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

Emily Matsui OTD ’25

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I have always wanted to work in the healthcare field and I love how occupational therapy takes a holistic approach when it comes to treatment, focusing not only on physical rehabilitation but also cognitive, emotional, and spiritual. I had the privilege of being in the occupational science minor here at USC in undergrad and my professors and the topics we learned in class reaffirmed my aspirations of becoming an occupational therapist.

What area of practice are you interested in?
I am currently most interested in adult rehab and geriatrics (maybe pedagogy & lifestyle redesign too)! I’m keeping an open mind as we move into fieldwork next semester!

Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
My favorite memory so far has been connecting with other students in the program. Everyone is so kind and it’s nice to be surrounded by people who also have a passion for occupational therapy. It’s also comforting to know that I have friends and future colleagues who will support me through my academic and professional careers moving forward!

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
I would travel to Paris, France! Cliché, but I have always wanted to visit Europe for the amazing scenery and romantic ambiance. I also love a good baguette!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Everything happens for a reason. It will all work out in the end and you will end up where you’re supposed to be even in the hardest of times.

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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.