Rachel Kuai OTD ’25

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I tore my ACL in high school and was introduced to therapy (initially physical therapy) and ended up pursuing OT due to my younger cousin!

What area of practice are you interested in?
I’m interested in working with kids with sensory processing disorders. Growing up I’ve always tutored and took care of my younger cousin, who has an auditory processing disorder. After many tutoring sessions, after-school pick ups/talks, and occupational therapy visits, we have built a close bond that has taught me many things, not only about myself but also about the core foundations of OT. I hope to help many more kids just like my cousin!

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
As a student, I can be found studying, planning, or attempting to meal prep. However, in my free time I love cooking and trying new foods, hiking and exploring new places, and recently I’ve started reading again (and love it).

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
I would definitely travel to Europe (especially France and Italy). I’ve never been to Europe and it’s a dream to country-hop around Europe and sight see!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Listen to learn.” Active listening is key to understanding, both yourself and others. It’s extremely important to listen to your feelings and self, to understand yourself and your limits, and to take care of yourself!

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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.