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Stacey Janofsky MA ’17

What brought you to occupational therapy?
In 8th grade, I was Instant Messaging my friend when suddenly I had an epiphany: I am destined to be a physical therapist. I researched, shadowed, and did everything I could to prepare myself for my destiny. Sophomore year of college I had a second epiphany while on the phone with my mom: occupational therapy. That’s literally what happened. Another moment of clarity when I realized my dream career and knew what I wanted to work toward.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love to play ukulele. It started last year when a coworker brought in her ukulele one day and I was totally captivated. Then about two weeks later after a particularly tough day at work, I randomly bought one. The strangest impulse buy ever. Playing always relaxes me and is the best study break.

Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
All of the optional events outside of the classroom. At the Interdisciplinary Symposium, I had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with students in other health science programs. During a small group case study, students representing each department contributed to collecting the medical history and evaluating a fake patient. It was great seeing OT’s unique role in the team and practicing what I’ve learned.

If we opened your fridge, what would we see?
*Walks over to fridge* . . . I have baked chicken, apples, carrots, spinach, wheat bread, and condiments. I’ll cook once a week and eat that for every meal. I have a boring, low-maintenance, palate.

What do you think is the greatest invention of mankind?
Cups. What were they using before cups? Their hands? “Ugh I’m thirsty again, let me just stop everything I’m doing and get my hands wet. You’re thirsty too? Alright I’ll come bring you some water. And it slipped through the cracks of my fingers again.” That sounds really inconvenient.

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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.