John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences

The Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), in collaboration with the National Athletic Trainers Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. During its most recent evaluation, the program received the maximum award of continuing accreditation. The program's most recent comprehensive review by CAATE occurred during the 2016-2017 academic year when it was found to be in full compliance with all CAATE standards and was awarded the maximum 10 years of continuing accreditation.

The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) is a discipline-specific professional accrediting agency that sets standards for health administration degrees. The CAHME offers voluntary accreditation to public health, medical, and business schools that offer graduate programs for preparing healthcare administrators. Duquesne University MHA program obtained CAHME candidacy status in spring 2021, which means that Duquesne University MHA program was favorably reviewed by the CAHME Board for meeting the key criteria established for excellent healthcare management education. Duquesne University MHA program is expecting to obtain final CAHME accreditation by the end of 2022.

The Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) is a global network of colleges, universities, faculty, individuals and organizations dedicated to the improvement of health and healthcare delivery through excellence in healthcare management and policy education. AUPHA Certified Undergraduate program members are recognized for having withstood the rigors of peer review in which curricula, faculty, and educational outcomes are critically examined by peer review. Duquesne University B.S. in Health Administration program will be reviewed for AUPHA certification during the 2023-2024 cycle.

ACOTE accredited our MSOT program for the maximum re-accreditation period on August 5, 2016 and our OTD program for the maximum re-accreditation period on December 1, 2023. Information regarding the accreditation of Duquesne University's OT programs can be obtained by contacting the American Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).Duquesne University's occupational therapy programs have consistently received accreditation for the maximum time periods. Information regarding the accreditation of this program can be obtained through the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510 E, Bethesda, MD 20814.. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA is (301)-652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Duquesne University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation on Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone: (703) 706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. The program was initially accredited on May 12, 1993 and re-accredited in 2008 and 2018. On March 6, 2001, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education granted approval to Duquesne University for a program in physical therapy leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The program is scheduled for its next comprehensive review by CAPTE in Fall 2027.

In October 2021, the ARC-PA  granted Accreditation- Continued status to the Duquesne University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Duquesne University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. The full accreditation history for the program can be found on the ARC-PA website.

The Master of Science (M.S.) program in speech-language pathology at Duquesne University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850; phone: (800)-498-2071 or (301)-296-5700. The speech-language pathology program received initial accreditation on August 1, 2002. An eight-year re-accreditation, the maximum time frame, was awarded on August 1, 2007, and again on August 1, 2015. The program is scheduled for its next comprehensive review by the CAA in the 2022-2023 Academic Year.

On November 1, 1999, the Pennsylvania Department of Education initially approved the speech-language pathology teacher certification program at Duquesne University. Final approval was received on October 29, 2002, and approval was most recently renewed in the Spring of 2017.

Fevzi Akinci, Ph.D., MHA
Dean

Amy Mattila, Ph.D., OTR/L
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Heather L. Rusiewicz, Ph.D., CCSLP
Associate Dean for Research

Michelle McCann, OTD
Assistant Dean for Community Engaged Learning and Service

Adriana M. Pearson, M.A.
Director of Business and Administration

Jeffrey M. Ptak, M.B.A
Director of Enrollment Management

Alia Pustorino, Ph.D.
Director, COMPASS Program

Urmi Ashar
Assistant Professor
Director of Public Health
Department of Health Administration and Public Health
MBBS, MD, University of Mumbai

Fevzi Akinci
Dean and Professor
Office of the Dean
BS, Hacettepe University
MHA., PhD, Saint Louis University

Brooke M. Baumann
Clinical Assistant Professor
Director, Clinical Education
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
BS, MSLP, Duquesne University

Erica Beidler
Associate Professor
Department of Athletic Training
BS, Mercyhurst University
MEd, University of Virginia
PhD, Michigan State University

Jeryl D. Benson
Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy
BS, MS, University of Pittsburgh
EdD, Duquesne University

Meghan G. Blaskowitz
Associate Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy
BS, MS, Duquesne University
DrPH, State University of New York at Albany

Anne M. Burrows
Professor
Anna Rangos Rizakus Endowed Chair
in Health Sciences and Ethics
Department of Physical Therapy
BS, MA, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
DPT, Slippery Rock University

Yang Chen
Associate Professor
Executive Director, Duquesne-China Health Institute
BSc, Nanjing University
MA, PhD, University of Connecticut

Theresa M. Crytzer
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
BA, Carlow University
DPT, Slippery Rock University
PhD, University of Pittsburgh

Kristin D'Acunto
Department Chair and Assistant Professor
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
BS, MPA, EdD, Duquesne University

Jessica Davis
Assistant Professor
Assistant Department Chair
Department of Physical Therapy
BS, MPT., Duquesne University
DPT, Chatham University

Elizabeth D. DeIuliis
Clinical Associate Professor
Assistant Department Chair
Department of Occupational Therapy
BS, MOT, Duquesne University
OTD, Chatham University

Abigail Delehanty
Assistant Professor
Assistant Department Chair
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
BS, MA, University of Texas at Austin
PhD, Florida State University

