Lawrence Stevenson OTD ’22

Why did you decide to return for your OTD after practicing?
I was at a point in my career where I felt disconnected from the profession and wanted to reconnect or even update my connection to OT. I had taught a bit when I was living in Philadelphia and didn’t find an opportunity to teach while I was living in SF. The education track seemed like a good way to get back into the classroom and earn my doctorate at the same time.

Where are you completing your OTD Residency?
I am part of the education track within the Chan Division of OS/OT. Given my unique background and many years of experience, the Division has done an excellent job finding a residency that meets my needs as well as the needs of the Division. I am teaching a cohort of students in OT 511 and co-teaching in OT 538, while also sitting on working groups involved in curriculum development.

How do you anticipate that the OTD will aid you in your career goals post-graduation?
This is a work in progress. I think I see a future in the classroom, and there are many interests of mine that involve me working in the community, specifically around sex, sexuality and how OTs can intersect with sex workers. I also dream of working with queer elders in their end of life transition with hopes of getting a death doula certificate once I complete my doctorate.

Note: Lawrence is now Assistant Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy in the Chan division.

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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.