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Home ⟩Education at USC Chan ⟩Bachelor’s to Doctorate ⟩Meet the Students

John J. Lee MA ’21

What brought you to USC?
I chose to attend USC primarily because of the OT program. Along with that, the school spirit and numerous academic and professional opportunities caught my attention. And don’t forget to mention the flat campus — that’s a real blessing.

Describe your favorite occupational therapy course.
The OT 260 anatomy course was, by far, the most fascinating. The cadaver lab was a philosophical, memorable experience. I learned so much through this class and I really enjoyed sketching and studying each anatomical structure. You can watch my extra-credit video on YouTube titled “OT Anatomy - Upper Extremity Work-Out”.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I’m into fitness. As a former track athlete, I try to push myself beyond physical limits and encourage others to do so. I like to participate in obstacle races like Tough Mudder and the Spartan Race. I love hiking — I practically hike on anything I see. I know the best hiking trails in the LA area, though I’m fond of exploring new routes as well! I’m also very into video-editing, acting, cooking, eating, playing piano, and listening to music.

How do you plan to use what Occupational Therapy in the future?
I’m looking forward to work as an army occupational therapist, in the pediatrics field, or in athlete rehabilitation. I’m still deciding which area. I’m also interested in getting a doctorate to teach about occupational therapy in countries like Japan and Korea where the profession is not very well-known.

What song can you sing entirely by heart?
I could honestly sing any song written by Coldplay. If I had to choose one, it would be “Swallowed in the Sea”. It’s a very underrated song with heartfelt lyrics. I get very passionate when I sing it in the shower or while walking alone on the streets.

If you could visit any time in history, where would you go and why?
I would travel back to March 2006 and visit Toronto where Coldplay performed their “Twisted Logic Tour”. As an intense fan, I believe that concert had the best setlist in Coldplay history, though I also appreciate their recent songs as well.

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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 fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE). The USC entry-level OTD degree program (cost of attendance) has been granted Candidacy Status by ACOTE. View our program’s ACOTE standards public data. ACOTE c/o Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, (301) 652-6611 x2914, acoteonline.org

Professional program graduates are eligible to apply for certification by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT), nbcot.org. Program results from the NBCOT can be found online at www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.