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

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