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

Joi Willis MA ’19

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I first learned about the profession, in my undergraduate program. I received my BS in Child Development and many of my classmates and professors would mention OT during class discussions in regards to children who received Individual Education Plans (IEPs). I would nod my head in class as if I knew what they were talking about. So one day I decided to Google “Occupational Therapy” and I watched videos and literally fell in love.

What area of practice are you interested in?
I am definitely interested in working in Pediatrics, specifically sensory integration.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
I love to dance, work out, and paint nails!

If we opened your fridge, what would we see?
In my refrigerator, you would find lots of fruits and veggies! I try my best to eat healthy . . . but somewhere hidden in the back you’d find my guilty pleasure which is ice cream/popsicles.

If you could choose anyone (living or dead) to be your mentor, who would you pick?
I would definitely choose Maya Angelou. I’d love just sit and listen to her speak. She is so profound and knowledgeable and I think I could learn so much from her.

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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.