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Kate Romero OTD ’25

What brought you to USC?
When I finally realized I wanted to pursue a career in OT, USC was my top choice due to its highly ranked program. Everything about the OT program sounded amazing and exactly what I was looking for: an intimate group within the big community. When I found out I got into USC, I did not have to think twice about it, because who wouldn’t want to get their Master’s degree in only 5 years?

What brought you to Occupational Therapy?
My junior year of high school I was set on becoming a nurse because I have always wanted to pursue a career related to healthcare. I was so confident that I wanted to become a nurse until I shadowed an OT who was working with disabled children. My grandma introduced me to OT since she is a speech therapist, but I never really understood what an OT was until I actually got to watch one in action. From that moment, I fell in love and knew that OT was right for me.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love playing soccer, hiking, playing with my dog, going to the beach and meditating.

What song can you sing entirely by heart?
Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson.

What are some small things that make your day better?
I love when people go out of their way to hold the door open for me or when someone says hi to me. I also love seeing strangers commit random acts of kindness. Finally, I love seeing cute dogs walk by on campus!

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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.