Home ⟩Education at USC Chan ⟩Entry-Level Doctorate (OTD) ⟩Meet the Students

Areli Benitez MA ’19

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I became introduced to Occupational Therapy when volunteering in an alternative spring break program in Istanbul, Turkey called B.A.G.S. The program consisted of a seminar that focused on the issues and struggles people with disabilities have to face, along with the unique cultural perspectives on disabilities in Turkey. In Istanbul, I worked with OTs and other health professionals in disability-related NGOs and schools. That’s where I knew I wanted to pursue OT! I had discovered a profession filled with compassion and humility, along with being able to help people both in America and worldwide in a holistic manner!

What area of practice are you interested in?
Right now I am interested in pediatrics and mental health, but I am open to exploring all the areas.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love traveling, going to concerts, spending time with family and friends, drinking coffee, and reading!

If we opened your fridge, what would we see?
Avocados and dark chocolate.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
Cuba! I’ve been wanting to experience this country’s culture for quite some time now.

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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®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The USC entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) degree program (cost of attendance) has applied for accreditation and has been granted Preaccreditation Status 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. The program must complete an on-site evaluation and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT®).

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.