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What is Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling?

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling is a field of study focused on understanding people suffering from mental, physical, developmental, and emotional disabilities in an effort to help them live independently.  A vocational rehabilitation counselor works with patients to help them understand and manage the psychological, personal, and social components of living with a disability as it relates to independent living and implications in the workplace. Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling academic track can lead to a career within healthcare or in non-medical fields with a wide range of responsibilities.  A vocational rehabilitation counselor will employ a range of techniques that may include: assessment, research, goal setting, intervention planning, program evaluation, health appraisals, information for self-management, case management, work capacity evaluations, career counseling, psychosocial interventions, job analysis, and job placement services.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$55,730

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

33.51%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

116,430

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Degree

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is at the top of our ranking. Their Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling degree program offers a unique one of a kind 60+ master's degree with a focus on working with people with developmental and psychiatric disabilities. Their main mission is to serve the community of North Carolina by utilizing evidence-based knowledge to provide rehabilitation and mental health counselors the expertise to provide services to their citizens. The institution is recognized, nationally, and internationally as a leading center of scholarship, research, and creative work with a mission to serve the people in need.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

George Washington University's Graduate School of Education and Human Development offers a Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling. Providing a strong clinical foundation for serving people with disabilities facing physical, mental, emotional, or social challenges. A rehabilitation counselor serves as a source of expertise, personal support, and guidance. Graduates from the program are eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential exam, the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential exam, and are qualified to pursue the Licensed Professional Counselor credential (LPC).

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

San Diego State University offers a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. It prepares students to be effective practitioners, administrators, and leaders in the field of Rehabilitation. The primary focus of career preparation in rehabilitation is developing counseling skills, acquiring knowledge of disabilities, and demonstrating respect and sensitivity for people with disabilities. Combining a strong foundation of specialized education in the field.

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

The University of South Florida's Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling major program is committed to promoting quality behavioral health care for all. Preparing students with a strong foundation to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC). U.S. News and World Report's America's Best Graduate School rankings released in March 2019 listed the institution as 27th in the nation's Best Health School and Rehabilitation in the country. Graduates work in state vocational rehabilitation agencies, not-for-profit rehabilitation facilities, or community-based rehabilitation programs.

Acceptance Rate

47.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The University at Buffalo's Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology offers a Master's degree in the program. It focuses on preparing students to become competent and skillful rehabilitation counselors. The program is fully accredited by the New York State Education Department and Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). They provide psychological, social, and vocational rehabilitation services to people with physical, mental/psychiatric, cognitive, or sensory disabilities at many stages in life.

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Michigan State University's Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Studies prepare counselors to gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to collaborate in a professional relationship with people who have disabilities. The course maintains a unique history of graduates becoming leaders in the field at the state, national, and international levels. Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals to achieve their personal, social, psychological, educational, and vocational goals and are guaranteed employment in a wide variety of settings. Opportunities to work at a state rehabilitation program, high schools and college settings, Independent living center, Medical rehabilitation centers, just to name a few.

Acceptance Rate

71.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of South Carolina's Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Counseling and Rehabilitation trains graduate students to be professional counselors and with a specialized understanding of disability and disadvantage-related issues. Additional service perspectives focus on individuals who are disadvantaged by cultural differences and educational and economic impoverishment throughout the state. Their faculty is dedicated to performing a broad spectrum of educational scholarly and service activities to enhance their educational experiences. The institution offers a distance learning option that will make it easier to pursue their career without moving to Columbia. Their coursework will be online and they will be required to come to a few in-person meetings.

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Hunter College's School of Education offers a program in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. Preparing students to assist people with disabilities to realize personal goals and maximize their physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and vocational potential. The counselors work with youth and adults in a variety of community-based settings. Courses are offers in the afternoon and evening and some courses may be available in an online or hybrid format.

