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Alexis Ortiz-Luis BS-OTD ’28

What brought you to USC?
USC’s always been my dream school since I was a kid. After stepping foot onto the campus for the first time, I felt like I was at home. The environment is so nice and everyone looks happy! The academic classes are challenging, but they are so interesting to learn about. To study at one of the most prestigious schools in the world is an opportunity I wouldn’t pass up on.

Describe your background before coming to occupational therapy.
At first, I wanted to pursue doing physical therapy, but then my mom told me that I was too weak to carry the heavy patients (she isn’t wrong, lol). So, she introduced me to occupational therapy. As I did my research, I found it amazing that I can help others regain their strength through therapeutic use of everyday activities. I can basically help others get back to doing what they love through even through the smallest and simplest tasks which makes my heart warm. I love making other people’s day brighter. The fact that OT is versatile gives me the privilege to work anywhere other than the medical setting, is a bonus. Since OT is a career that is #1 to be least taken over by robots, that is also another bonus.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
Some occupations that I engage in are music (singing/playing guitar), playing video games, watching anime, cruising around campus on my skateboard, and exercising at the gym during my leisure time.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
I would want to go to Paris just to see their famous landmarks such the Eiffel Tower, visit Disneyland Paris and try some of their iconic French foods, such as the baguette.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
If I were famous, I would be famous for being a singer/songwriter. Since music and performing has always been my passion, I have always wanted to perform the songs that I write for others to listen to and hopefully will resonate with. I want to be able to share my talent of singing to the world someday. I know it’s a shot in the dark, but I’m willing to work hard to become successful in the music industry. Even if I don’t become successful in it, I can always still pursue my musical passions in a different manner such as doing music therapy combined with my OT skills.

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USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 133, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9003

ACOTE accreditation | NBCOT certification

The USC entry-level master’s degree program (cost of attendance) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The USC entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) degree program (cost of attendance) is accredited by ACOTE®. View our program’s ACOTE® standards public data. ACOTE® c/o the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 652-AOTA, www.acoteonline.org.

Professional program graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT®), nbcot.org. All states require licensure to practice; a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT® OTR certification examination or attain state licensure. Program results from the NBCOT® can be found online at www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.