M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Practicums, Internships, Advisors, and Oral Exams
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
The required Practicum and Internship Seminars allows students to develop a "hands on" experience as a counselor and to integrate theory and practice. Students' selection of an internship site is particularly important because it is here that they acquire the specialized expertise that will advance their careers. Our graduates consistently rate their combined practicum and internship experience as one of the most rewarding and beneficial components of the program.
Practicum - First Period of Supervised Clinical Practice
The first block of supervised clinical practice takes place during the spring semester. The Guidelines for Supervised Clinical Practice, a publication of the Joint Liaison Committee of the Council of State Directors of Vocational Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Counselor Educators, was used in the development of the program for the supervised clinical practice. The emphasis is on the counseling relationship for the development of interviewing skills and case study development. Affiliations for supervised clinical practice have been established with state rehabilitation agencies as well as social, educational, and rehabilitation agencies and institutions. The expanding field of rehabilitation is reflected during clinical practice, through programs which emphasize independent living, corrections, educational problems, substance abuse, gerontology, public welfare, and psychiatric rehabilitation. The Practicum requires 100 hours of supervised fieldwork.
To view/print a copy of the Practicum forms click below.
Data Sheet Agreement Evaluation Self-Evaluation
Internship I and II - Second Period of Supervised Clinical Practice
This last block of supervised clinical practice is an Internship designed to facilitate the transition from trainee to professional rehabilitation counselor. Whereas the emphasis in the first block of supervised clinical experience was on interviewing, the emphasis in this block is on counseling - including assessment, appraisal, coping with disability, and placement. At this point, the student is called upon to function in an increasingly independent manner, integrating his/her training and experience. The Internship extends over both the fall and spring semesters. The Internship requires 600 hours of supervised fieldwork.
To view/print a copy of the Internship forms click below.
Data Sheet Agreement Evaluation Self-Evaluation
Possible Options for Practicum and Internship Placements include:
* AdCare Hospital of Worcester
* Alternative Unlimited, Inc
* Center for Living and Working, Inc.
* Community Healthlink
* Department of Mental Health
* Department of Social Services
* Fairlawn rehabilitation Hospital
* Faith House
* Genesis Club, Inc.
* Henry Lee Willis Community Center, Inc.
* Hubbard Regional Hospital -EAP
* Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
* Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
* Northborough Family and Youth Services, Inc.
* Rape Crisis Center, Inc.
* Seven Hills Foundation
* Unum
* Westborough State Hospital
* Worcester State Hospital
* Y.O.U., Inc.
Faculty Advisors
Students enrolled in the program are assigned a faculty advisor. Students should consult their advisor about course requirements, selection of electives, and concentration requirements. Students should become familiar with the licensure requirements.
Oral Exams
An oral exam is required for all students in the Master's program. This exam is taken during the student's last semester of study. The objective of the oral exam is for students to demonstrate how they integrate theory, practice, and research related to the training that they have received in the Rehabilitation Counseling program.
Oral exams carry the grade of pass or fail. If a student fails the oral exam, he/she will be given another opportunity to demonstrate competence. Generally, the second exam is given several months later.