Justin S. DiSanti
Assistant Professor
Department of Health Sciences
BS, Penn State University
MS, Miami University
PhD, Michigan State University

Christy Dom
Assistant Professor
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
BS, MPA, Duquesne University

Elena Donoso Brown
Associate Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy
BS, MS, Duquesne University
PhD, University of Washington

David S. Ford
Assistant Professor
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
BS, MS, Duquesne University
PhD, Michigan State University

Courtney Hartman
Assistant Professor
Director of Clinical Education
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
BS, MS, University of Pittsburgh
MPAS, Chatham University

Kelley Henderson
Department Chair and Assistant Professor
Department of Athletic Training
Assistant Professor
BS, University of South Alabama
MSEd, Northwestern State University
EdD, Florida Gulf Coast University

Timothy L. Jackson
Medical Director
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
MD, Drexel College of Medicine

William C. Jones
Instructor
Department of Health Sciences
BA, Malone University
MS, Kent State University

Elvin Khanijahani
Assistant Professor
Department of Health Administration and Public Health
BS, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
MS, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
PhD, University of Central Florida

Joan M. Kiel
Professor
University Compliance Officer - HIPAA
Department of Health Administration and Public Health
BS, MSN, Duquesne University
MPA, MPhil, PhD, New York University

Benjamin R. Kivlan
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
BS,  Elon University
MPT, University of Pittsburgh
MS, PhD, Duquesne University

David Kleba
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
BS, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
MPT, DPT, Shenandoah University

Matthew Kostek
Associate Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
BS, Youngstown State University
MS, Ball State University
PhD, University of Maryland

Faina Linkov
Associate Professor
Department of Health Administration and Public Health
BS, MPH, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

Jordana Lockwich
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
BA, Washington & Jefferson University
DPT, University of Pittsburgh
PhD, University of Kentucky

Kristyn Lowery
Assistant Professor
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
BS, MPA, Duquesne University

Sarah Manspeaker
Associate Professor
Department of Athletic Training
BS, Duquesne University
MSEd, PhD, Old Dominion University

Gregory F. Marchetti
Professor
Assistant Department Chair
Department of Physical Therapy
BS, University of Maryland
MS, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

Lori J. Marra
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
BA, Duquesne University
MA, Kent State University

Retta Marie Martin
Assistant Professor
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Department of Occupational Therapy
BS, MS, University of Pittsburgh
EdD, Duquesne University

RobRoy L. Martin
Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
BS, State University of New York at Syracuse
PhD, University of Pittsburgh

Maria Matarazzo
Assistant Professor
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
BS, MS, St. Francis University
DMS, Lincoln Memorial University

Amy Mattila
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy
BS, BA, MS, Duquesne University
MBS, University of Phoenix
PhD, Robert Morris University

Rebecca Matvey
Assistant Professor
Assistant Director - Duquesne-China Health Institute
BS, DPT, Duquesne University

Michelle McCann
Assistant Dean for Community Engaged Learning and Service
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy
BS, University of Pittsburgh
OTD, Chatham University

Kelton Mehls
Assistant Professor
Department of Health Sciences
BS, Robert Morris University
MS, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
PhD, Middle Tennessee University

Katie Micco
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
BS, MS, Duquesne University

Allison A. Morgan
Assistant Professor
Academic Coordinator
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
BS, MPA, Duquesne University

Annette A. Neff
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
BA, University of Pittsburgh
MS, Pennsylvania State University

Afokoghene Okpozo
Assistant Professor
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
MBBS, University of Benin, Nigeria
PhD, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

Helena Pingree
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
BS, MPT, Duquesne University
DPT, Chatham University

Heather L. Rusiewicz
Associate Dean for Research
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
BA, MA, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

Jason S. Scibek
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Department of Health Administration and Public Health
BA, Gettysburg College
MA, University of North Carolina
PhD, University of Michigan

Panyiotta Senekkis-Florent
Assistant Professor
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
BA, Louisiana State University
MEd, Southern University
PhD, Trinity College Dublin

Joseph D. Shaffer
Assistant Professor
Clinical Coordinator
Department of Athletic Training
BS, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
MS, West Virginia University
PhD, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Ariel Shensa
Assistant Professor
Department of Health Administration and Public Health
BA, Chatham University
MA, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

Richard C. Simpson
Associate Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy
BS, Virginia Tech
MS, Bioengineering, MS, Computer Science, PhD., University of Michigan

Ashley E. Snopko
Assistant Professor
Director of Simulation
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
BS, MS, Seton Hill University

Susan E. Snyder
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
BA, MA, Michigan State University
AuD, Arizona School of Health Sciences

Caterina F. Staltari
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
BA, MA, University of Pittsburgh

Kasey Stepansky
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy
BS, MS, Duquesne University
CScD, University of Pittsburgh

Ann E. Stuart
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy
BS, St. Lawrence University
MS, Western Michigan University
OTD, Chatham University

Kimberly A. Szucs
Associate Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy
BS, MS, PhD, The Ohio State University

Seth E. Tichenor
Assistant Professor
Department of Speech-Language Pathology
AB, Wabash College
MS, University of Pittsburgh
PhD, Michigan State University

Dominic Violi
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
BS, University of Pittsburgh
DPT, Slippery Rock University

Adrian S. Wright-Fitzgerald
Assistant Professor
Department of Health Sciences
BS, Duquesne University
MS, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Science
DAT, Arizona School of Health Sciences

Pi Kappa Epsilon, a professional health science fraternity, was founded at Duquesne to promote scholarship, leadership, and fellowship. Students who exemplify these three tiers and who are willing to dedicate their time and energy to establish a reputable and exciting organization are invited to pledge.

