Home ⟩Education at USC Chan ⟩Post-Professional Master’s ⟩Meet the Students

Chandan Maru MA ’20

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I have always wanted a career in healthcare science. When I learned about Occupational Therapy, I was really interested. The holistic approach to improving the quality of life of the clients is so impressive. After working for three years, I have learnt that this profession has made me so sensitive, kind and compassionate.

What area of practice are you interested in?
I have worked as a school-based therapist and also in a pediatric clinic. I am interested in paediatrics, school-based OT, Sensory Integration and early intervention.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
Spending time with my family, cooking, travel, watching Netflix.

Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
Dr. Daniel Park took all of the international students for a tour of the UPC campus followed by a tour to the Broad museum. I got to know my batchmates and it was a fun activity.

If your childhood had a smell, what would it be?
Hot samosas, Puran Poli (it is a traditional Indian sweet flatbread) cooked by mom.

What are some small things that make your day better?
Cooking, having a good cup of coffee and spending time with my 4-year-old daughter in the backyard. Her innocent talks are the sweetest.

⋯

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.