By Carol Newman
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in Miami combines advanced technology with hands-on learning in clinical settings to prepare physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) students for future success in professions increasingly reliant on technology. One of a handful of universities in the country dedicated to graduate studies in rehabilitative sciences, USAHS regularly leverages the latest technology and emerging trends for students in the classroom and simulated patient settings.
“The future of physical therapy and occupational therapy integrates technology with direct patient care. We want students to appreciate the many ways they can influence patient outcomes,” says Miami-based Vivian Sanchez, Chancellor of USAHS, a national institution with five campuses including one in Miami. USAHS also has a track record of innovative formats that include full-time studies as well as hybrid options that blend online learning with in-person lab work. The Miami campus offers hybrid and in-person degree programs for physical therapy and occupational therapy.
This innovation extends to ensuring that students, regardless of their program format, receive the engaging experience that has become emblematic of a USAHS Miami education. One such technology that has facilitated hybrid and remote learning is the eGlass. Although the eGlass is used to teach and not directly serve patients, it has been welcomed at a campus that promotes flexible program options.
A transparent lightboard with a built-in camera, eGlass allows students to simultaneously view their professor’s screen overlaying the live image of the instructor speaking. This unique feature enables professors to maintain eye contact while teaching and allows students to ensure their questions are addressed effectively. EGlass is especially beneficial for students enrolled in the university’s flexible study formats designed for those who cannot attend in-person full time.
Faculty report that eGlass is a “game-changer” because they can maintain direct eye contact with students while they follow along with what the professor is sharing on the screen. Another standout feature of the Miami campus is its inpatient simulation hospital unit, where students gain hands-on experience in a controlled, realistic environment. This unit, along with robotics, driving simulators, and other advanced technologies, is used in combination to prepare students for the intricacies of caring for patients of various abilities.
Take Microsoft HoloLens and Virtual Reality (VR), which are also at the forefront of defining the educational experience at USAHS Miami. Students use the Microsoft HoloLens to delve deeper into the intricacies of human anatomy in the cadaver lab. By augmenting reality, the HoloLens enables students to virtually dissect and visualize the interaction of various musculoskeletal systems, enhancing their ability to make accurate diagnoses and achieve successful treatment outcomes.
Through Virtual Reality (VR), students can experience a patient’s environment and understand their physical challenges firsthand. This immersive experience is vital for developing empathy and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s needs. VR applications also extend to simulations that teach students how to maneuver around a patient’s bed using a two-way robot, which can deftly navigate the tight spaces of a hospital room. This enhances students’ ability to provide care in a realistic setting. Additionally, 3D printing technology is integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to create and manipulate models of complex anatomical structures.
“Innovation isn’t only technology, and not all technologies are innovative,” says Maria Puzziferro, PhD, Associate Chief Academic Officer and Vice President, Teaching, Learning and Innovation. “To us, innovation is the process of developing approaches that make education more accessible, maximize learning, and prepare students to meet society’s evolving healthcare needs.”
Located inside the historic Douglas Entrance, USAHS Miami has undergone a multi-million-dollar transformation into a state-of-the-art educational hub. This 10,000-square-foot facility is designed to serve over 600 students, focusing exclusively on rehabilitative health. USAHS Miami is currently receiving applications for the January 2025 term.
For more information, visit www.usahs.edu.
