Angana Vaishnav OTD ’17

What brought you to occupational therapy?
The way I discovered occupational therapy was quite serendipitous. It was still a growing field in India and no one really knew much about it, including me. But it happened to be the perfect match for my personality. Occupational therapy allows me to be my fun, spunky and energetic self in order to enable an individual lead a more productive and meaningful life. How fun is that?!

Where are you located for your residency and what services are provided there?
My residency is at two pediatric clinics: The Children’s Therapy Center and Therapy West. I work as a school based OT and also offer clinic services focusing on Sensory Integration therapy.

What do you hope to learn from this year?
I hope to get out of my comfort zone and expand my skills as a pediatric occupational therapist. After starting my OTD, I feel less intimidated with the word “leadership.” So I hope to develop that hidden side of me so that I can contribute to the field, as well as to occupational therapy in India, to the best of my ability.

If you could give any words of advice for incoming Master’s students, what would it be?
You are truly fortunate to be at the best institutions that will strengthen your understanding and passion towards occupational therapy. You will be surrounded by the pioneers and the superstars of the field. Take complete advantage of this opportunity and never stop seeking their support! Fight On!

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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.