Acceptance Rate

35.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Springfield College's Rehabilitation Counseling degree is focused on increasing quality of life by helping people who have disabilities achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals through the counseling process. Counselors are employed in private practice, rehabilitation facilities, universities, schools, government agencies, insurance companies, and other organizations. The program is fully accredited by the Council of the Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and graduates are qualified to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam. A 2014 American Counseling Association compensation study found that Rehabilitation Counseling was the highest-paid counseling specialty area.

Acceptance Rate

68.06

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Mount Mary University's Masters in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Concentration prepares students to become certified rehabilitation counselors and offers specialized coursework in trauma and addictions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of rehabilitation counselors will grow at a faster than average rate in the next ten years. Their students will have the capabilities to identify and remove barriers that impede equal access to mental health services and will work with diverse individuals. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Acceptance Rate

57.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University at Albany's Counseling Psychology Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling is a certified program that leads to national certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). The institution was among the first group of Rehabilitation Counseling Programs to receive national accreditation by the Council of Rehabilitation Education. The 56-credit program is designed to prepare counselors to assume the full range of professional responsibilities required in a variety of community rehabilitation agencies and organizations. Graduates who receive an M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling tend to be employed in a variety of settings working with individuals with disabilities.

Acceptance Rate

54.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The University of Scranton's Rehabilitation Counseling degree program prepares students for careers in a variety of counseling settings with the goal of acquiring and applying the specific knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values needed to collaborate in a professional relationship with people who have disabilities. The program works towards a mission by creating an environment that inspires a commitment to lifelong learning, critical thinking, resource development, creative problem solving, the development of a professional network, and appreciation of the skills and abilities of persons with disabilities.  Offering a learning environment where the students gain academic competencies of the profession. Provides a facilitative process through which the students can increase self-understanding, self-confidence, and personal effectiveness.

Acceptance Rate

76.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Salve Regina University's major in Rehabilitation Counseling trains students in mental health counseling, co-occurring chronic illnesses and disabilities, and the importance of employment/ careers as a means for people with disabilities to achieve financial independence. Preparing students for counseling careers in a variety of settings. They offer a 60-credit master's degree in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling. Graduates are qualified for the national examination to become certified as a rehabilitation counselor.             

Acceptance Rate

73.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Hofstra University offers an academic degree program in Rehabilitation Counseling for graduate students. The 51 credit MSED in Rehabilitation Counseling, 60 credit MSED in Rehabilitation Counseling in Mental Health, and advanced certificate and professional diploma programs are provided by the Long Island, New York campus. Rehabilitation counselors possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and attitude needed to collaborate in a professional relationship with people with disabilities. The consumer demand for rehabilitation services is enormous and continues to grow at a rapid rate.     

Acceptance Rate

68.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Fresno State's Master of Science degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program is nationally recognized for its high-quality education and successful outcomes. Their Master's program can be finished in as little as five semesters and requires a total of 60 units. It is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). They will be highly trained individuals after completing the course.

Acceptance Rate

57.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

California State University-Los Angeles's Master of Science Degree in Counseling is committed to creating a learning environment that shapes a professional rehabilitation counselor identity. Graduates will be qualified to provide the full scope of rehabilitation counseling-related services to individuals who have disabilities. The faculty evaluate and improve the program based on student and community stakeholder feedback. The institution highly encourages participation in the student rehabilitation Counseling Association and other rehabilitation-related state and national organizations to further develop their professional identity.

Acceptance Rate

47.81

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

San Francisco State University's Rehabilitation Counselor major is dedicated to training the next generation of counselor leaders. The program is grounded in the belief that counseling, as a field of practice, affords professionals the knowledge and skills needed to carry out social justice work via strengths-based healing and wellness. Their faculty is locally, nationally, and internationally recognized in their scholarly contributors to multicultural competencies in counseling, social justice, and health equity.  Graduates from the department will have the necessary preparation to be eligible to sit for the National Board of Certified Counselors examinations.

