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

Jenna Bailey MA ’23

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I first found out about occupational therapy from my cousin who, at the time, was in grad school for OT. She knew that my love for psychology, growing up as an athlete, and wanting to serve others would be a perfect storm for me to become an occupational therapist. After listening to her about the amazing things OT could do, I knew it was the field for me!

What area of practice are you interested in?
As of now, I am interested in working with adults with spinal cord injuries. I have also always had a love for working with the geriatric population. I am still in my first year, so I’m eager to learn more about what possible practice areas OT can be involved in.

Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
My favorite memory from the program so far was having the opportunity to attend the AOTA Inspire 2022 Conference. It was an amazing experience to be surrounded by so many inspirational occupational therapists and learn about the emerging practices and techniques. I also enjoyed bonding with my classmates and professors while we explored the city of San Antonio, TX.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go to Ireland. It has always been a dream to go there and see the beautiful coastlines!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best piece of advice I was ever given was a quote that a friend of mine shared with me: “Every song ends, is that any reason not to enjoy the music?”

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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.