University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
General Information
Overview
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a private graduate institution focused exclusively on health sciences education. Established to prepare highly skilled health care professionals, USAHS offers programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, speech-language pathology, and health administration. The university emphasizes immersive, clinically rich learning experiences, combining hands-on lab training with real-world clinical practice.
With campuses in San Marcos (California), St. Augustine and Miami (Florida), and Dallas and Austin (Texas), USAHS serves a geographically diverse student body and provides options for residential, hybrid, and flexible learning formats. Its educational model integrates problem-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential clinical education to prepare graduates for professional licensure and advanced practice. USAHS also maintains a commitment to social impact and ethical practice, highlighted by its B Corp certification, and continues to invest in modern facilities and technology to support innovation in health sciences education.
Contact Information
Address: 1 News Place, St. Augustine, Florida
Phone: 904‑826‑0084
Email: info@usa.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1979 |
| Motto / Mission | Development of professional health care practitioners through innovative, individualized, and quality education |
| Type | Private, graduate-level health sciences university |
| Campuses | San Marcos (CA), St. Augustine (FL), Miami (FL), Austin (TX), Dallas (TX) |
| Accreditation | WSCUC; CAPTE, ACOTE, CAA, CCNE |
| B Corp Certified | Yes |
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Rankings
| Level | Ranking / Status |
|---|---|
| National (U.S.) | Not broadly ranked due to specialized, graduate-only programs |
| Global | Not applicable in major comprehensive university rankings |
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech‑Language Pathology
- Nursing
- Health Administration
- Education in Health Sciences
Courses and Programs / Majors
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) — Residential, Flex, Hybrid Immersion
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) — Residential, Hybrid Immersion
- Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) — Residential, Hybrid Immersion, Flex
- Master of Science in Speech‑Language Pathology (MS‑SLP)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- Post‑Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Health Sciences
- Continuing Education and Certification Programs
Online Learning
USAHS offers hybrid and flexible learning formats where online coursework is combined with on-campus immersion sessions. Programs like the Flex DPT and Hybrid MOT allow students to complete lectures and assignments remotely while attending on-site labs or clinical intensives. This model accommodates working professionals and those who cannot relocate full-time while maintaining rigorous, hands-on training essential for clinical practice.
Average Test Scores
Admission is based on prior academic record and professional experience rather than standardized undergraduate tests. GRE requirements vary by program, and holistic criteria including GPA, letters of recommendation, and clinical exposure are emphasized in admissions decisions.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Retention and graduation statistics are not widely published; however, USAHS maintains high completion rates due to cohort-based scheduling, immersive formats, and strong student support services. The structure of clinical placements and dedicated mentorship fosters continuity and professional engagement, ensuring most students complete their programs successfully.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Undergraduate GPA is a primary consideration, with competitive applicants generally holding a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. SAT and ACT scores are not applicable as USAHS is a graduate-level institution.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Percentage / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 67% |
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Application Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with prerequisite coursework relevant to their program, such as biology or anatomy for therapy programs. Submission of official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a professional resume or CV, and a statement of purpose is typically required. Some programs also require clinical experience or shadowing. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency. Programs with hybrid or immersive formats require students to participate in on-campus sessions at designated intervals.
Application Process
- Select program and preferred campus/format
- Complete and submit graduate application
- Provide official academic transcripts
- Submit letters of recommendation and CV/resume
- Submit personal statement or statement of purpose
- Complete program-specific assessments or interviews
- Confirm enrollment and register for orientation
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Type of Date | Typical Timing / Notes |
|---|---|
| Fall Trimester Application Deadline | Late spring to early summer |
| Spring Trimester Application Deadline | Preceding fall |
| Orientation / Immersion Week | Prior to first trimester or immersion session |
Essay Prompt
Programs may require a personal statement reflecting motivations for entering the health profession, relevant experience, and long-term career goals. Some programs request additional statements tailored to the chosen learning format.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Scholarships
Financial aid options include University Foundation scholarships, grants, and external scholarships for specific professions. Federal and private student loans are also available to support tuition costs, with assistance provided through the financial aid office.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Approximate Annual Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|
| Graduate Programs | Around 28,433 USD per year |
| DPT Programs | Varies by campus and format; higher due to clinical components |
| Hybrid / Flex Formats | Costs vary based on credit hours and required on-site sessions |
Student Profile and Demographics of University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Student Demographics
The student body of approximately 4,748 is predominantly female (72%) with 28% male students. Age distribution skews toward adult learners over 25 years old, many with prior professional experience. Ethnic diversity includes roughly 2,182 White students, 912 Hispanic, 592 Asian, 552 Black or African American, and 133 identifying as two or more races.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Detailed data on low-income students and students with disabilities is limited. Financial support is generally available through scholarships, loans, and foundation programs. The university provides accommodations in line with professional graduate education standards, ensuring access to required coursework and clinical placements.
Student Body Numbers
| Category | Number / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~4,748 |
| Full-Time Students | ~4,423 |
| Part-Time Students | ~325 |
| Online-Only Students | ~590 |
University Diversity
USAHS demonstrates notable diversity in both demographics and professional experience. The ethnic mix, combined with an adult learner population and geographically dispersed online students, enriches collaborative learning and professional interactions. Students bring varied clinical and professional backgrounds, enhancing problem-solving and interdisciplinary discussions in classroom and clinical settings. Cohort-based programs promote teamwork and exposure to different perspectives, preparing graduates for practice in diverse healthcare environments and enhancing cultural competence essential for patient care.
Average Earnings
Graduates are well-positioned for high-demand health professions. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and nurses often secure competitive salaries in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and private practices. Many students enter with prior professional experience, accelerating career growth and income potential. Clinical expertise and licensure eligibility from USAHS programs support career advancement and long-term financial stability, with graduates often moving into specialized roles, leadership positions, and private practice, contributing to strong earning trajectories.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Faculty are experienced clinicians and educators, including licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals. Support staff includes lab coordinators, administrative personnel, student advisors, and clinical placement coordinators, ensuring a comprehensive learning environment.
Faculty Profiles and Expertise
Faculty bring extensive clinical experience, advanced degrees, specialty certifications, and research expertise. They guide students through simulation labs, anatomy dissection, and immersive clinical experiences. Faculty also supervise capstone projects, research, and fieldwork, fostering graduates who are clinically competent, research-informed, and professionally prepared.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Campuses provide modern facilities including simulation labs, anatomy labs, and learning studios. On-campus housing is not primary; students typically live in nearby apartments or rentals. Campus life emphasizes professional development, cohort-based collaboration, and immersive clinical experiences rather than traditional undergraduate social activities. Lounges and study areas support learning and group work.
Transportation
Transportation varies by campus. St. Augustine offers parking facilities for personal vehicles, and students in hybrid or flex programs travel for immersive sessions. On-campus mobility is straightforward, with close proximity between classrooms, labs, and clinical training areas. Students rely primarily on private transportation for commuting.