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Christal Haynes MA ’22

What brought you to occupational therapy?
While I was working on my Master’s of Health Science degree, I was conducting research on Health Science Professions and came across Occupational Therapy and I immediately gravitated towards this profession. The more I researched OT the more I knew it was for me. I am so happy that I am able to inform other individuals about this field as well!

What area of practice are you interested in?
Pediatrics , however I am open to Older Adults and Long Term Care as well.

Describe your background before coming to occupational therapy.
I have been a lifeguard and swim instructor for ten years and I absolutely love teaching individuals how to swim.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
Basketball, hiking, swimming, and painting.

How do you plan to use Occupational Therapy in the future?
I have a passion for helping individuals achieve their goals which is why I love this field of Occupational Therapy. As an Occupational Therapist, I will do my best to make a positive difference with every patient I encounter through being collaborative and compassionate.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
It is on my wish list to travel to Jamaica! My mom traveled there before I was born and she said it was one of the best trips she has ever taken and it is beautiful of course!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, so Enjoy the Gift of Today because it is a (Present)!

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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®) 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.