Rehabilitation Counselors

High School

To prepare for a career in rehabilitation counseling, take your high school's college prep curriculum. These classes should include several years of mathematics and science, such as biology and chemistry. To begin to gain an understanding of people and societies, take history, psychology, and sociology classes. English classes are important because you will need excellent communication skills for this work. Some of your professional responsibilities will include documenting your work and doing research to provide your clients with helpful information; to do these things you will undoubtedly work with computers. Therefore, you should take computer science classes so that you are skilled in using them. In addition, you may want to consider taking speech and a foreign language, both of which will enhance your communication skills.

Postsecondary Training

Although some positions are available for people with a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling, these positions are usually as aides and offer limited advancement opportunities. Most employers require the rehabilitation counselors working for them to hold master's degrees. Before receiving your master's, you will need to complete a bachelor's degree with a major in behavioral sciences, social sciences, or a related field. Another option is to complete an undergraduate degree in rehabilitation counseling. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs has accredited baccalaureate and graduate institutions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico that offer programs in counselor education. If you decide on an undergraduate degree in rehabilitation, it is recommended you attend an accredited program. Keep in mind, however, that even if you get an undergraduate degree in rehabilitation, you will still need to attend a graduate program to qualify for most counselor positions. No matter which undergraduate program you decide on, you should concentrate on courses in sociology, psychology, physiology, history, and statistics, as well as courses in English and communications. Several universities now offer courses in various aspects of physical therapy and special education training. Courses in sign language, speech therapy, and a foreign language are also beneficial.

Master's programs in rehabilitation counseling include courses in medical aspects of disability, psychosocial aspects of disability, testing techniques, statistics, personality theory, personality development, abnormal psychology, techniques of counseling, occupational information, and vocational training and job placement. A supervised internship is also an important aspect of a program.

Certification

Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in rehabilitation counseling are offered by colleges and universities. For example, the University of Massachusetts-Boston offers a rehabilitation counseling certificate program for students who have completed a master’s degree in a related field and are interested in pursuing a certificate in rehabilitation. To earn the certificate, students must complete the following courses: Principles of Vocational, Educational, and Psychological Assessment; Counseling Theory and Practice; Sociocultural Considerations in Counseling; Medical, Psychological & Educational Aspects of Disabilities; Foundations of Rehabilitation; Ethics, Case Management, and Planning in Rehabilitation; and Vocational Rehabilitation and Placement. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education opportunities are provided by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, American Rehabilitation Counseling Association, and the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association. Contact these organizations for more information.