The University of St. Augustine for
Health Sciences
St. Augustine, FL
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is excited to announce the establishment of
a formal 2-year training program for the orthopaedic physician's assistants (OPA). Through the combined efforts of the
American Society of Orthopaedic Physician's Assistants (ASOPA) members, the president of the University, Dr. Stanley Paris
and his staff, this program will come to fruition after more than 30 years of waiting for the reinstitution of an educational
program. The University has received approval from the State of Florida as well as their national accreditor, the Distance
Education and Training Council (DETC).
The two year program will
lead to a degree titled Master of Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant, preparing students as health professionals functioning
in the capacity of orthopaedic physician extenders. The graduates from this program will assist in patient management, fracture
immobilization, and perform as a surgical assistant in the operating room. During their training they will work closely with
orthopaedic physicians, their OPAs, and staff. Especially important will be the day to day interaction with patients.
This graduate program's curriculum will focus on evidence-based orthopaedic health
care with an emphasis on professionalism, health care team collaboration, and best practice across many types of orthopaedic
settings. The first year of study includes basic sciences, history of the OPA profession, and clinical management skills.
Later, courses in advanced surgical techniques, laboratory procedures, and practices essential to becoming an OPA will be
stressed. These courses will be delivered through both on-campus, hands-on experiences and weekly online content and interactions.
Students will participate in actual surgical procedures, perform office evaluations, and become familiar with the orthopaedic
setting.
At the completion of the first year, the students will attend
10-11 months of full-time clinical rotations, which will prepare them for the needed expertise in the following areas:
- Upper and lower extremity orthopaedic conditions and surgical procedures
- Spinal and neurological disorders
- Sports medicine
- Trauma
- Oncology
- Pediatric orthopaedics
- Rehabilitative management
Prior
to graduation each student will be required to present a comprehensive patient case study and pass an exit exam. The completion
of this program will prepare each student to successfully pass the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Physician's Assistants, (NBCOPA).
It is anticipated that
the targeted student for this program will consist of health care professionals in fields such as athletic training, physical
and occupational therapy, nursing, and sports medicine who desire a rewarding and promising career in orthopaedic patient
management. The curriculum and delivery methods are designed for those first entering the health care profession, as well
as those already within the health care field seeking to advance or change their careers. Admission requirements will include
a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 and a GRE score of 1000. In order to ensure that applicants
are familiar with the health sciences, a patient care experience with a minimum of 80 hours of interaction in health care,
and a minimum of 40 hours of direct observation or employment with an orthopaedic PA in an orthopaedic setting will be required.
Other course requirements will include biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, and social sciences.
The University of St. Augustine will begin accepting applications immediately for classes
beginning in May and September of 2011. More information concerning the application process will be available after January
2011 by visiting the University website: www.usa.edu or contacting the admissions office at 800-241-1027. E. David Risch, M.D., Orthopaedic
Surgeon will be the Medical Director, with further development of this program provided by Wanda Nitsch, PT, PhD, Dean of
First Professional Studies, Cindy Mathena, PhD, OTR/L, Dean of Post Professional Studies and a talented group of faculty.
The University of St. Augustine had its beginnings in 1966 when Stanley V. Paris, PT/PhD
began teaching continuing professional education courses to physical therapists. In 1979 the Institute of Graduate Health
Sciences was founded by Dr. Paris, and in 1991 it moved to its present location in St. Augustine, FL. The University has grown
substantially in size and stature by adding faculty, programs, and facilities to meet the growing needs of Allied Health Professionals
in this time of great change and challenge. Now the Orthopaedic Physician's Assistants Master's Degree will be added
to the already existing degrees offered in physical and occupational therapy.
The support and assistance from ASOPA and NBCOPA will be critical for the success of this new program. The University
of St. Augustine looks forward to a close relationship with both of these organizations during this time of exciting growth
and development of this OPA program.
For more information, please
visit or call:
The University of St. Augustine
www.usa.edu
Admissions: 800-241-1027
Frequently Asked Questions