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

Michelle Castro-Waters OTD ’25

What brought you to occupational therapy?
In 2016 my grandpa was diagnosed with cancer based on the findings of a tumor located next to his spine. He was assigned an occupational therapist by the name of Sara. I was so inspired by Sara’s attitude and her life-altering work, that I decided in that moment, that occupational therapy was the job for me. So, I changed career paths and set out on my occupational journey. Taking classes and volunteering in various programs solidified my decision to pursue occupational therapy.

What area of practice are you interested in?
As I start my occupational therapy journey, I find myself interested in a variety of different practices. At this time my interests lie towards neurological rehabilitation, pediatrics, adapted sports, and aquatic therapy.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
Some of my favorite occupations are talking my dogs for a walk, baking, going to the movies, grabbing coffee with family and friends.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
I would love to swim with the pigs at Pig Beach in the Bahamas!

If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
I absolutely love trying new foods, every and any type of food from anywhere! If I could, I would travel across the U.S. trying all of the best food spots.

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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.