How to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor

  1. Complete a bachelor’s degree in a rehabilitation and disability studies, behavioral, social science, or psychology field
  2. Earn a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling
  3. Complete graduate and postgraduate internship experience for certification/licensure requirements
  4. Pass any required rehabilitation counseling exams for licensure and certification
  5. Apply for and earn additional counseling certifications
  6. Continue your education and stay up to date on rehabilitation counseling trends and changes

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

info

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

info

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 

infoSPONSORED

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.

Earn an MA in Psychology Online from Pepperdine

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Psychology program prepares students to pursue doctoral study or a career in human services.

  • Open to all undergrad majors
  • No GRE required 
  • Can be completed in about 18 months

info SPONSORED

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

(Back to Top)

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Written statement
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • CV/resume
  • Interview
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Two official transcripts
  • CV/resume
  • Two essays (professional and personal)
  • Three letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Fort Valley State University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  •  Official transcripts
  • Personal essay
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/resume
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from The George Washington University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Official transcripts 
  • Personal essay 
  • CV/resume 
  • Three letters of recommendation 
Learn more about the Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from Montana State University of Billings

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Unofficial/official transcripts 
  • Statement of purpose 
  • CV/resume 
  • Interview 
Learn more about the Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from St. Cloud State University

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/A

Admission 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)
Learn more about the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from SUNY Buffalo

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Official transcripts
  • Application Fee
  • 3.0 GPA Requirement 
  • Resume
  • Personal statement (maximum 750 words, typed and double-spaced)
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University

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
Learn more about the Master in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling from Thomas University

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Academic goals statement
  • Resume
  • Thee letters of reference
  • A 3.0 GPA or higher
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from The University of Alabama

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Graduate School application
  • TOEFL (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from University of Arkansas Little Rock

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • CV/resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
Learn more about the Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counselor Education from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

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 
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Counseling from University of Kentucky

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)
Learn more about the Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from University of Massachusetts in Boston

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Official transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • CV/resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Interview
Learn more about the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from University of North Texas at Dallas

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/A

Admission Requirements:

  •  CV/resume 
  • Personal statement 
  • Three letters of recommendation 
  • Two years work experience 
  • Orientation 
  • Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from University of Wisconsin at Stout

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 
Learn more about the Master in Rehabilitation Counseling from Utah State University

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 
Learn more about the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Winston-Salem State University

Last updated: July 2022