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Kati Wechsler MA ’20

What brought you to occupational therapy?
Initially, one of my friends introduced me to the field by encouraging me to take OT 310: Creativity Workshop as a freshman at USC. Within the first 3 minutes of the first class, I was sold by the energy, enthusiasm, and joy that Professor Kim Eggleston exuded when talking about OT. After that, I knew that I needed to find a career that would bring me that same level of satisfaction, and I can see that in my future in occupational therapy.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love to travel and explore new places, and I could go to Disneyland every day if possible! I am also a competitive cheerleader, an occupation I started during my undergrad career at USC. I am a huge sports fan, so USC game days are my favorite days of the year.

Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
The Decades Party after the last day of kinesiology was hands down the greatest night of summer. It was so much fun getting dressed up and spending time outside of class getting to know the people I would be spending the next two years with.

What song can you sing entirely by heart?
“Let it Go” from Frozen.

If you could visit any time in history, where would you go and why?
Ancient Rome — I was a classics minor in college, and I have studied Latin for 12 years! I am fascinated by a culture that existed nearly 2500 years ago and still has such a profound impact on our lives today.

Note: Kati is now Assistant Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy in the Chan division.

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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.