Acceptance Rate

67.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Touro College offers a top rate Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides sensitive and structured support to individuals, families, and groups to aid them to accomplish mental health, wellness, educational, and career goals. Their 60-credit MS program lays the groundwork for aspiring mental health counselors to start work in a highly competitive and rewarding field in the services of clients in need of help. The coursework in the program includes the educational requirements needed to apply for the CASAC-Trainee certificate. Students are taught by clinically active faculty where they will benefit from their experience as well as their expertise.

Acceptance Rate

69.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Arkansas' Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling with an emphasis in Rehabilitation Counseling is a fully accredited web-enhanced graduate degree program. They are committed to providing direct services and resource coordination for individuals with disabilities. It is a 60-hour Master's Degree Program. The course is accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Acceptance Rate

77.09

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Thomas University's Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling is dually accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP). Combining mental health and rehabilitation curriculum preparing students for licensure as a professional counselor in their state of residence. The program is a 60-credit hour course to equip students for practice through rigorous academic training and fieldwork experience that can be finished in their local geographic area. The program is approved to offer students the opportunity to sit for their licensure and CRC after 75% program's coursework in completed.

Acceptance Rate

38.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Iowa's Rehabilitation Counseling degree program prepares to work alongside individuals with disabilities, their support systems, and their environments to achieve their personal, social, psychological, and vocational goals. Offering a Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling prepares professional counselors to provide quality assistance in psychological wellness, vocation/employment, independent living, and personal or economic development to persons with disabilities. Graduates are equipped to maximize levels of independence, integration, and participation of all individuals. Rehabilitation counselors may work in a variety of setting including rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, universities, schools, and/or government agencies.

Acceptance Rate

82.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Northern Illinois University's Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling provides students the counseling, rehabilitation, and disability knowledge and essential skills to better the lives of individuals living with disabilities. A maximum of 12 semester hours of student-at-large credit may be applied to degree requirements. The program is fully accredited by CACREP. Students have a thesis option and a non-thesis option before graduating.

Acceptance Rate

48.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Bowling Green State University offers a highly regarded Master of Education in School Counseling.  This degree pathway is a 60-credit hour curriculum designed to meet the needs of graduate students interested to pursue school counseling. Professional school counselors offer counseling services in a school setting. Services provided include counseling with individuals and with groups. Their faculty highly recommend students complete their practicum and internship at a site other than where they are employed.

Acceptance Rate

71.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Assumption University offers a Master of Arts major in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study. Their philosophy is to develop leaders in the field, using a multi-disciplinary approach drawing from rehabilitation, sociology, psychology, natural sciences, economics, education, and the humanities. A strong academic component is combined with equally strong experiential components, offering students a unique real-world training experience. The institution provides a vibrant and healthy environment to help students achieve their goals.

Acceptance Rate

81.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Maryville University's Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling help individuals of all abilities achieve personal, social, and professional goals leading to a more fulfilling life. The course is fully accredited by CACREP and students are qualified to become certified rehabilitation counselors (CRC) and licensed professional counselors (LPC) in Missouri. They work in state agencies, the federal government, substance abuse facilities, prisons, schools, private practice, and other settings. They have the opportunity to engage in a program that deeply values inclusion and having a diverse study body.

Acceptance Rate

82.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Top Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Degrees

Degree programs in this field of work prepare students to provide counsel to individuals to maximize their employability and independence.  Counselors are trained to be coaches, instructors, and caregivers of varying capacities.  The degree programs range from undergraduate to graduate providing a host of choices.  To help you determine which path is best for you, a summary of the most popular pathways is listed below.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Bachelor Degrees

Online bachelor degrees in vocational rehabilitation counseling can be found from many colleges and universities.  Likewise, hybrid and traditional classroom-based learning modalities are also available to consider.  Rehabilitation counseling degrees can be conferred as either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA).  Students will take both core classes and general education courses to help develop a holistic set of thinking skills and a well-rounded education.  General education classes may include creative writing, economics, math, history, communications, sociology, and English composition.