DUSAT is a student-run University-wide professional association that is open to all students enrolled in the Department of Athletic Training and any other individuals who may be interested in the promotion and development of athletic trainers and the profession of athletic training. Activities of this association include guest speakers, trips to local sports medicine facilities and professional athletic associations, fund-raisers to gain money to attend professional meetings and serving as part of the medical teams for various special events. The association's advisors are Dr. Sarah Manspeaker and Dr. Erica Beidler.

Students automatically become members of the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society when they join the NATA. Student members receive discounted rates for the annual state convention and are eligible for state scholarship opportunities.

Students are strongly encouraged to join the National Athletic Trainers' Association as a student member before the junior year. In addition to the monthly news magazine, student members are eligible for NATA, EATA, and PATS scholarships, research funding, and discounted rates at the national convention and on the BOC examination. Further, by becoming members of the NATA, students automatically become members of the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association and Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society.

Student membership and participation in the field's professional associations are strongly encouraged. Early involvement will enhance the student's transition to professional practice upon graduation. Students interested in more information should contact the department.

Students are encouraged to join the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) as a student associate. ACHE is a professional society for healthcare leaders committed to improving health. Benefits of a student associate membership include access to internship, fellowship and career opportunities, newsletters, financial assistance, and networking opportunities. Membership is $75.00 per year.

Students are encouraged to join the American Public Health Association. Members receive the Association’s monthly journal, newsletters and other pertinent information. APHA holds an annual meeting every fall, where students have the opportunity to present scholarly papers and take advantage of the APHA’s placement services. Membership is $85 per year.

The Pennsylvania Public Health Association is an affiliate of APHA. This growing professional association welcomes anyone with an interest in public health. PPHA also holds annual meetings featuring state and national public health leaders. Annual student membership is $20.

Duquesne University's Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) accepts members from the freshman through the graduate classes. Any interested student of the University community is welcome to join. Activities will include guest lecturers, "field trips," business, outreach, service and social activities.

COTAD is a national network of individuals, students, educators and advocates from across the globe all working towards a common goal of promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce. COTAD also works to increase the ability of occupational therapy practitioners to serve an increasingly diverse population.  The DU COTAD was established in 2020 and works closely with SOTA.

Pi Theta Epsilon is the national honor society for occupational therapy. Students are elected to membership during their professional phase based on their academic performance and demonstrated potential to be a professional leader. The PTE purpose is to promote professional development and leadership skills and perform service to the profession and community. A Pi Theta Epsilon chapter was established in Spring 1996 and works closely with SOTA.

The Physical Therapy students maintain an active student organization. Physical Therapy students in all classes at Duquesne University are invited to participate. Please contact the student leadership or the Department of Physical Therapy for more information.

Students are encouraged to be active in attending the Southwest District Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association meetings.

The state organization is the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association (PPTA).

Students are encouraged to be active in Physical Therapy professional organizations. The national organization is the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) which is very influential in setting policy which affects all physical therapists. Students are strongly encouraged to join the APTA at their earliest opportunity once admitted to the professional phase.

Students in all years of the program are encouraged to become local and national members of their professional organizations. Attendance at their professional conferences as a student is difficult due to the academic schedule, however, students who have an opportunity to present their work at a conference may request permission from the Department Chair.

Membership is open to all pre-professional and accredited phase students.

Membership in the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants is open to all pre-professional and professional/accredited phase students.

An official class roster is submitted to the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistant (PSPA), which generates an entitlement for students to receive quarterly news bulletins and reduced rates for registration fees to professional conferences. Student dues are a one-time $15.00 fee that provides membership until the June after graduation. Membership is encouraged for accredited phase students.

The Department Chair submits an official class roster of accredited phase students to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), which will generate a one-year entitlement for the student to receive a 10-month complimentary subscription to professional publications, as well as membership services including reduced rates for registration fees to professional conferences. Membership is open to pre-professional and accredited phase students.

NSSLHA is the student branch of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Membership offers special information of interest to graduate and undergraduate students, a subscription to some of the professional journals offered to ASHA members, discounts to the ASHA national convention, and discounts when applying for membership to and clinical certification from ASHA. All students who are members of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology are strongly encouraged to join the Duquesne University chapter of NSSLHA, and Professional Phase students are encouraged to also join national NSSLHA. National NSSLHA applications may be obtained online.

PSHA is the state professional organization. Student membership is encouraged.

SWPSHA is a regional professional organization. Student membership is encouraged.

Students are encouraged to be active in Speech-Language Pathology professional organizations. The American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association (ASHA) is the national, professional, scientific, and credentialing association for members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel; and students.