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Marshae Franklin OTD ’21

Why did you decide to return for your OTD after practicing?
I always planned to pursue a post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy. Before starting my master’s program, I had expressed to several family members my plans to attend the University of Southern California (USC) for my OTD. At the time, my goal was to teach at the university level. However, I thought it would be essential to get hands-on experience, so I worked for approximately three years before applying to the program.

Where did you complete your OTD Residency?
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be an OTD resident in the SensoryLab under the mentorship of Dr. Stefanie Bodison. It was in this role that my penchant for research truly blossomed.

How has your OTD aided you in your career goals post-graduation?
The OTD developed my skills as a clinician in several ways, particularly in that my reflection now depicted a leader in the field and future researcher. Since graduating from the program, I am now a PhD student in the USC Chan Occupational Science program. My research is broadly focused on illuminating and dismantling health disparities that impact marginalized populations.

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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.