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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Rehabilitation Counselors.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Rehabilitation Counselors.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 11%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed.
Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation, such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence.
If you're considering a career as a rehabilitation counselor, you're looking at a profession that focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals through a counseling process. To enter this rewarding field, you'll need to follow several key steps, which will involve education, certification, and gaining practical experience.
Your first step is to earn a bachelor's degree. While some rehabilitation counselors have degrees in rehabilitation counseling or a related field, many have undergraduate degrees in disciplines such as:
Most employers require rehabilitation counselors to hold a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related field. Master's programs typically cover:
Hands-on experience is crucial. During or after your graduate studies, you'll need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours. Requirements vary by state and program but usually involve:
Depending on the state where you plan to practice, you might need to become licensed or certified. The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) offers the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential, which is widely recognized. Requirements typically include:
After obtaining your degree and required certification, it's time to start working in the field. Entry-level positions might include working in:
Rehabilitation counseling is an evolving field. To stay current with best practices and maintain your certification, you'll likely need to engage in continuing education (CE) opportunities. These could include:
Joining professional associations such as the National Rehabilitation Association can provide networking opportunities, access to job listings, and additional resources for professional development.
By following these steps, you can prepare yourself for a successful career as a rehabilitation counselor. Remember to check the specific requirements for the state in which you wish to practice, as they can vary significantly.
To pursue a career as a rehabilitation counselor, you typically need:
Yes, certifications and licensures can be important in this field:
Rehabilitation counselors need a diverse set of skills, including:
Rehabilitation counselors work in a variety of settings:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (noopener noreferrer), employment of rehabilitation counselors is projected to grow at a rate comparable to the average for all occupations. This growth is partly due to an aging population and the continued need for rehabilitation services.
Yes, specialization can occur through further education or on-the-job experience:
Rehabilitation counselors can engage in various continuing education (CE) options:
Career advancement can occur through:
Remember, each individual's career path can vary based on their interests, education, and the specific area of rehabilitation counseling they wish to pursue. It's essential to stay informed about industry trends and requirements by checking with professional organizations such as the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (noopener noreferrer).