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

Rachel Schey MA ’20

What area of practice are you interested in?
I am very interested in animal assisted therapy, and am always looking for opportunities to work with animals in either the pediatric or adult setting. The greatest thing about it is that animals can help and are therapeutic in any context.

Describe your background before coming to occupational therapy.
I worked as a personal trainer and health coach in San Francisco, at the same time volunteering with my dog as an animal assisted therapist. My dog and I worked in a school reading program and at an activity center for children and adults with disabilities. This was where I started to see the benefits of engaging animals with people in a way that went beyond what people alone are able to do. Dogs have a unique ability to connect with people on a different level that removes boundaries, and creates a spirit of safety and openness.

If your childhood had a smell, what would it be?
I grew up in Michigan, so I would say the smell of the Fall leaves, with a crispness in the air that reminds me of Friday night football games in high school, and hot, spiced apple cider.

What are some small things that make your day better?
Coming home to my dog who gets wiggly and excited to see me. I try to do something active every day — running, yoga, spin class or weights — it always makes me feel better. I love to cook at the end of the day — it helps me unwind.

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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.