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Home ⟩The People of USC Chan ⟩Meet Our Trojan Family ⟩Entry-Level Doctorate (OTD)

Areli Benitez MA ’19

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I became introduced to Occupational Therapy when volunteering in an alternative spring break program in Istanbul, Turkey called B.A.G.S. The program consisted of a seminar that focused on the issues and struggles people with disabilities have to face, along with the unique cultural perspectives on disabilities in Turkey. In Istanbul, I worked with OTs and other health professionals in disability-related NGOs and schools. That’s where I knew I wanted to pursue OT! I had discovered a profession filled with compassion and humility, along with being able to help people both in America and worldwide in a holistic manner!

What area of practice are you interested in?
Right now I am interested in pediatrics and mental health, but I am open to exploring all the areas.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love traveling, going to concerts, spending time with family and friends, drinking coffee, and reading!

If we opened your fridge, what would we see?
Avocados and dark chocolate.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
Cuba! I’ve been wanting to experience this country’s culture for quite some time now.

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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 fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE). The USC entry-level OTD degree program (cost of attendance) has been granted Candidacy Status by ACOTE. View our program’s ACOTE standards public data. ACOTE c/o Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, (301) 652-6611 x2914, acoteonline.org

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.