Classes found in the core of a vocational counseling degree program will contain some or all of the following courses in a bachelor’s degree pathway:

  • Psychology
  • Introduction to Rehabilitation
  • Disability Policy & Advocacy
  • Case Management
  • Job Placement
  • Rehabilitation Research
  • Addiction Studies
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Beginning Sign Language
  • Culture and Family Studies
  • Hearing Disorders and Assistive Technology
  • Psychology of Disability
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Prevention of Addictive Behaviors
  • Ethics

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Master Degrees

Master degrees in vocational services and counseling can be earned in around two-years based on full-time matriculation.  Degrees are conferred as either a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) in counseling depending on the curricular design of the program.  Graduate students are responsible to successfully complete an array of upper-level classes along with a thesis project.  Classes in a master’s degree track may include a combination of the following: job placement methods and theories, rehabilitation counseling techniques, psychological aspects of counseling, medical aspects of disability, and psychiatric rehabilitation.  Thesis and non-thesis options are tracks to consider if given the opportunity to choose.  The essential difference between the two pathways is the non-thesis option requires additional classes in lieu of researching, writing, and presenting a thesis project.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Doctorate Degrees

Doctorate degrees in vocational rehabilitation services and counseling are conferred as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  The PhD degree program can generally take students two to four years to complete based on the course load, program requirements, and time spent on the dissertation.  Advanced training in individual counseling and group counseling melds with cutting-edge research projects.  Students successfully completing a PhD program launch a career in private industry or academia as rehabilitation educators, research specialists, or administrators.

Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Information & Counseling Specializations

For students that earn a college degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue.  The options range from middle school teachers, high school teachers, postsecondary teachers, researcher, curriculum designer, clinical psychologist, counselor, school psychologist, mental health counselor, rehabilitation counselor, substance abuse counselor, behavior disorder counselor, and career counselor to name a few possible career tracks supported by the ARCA.

What are the Job Duties of a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor?

Job responsibilities of a rehabilitation counselor may vary from job to job but will generally entail a core set of activities.  The most common job duties will include the following items:

  • Understanding and communicating barriers to employment (access, schedule, transportation) and develop strategies to solve problems
  • Communicating with clients before, during, and after job placements to help coach and minimize issues
  • Managing progress of a patient to track goals and objectives
  • Meeting with clients, physicians, occupational therapists, psychologists, and guardians to discuss goals and aspirations to help develop effective rehabilitation plans
  • Evaluating patients with a holistic approach to determine baseline for mental, physical, vocational, and academic aspects
  • Meeting with service providers and family members to provide education and counseling regarding rehabilitation plans
  • Preparing case files and documentation such as eligibility, correspondence, counseling services, and narratives
  • Creating individual rehabilitation plans to mesh with career goals, aptitudes, education, physical abilities, career goals, and abilities
  • Maintaining close relationships with schools, employers, and community groups to use as viable employment referrals
  • Managing budgets and direct case service allocations as prescribed by agencies, insurance, or providers
Where Do Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors Work?

Students graduating with a degree in vocational rehabilitation services and counseling will work for a variety of organizations in the public and private sector.  Employers may range from private rehabilitation agencies and schools to mental health centers and medical case management.  In addition to the industry or sector of employment, you may specialize in rehabilitation in a particular area of development or remain a generalist.  Skills needed to succeed in this field will generally include experiential skills development, group counseling, case management, job placement, vocational assessment, job analysis, medical and psychosocial aspects of disability, rehabilitation research, and psychiatric rehabilitation techniques.

Rehabilitation Counseling Career Outlook

The job growth in the greater Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling domain are well above average. For example, the rate of job growth for psychologists is expected to rise 19% through 2024 and high school teachers a 7% growth rate is expected during the same period. Given the broad nature of the Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location. Related fields include teaching, curriculum design, research, mental health counselor, school psychologist, social workers, and sociologists.

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