- Complete a bachelor’s degree in a rehabilitation and disability studies, behavioral, social science, or psychology field
- Earn a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling
- Complete graduate and postgraduate internship experience for certification/licensure requirements
- Pass any required rehabilitation counseling exams for licensure and certification
- Apply for and earn additional counseling certifications
- Continue your education and stay up to date on rehabilitation counseling trends and changes
How to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor
Although sometimes mistaken for addiction professionals, rehabilitation counselors may earn the voluntary Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) and work with people with disabilities in settings that can include counseling, case management, vocational planning, and independent living services. Rehabilitation counselors may provide a wide range of services, including assessment, case management, program research, interventions to remove environmental barriers, job analysis and development, and consultation services with other agencies.
Some counselors in the rehabilitation field are referred to as vocational. These counselors focus on employment, career development, and workplace supports for people with disabilities, often including transition-age students and adults. Other populations that may seek rehabilitation counseling include students transitioning from school to work, veterans, and older adults as they adapt to changes in their lifestyles.
Sponsored Online Counseling Programs
Northwestern University
The Family Institute at Northwestern University
Master of Arts in Counseling
Earn a CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling online from top-7 ranked1 Northwestern University.
1U.S. News & World Report: 2026 Best National University Rankings
- CACREP Accredited
- Earn your MA in Counseling from Northwestern in as few as 18 months
- Accelerated full-time, traditional, or part-time tracks available
New York University
NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
NYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness prepares students to work with diverse clients to create lives of health and meaning.
- Prepare to become a mental health counselor
- Accredited by the MPCAC
- As few as 21 months to complete
- GRE not required
What does a Rehabilitation Counselor do?
Counselors in rehabilitation perform a wide array of activities and assume various responsibilities. Differing from a mental health counselor, rehabilitation professionals work with clients who have physical, emotional, developmental, or mental disabilities in creating a plan that fits their level of education, aptitude, physical abilities, and career goals.
Often collaborating with other social service and mental health professionals, rehabilitation counselors also address barriers to employment, engage in job development and placement programs, and arrange for evaluations of physical, mental, academic, and vocational needs. CRCC describes rehabilitation counselors as professionals who help people with disabilities pursue personal, career, and independent living goals through specialized counseling and rehabilitation services. Rehabilitation counselors may use counseling interventions in individual or group settings, but the scope of practice depends on the role, setting, employer, and state law.
Steps to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor
Step 1: Complete a bachelor’s degree in a rehabilitation and disability studies, behavioral, social science, or psychology field.
A bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation and disability studies, psychology, social work, or a related field can provide a strong foundation for graduate study in rehabilitation counseling or a related counseling specialty. Coursework for undergraduate studies in rehabilitation and disability studies may include the evaluation of human development, counseling foundation, theories of personality, assessments, and/or vocational evaluations.
Step 2: Earn a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling.
There are many CACREP-accredited universities that offer studies specifically in rehabilitation counseling. A master’s degree is commonly required for CRC certification and for many counseling licenses, but exact degree, coursework, and specialty requirements vary by credential and state.
Learn more about what an LPC is here.
Step 3: Complete graduate and postgraduate internship experience for certification/licensure requirements.
As a crucial aspect of accredited master’s programs in counseling, supervised graduate counseling experience provides students with insight into their future role as licensed professional counselors and hands-on experience under other professional counselors. Post-master’s supervised experience requirements vary by state, so readers should verify required hours, supervision, and exam rules with the state counseling board for the state where they plan to practice.
Step 4: Pass any required rehabilitation counseling exams for licensure and certification.
To become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), candidates must meet CRCC’s eligibility requirements and pass the CRC Examination. If they also plan to pursue state counselor licensure, they may need to pass a separate state licensure exam—most commonly the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Because licensure rules vary by state, licensure exam requirements should always be confirmed with the relevant state licensing board.
Step 5: Apply for and earn additional counseling certifications.
Licensed counselors may also pursue voluntary national credentials through NBCC. CRC certification is a separate professional certification specific to rehabilitation counseling, and employer expectations vary by role and setting.
