- 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 are certified by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) and directly work with individuals with physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities to live independently. Rehabilitation counselors may provide a wide range of services from assessment, case management, and program research to 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 work specifically with employment issues with older students and adults. Other populations that may encounter rehabilitation counseling include students transitioning from school to work, veterans, and elderly people in adaptation to changes in their lifestyle.
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-9 ranked1 Northwestern University.
1U.S. News & World Report: 2022 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
Aspiring mental health counselors are prepared to pursue licensure with NYU Steinhardt’s MPCAC-accredited online counseling master’s. Students can earn their degree in as few as 21 mos. GRE not req.
- Prepare to become a mental health counselor
- Accredited by the MPCAC
- As few as 21 months to complete
- GRE not required
SPONSORED
What does a Rehabilitation Counselor do?
Counselors in rehabilitation perform and engage in a wide array of activities and 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.
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification (CRCC) describes the role of rehabilitation counselors as providing analysis and diagnostic information on mental, emotional, or behavioral conditions of their clients in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan for adjustment or healthy development. Through counseling treatment interventions such as developmental, wellness, pathologic, and multicultural lenses, rehabilitation counselors address their clients behavior through individual, group, family, and marriage counseling and psychotherapy.
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.
Because a master’s degree is a requirement for licensure, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation and disability studies, psychology, social work, or related fields sets the groundwork for rehabilitation counseling students. 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. Obtaining your graduate degree in rehabilitation counseling is a requirement for practice as a licensed professional counselor and/or certified rehabilitation counselor.
Step 3: Complete graduate and postgraduate internship experience for certification/licensure requirements.
As a crucial aspect of accredited counseling master’s programs, graduate supervised counseling experience provides students with insight into their future role as a licensed professional counselor, gaining hands-on experience under other professional counselors. States typically require students to complete between 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience and 100 hours of supervision over a two-year post-master’s time period unless they have graduated from a CACREP -accredited program.
Step 4: Pass any required rehabilitation counseling exams for licensure and certification.
Some states and/or counseling programs require the passing of a recognized examination for graduation or licensure such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and/or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). To become a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC), you must pass the CRC examination.
Step 5: Apply for and earn additional counseling certifications.
Licensed professional counselors can pursue a national certification through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). Some employers require rehabilitation counselors to pursue certification as a CRC for professional practice.
Step 6: Continue your education and stay up to date on rehabilitation counseling trends and changes.
Continuing education is imperative to maintaining professional counseling licensure/certification and keeping up-to-date with changes and/or updates to rehabilitation, vocational, and career counseling fields. CRCs must complete 100 hours of continuing education within the current five-year period.
What are the certification and licensure requirements?
Similar to other counseling careers, certification and licensure requirements vary from state to state. Some employers require that rehabilitation counselors are certified by the CRCC as they require an examination and establish applicants as distinguished professionals in the field of rehabilitation.
Licensure for rehabilitation counselors typically require the same track as mental health counselors: completion of 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised clinical service and a passing score on a state-recognized exam.
Career Outlook for Rehabilitation Counselors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that rehabilitation counseling will grow by 10% between 2020-2030 – higher than average. As the elderly population grows, the need for rehabilitation counselors rises.
Most Common Places of Employment of Rehabilitation Counselors:
- Community and vocational rehabilitation services
- Individual and Family Services
- State Government
As of May 2021, rehabilitation counselors earned on average $44,740 annually with California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Oregon employing the most rehabilitation counselors. The top paying states that offer more than $55,000 are Maine, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Alaska, and Massachusetts. metropolitan area offers the highest salary in the country of more than $74,000 annually
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
Last updated: July 2022