Kate Romero OTD ’25

What brought you to USC?
When I finally realized I wanted to pursue a career in OT, USC was my top choice due to its highly ranked program. Everything about the OT program sounded amazing and exactly what I was looking for: an intimate group within the big community. When I found out I got into USC, I did not have to think twice about it, because who wouldn’t want to get their Master’s degree in only 5 years?

What brought you to Occupational Therapy?
My junior year of high school I was set on becoming a nurse because I have always wanted to pursue a career related to healthcare. I was so confident that I wanted to become a nurse until I shadowed an OT who was working with disabled children. My grandma introduced me to OT since she is a speech therapist, but I never really understood what an OT was until I actually got to watch one in action. From that moment, I fell in love and knew that OT was right for me.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love playing soccer, hiking, playing with my dog, going to the beach and meditating.

What song can you sing entirely by heart?
Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson.

What are some small things that make your day better?
I love when people go out of their way to hold the door open for me or when someone says hi to me. I also love seeing strangers commit random acts of kindness. Finally, I love seeing cute dogs walk by on campus!

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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.