Step 6: Continue your education and stay up to date on rehabilitation counseling trends and changes.
Continuing education is imperative for maintaining professional counseling licensure/certification and keeping up to date with changes and updates in the rehabilitation, vocational, and career counseling fields. CRCs must complete 100 hours of continuing education, including at least 10 hours in ethics, within each five-year renewal period.
What are the certification and licensure requirements?
Similar to other counseling careers, certification and licensure requirements vary from state to state. Some employers prefer or require the CRC credential, but certification and state licensure are different credentials with different purposes.
When a rehabilitation counseling role requires state counselor licensure, applicants must meet the state board’s education, supervised experience, and examination requirements; these requirements vary by state.
Career Outlook for Rehabilitation Counselors
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): Rehabilitation Counselors, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2024, rehabilitation counselors earned an average of $51,260 annually, with California, Massachusetts, Ohio, Washington, and Illinois employing the most rehabilitation counselors.
Most Common Places of Employment of Rehabilitation Counselors:
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Individual and Family Services
- State Government
The BLS (May 2024) also reports that some top-paying metropolitan areas that offer more than $65,000 are New Orleans, Anchorage, Reno, Killeen-Temple, Portland, and New Haven.
Information last updated: March 2026
Online Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s Programs
Assumption University
Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies
Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
Worcester, Massachusetts
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Written statement
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Interview
Fort Valley State University
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Fort Valley, Georgia
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 61
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Two official transcripts
- CV/resume
- Two essays (professional and personal)
- Three letters of recommendation
The George Washington University
Graduate School of Education and Human Development
Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
Washington D.C
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 48
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Personal essay
- Three letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
Montana State University of Billings
Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Billings, Montana
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 66
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Personal essay
- CV/resume
- Three letters of recommendation
St. Cloud State University
Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Name of Degree: Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 48-52
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Unofficial/official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- CV/resume
- Interview
SUNY Buffalo
Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Buffalo, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 48
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field
- Interview
- Unofficial/official transcripts
- Two references
- Statement of purpose
- Interview
- Passport, TOEFL/IELTS/PTE, proof of funds (for international applicants)
Texas Tech University
School of Health Professions
Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Lubbock, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 72
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Application Fee
- 3.0 GPA Requirement
- Resume
- Personal statement (maximum 750 words, typed and double-spaced)
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
Thomas University
Division of Counseling and Psychology
Master in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling
Thomasville, Georgia
Name of Degree: Master in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 60
Concentrations:Alcohol and Addictions, School Counseling
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Official transcripts
The University of Alabama
The College of Continuing Studies
Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Academic goals statement
- Resume
- Thee letters of reference
- A 3.0 GPA or higher
University of Arkansas Little Rock
School of Counseling
Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
Little Rock, Arkansas
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor degree
- Official transcripts
- Graduate School application
- TOEFL (for international applicants)
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
College of Education
Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counselor Education
Honolulu, Hawaii
Name of Degree: Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counselor Education
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 48
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- CV/resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
University of Kentucky
Master of Arts in Counseling
Lexington, Kentucky
Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations:Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rehabilitation
Admission Requirements:
- Statement of Purpose
- Interview
- Three letters of recommendation
University of Massachusetts in Boston
School for Global Inclusion and Social Development
Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Boston, Massachusetts
Name of Degree: Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 60
Concentrations:Clinical Rehabilitation, Vocational Rehabilitation
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- MTEL test (for licensure in MA)
University of North Texas at Dallas
College of Health and Public Service
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Denton, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- CV/resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Interview
University of Wisconsin at Stout
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- CV/resume
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Two years work experience
- Orientation
- Official transcripts
Utah State University
Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling
Master in Rehabilitation Counseling
Logan, Utah
Name of Degree: Master in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 61
Concentrations:Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Admission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Official transcripts
- Application Fee
- 3.0 GPA Requirement
- Personal statement
- Resume
Winston-Salem State University
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 63
Concentrations:Rehabilitation, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Vocational Evaluation
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Interview
- Official transcripts
- Three references