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Tina Peng MA ’23

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I stumbled upon Occupational Therapy once I knew I wanted to be in the health care profession that can be hands on and holistic. I had the opportunity to shadow therapists at an integrative clinic, and I fell in love with the role of an OT. From there, I knew it was the perfect field for me.

What area of practice are you interested in?
I am interested in hand and upper extremity rehab! I love the interaction and bond you can establish with a patient, and it’s truly amazing to physically be there to see their recovery process every step of the way. I have also started a Hands and Upper Extremity Group at Chan that welcomes anyone and everyone that are curious/interested about this field!

Describe your background before coming to occupational therapy.
I went to UC Irvine with a degree in psychology and social behavior. Knowing that I want to be an OT, I worked in a pediatric outpatient clinic and as an aide in Hands clinic. I loved my experiences I’ve had and it solidified my interest in these field.

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
If I were to be famous, I would want to be a famous snowboarder. I am an avid snowboarder but always wished I started snowboarding when I was younger! My idol is Chloe Kim, the Olympic champion, and she’s an amazing representation of girls and a role model to many Asian Americans.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve received is “to be comfortable with being uncomfortable”. Trying new things can be uncomfortable, and it’s okay to be slightly uncomfortable to challenge ourselves.

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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.