continues to be a significant player in graduate health sciences education, producing highly trained professionals to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.

FAQs about USAHS

What is the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS)?
USAHS is a private graduate-level university focused on health sciences education, offering master’s and doctoral programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, and more.

When was USAHS founded?
The university was originally founded in 1979 as the Institute of Physical Therapy and became the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 1997.

Where are USAHS campuses located?
USAHS has campuses in St. Augustine (Florida), Miami (Florida), Austin (Texas), Dallas (Texas), and San Marcos (California). It also offers online programs with optional in-person immersions.

Is USAHS accredited?
Yes, USAHS holds institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and its programs are accredited by bodies like CAPTE, ACOTE, CCNE, and CAA.

What programs does USAHS offer?
USAHS offers doctoral and master’s programs such as Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and more.

Are online programs available at USAHS?
Yes, many USAHS programs are offered online, some with optional or required in-person immersion experiences.

How many students attend USAHS?
The university has an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students across all campuses and online programs.

What is the acceptance rate at USAHS?
USAHS has an estimated acceptance rate of around 30%, making it moderately selective.

What is the student-faculty ratio at USAHS?
The student-faculty ratio is approximately 10:1, supporting a personalized and interactive learning environment.

What is the demographic breakdown of USAHS students?
Approximately 46% White, 19.2% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 11.6% Black or African American, with smaller percentages from other racial/ethnic groups.

Are international students accepted at USAHS?
Yes, about 36% of USAHS students are international, and the university provides support for visa and work authorization processes.

What is the tuition cost for USAHS programs?
First-year graduate tuition ranges from approximately USD 21,555 to USD 40,809, depending on the program.

What additional costs should students expect?
In addition to tuition, students should budget for housing, food, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses. Living costs vary by campus location.

Does USAHS offer career support?
Yes, USAHS provides career services including job boards, OPT/CPT guidance for international students, resume help, and virtual job fairs.

Are there student organizations and extracurricular activities?
Yes, USAHS hosts student groups, wellness programs, fitness centers, and community engagement activities to support student life.

Does USAHS support research?
While not a traditional research university, USAHS emphasizes evidence-based practice and supports faculty research in clinical education and healthcare innovation.

How is the USAHS alumni network structured?
The Alumni Association has over 18,000 members worldwide and offers continuing education discounts, networking events, career services, and volunteer opportunities.

What is the licensure exam pass rate for USAHS graduates?
USAHS graduates consistently achieve high pass rates on licensure exams for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health professions.

What are USAHS’s strengths as a health sciences university?
USAHS is known for hands-on learning, interprofessional collaboration, advanced simulation labs, flexible learning formats, and strong career preparation.

Who owns USAHS?
As of 2024, USAHS is part of Perdoceo Education Corporation.

What kind of faculty does USAHS employ?
USAHS faculty are experienced educators and practicing clinicians in their respective fields, offering mentorship and academic guidance to students.

Are continuing education courses available at USAHS?
Yes, USAHS offers various continuing education certifications and post-graduate nursing certificates for healthcare professionals.

What are clinical simulation labs like at USAHS?
The university features state-of-the-art simulation labs designed for hands-on training in realistic healthcare scenarios.

What is the main focus of education at USAHS?
The university focuses on preparing students for clinical excellence, licensure, and leadership in healthcare through experiential, interprofessional, and evidence-based learning.