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Cate (Pulone) Erickson MA ’20

What brought you to occupational therapy?
Growing up with two siblings with complex medical needs, my early childhood was spent largely in hospitals, medical offices and clinics. I experienced first hand, the impact that a compassionate healthcare professional can have not only on the patient but on the entire family. These early life experiences instilled in me a passion for healthcare and a heart for service. As I explored roles within healthcare, occupational therapy stood out with its unique emphasis on helping individuals accomplish the things they want to do in the midst of various challenges.

What practice area are you interested in?
I came into the program with my heart set on working in pediatrics. After going through the adult rehabilitation and mental health immersions, I was able to explore skills and passions I didn’t know I possessed. I actually really enjoyed working with adults, but ultimately my heart is still set on pediatrics. I absolutely loved the pediatrics immersion and cannot wait to further explore the exciting world of pediatrics.

Tell us about your favorite memory of the program so far
I have loved getting to learn beside and work with the phenomenal members of my cohort. The team-based learning structure of many of our classes has provided me with opportunities to work with many different students and learn from their unique passions and skill sets. I have so much respect for each of them and am so thankful for the ways they have facilitated my learning. Our cohort felt like family and it is incredible to look back on how much we have all grown and all that we have accomplished together.

If you could visit any time in history, where would you go and why?
The 1920s. I love a good outfit and there is nothing more iconic than 1920s fashion.

What are some small things that make your day better?
Talking with friends, sipping a cup of tea, and seeing cute dogs.

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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.