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

Mil Wajanakunakorn MA ’21

What brought you to occupational therapy?
I was drawn to the fact that occupational therapy emphasized the importance of a person’s psychological and emotional well-being, as well as their physical needs. I thought the profession was a good blend of my passion in the science and education field. I admire that occupational therapists perform many roles such as a provider, an educator, and an advocator for the client’s well-being.

What are some of the occupations you engage in?
Painting, exercising, exploring the city for places to eat.

Tell us about your favorite memory from the program so far.
When Mr. Michael Sugar came to speak in crafts class. It was an honor to hear his story, his reflection on his life, and his contribution to the community. I was moved by his narrative and learned a lot as well about what kind of occupational therapist I want to be.

If you could visit any time in history, where would you go and why?
I would like to go back to the time when my parents were young. They always talk about their childhood and upbringing and how it was very different from mine. Although they are animated in their description, I don’t think I could ever fully relate to their experience without having gone through it.

What are some small things that make your day better?
When my blanket is newly washed and still a bit warm from the dryer. Random phone calls from friends just to check in on each other.

⋯

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.