Assumption's Admissions House is shown.
Graduate

Certificate of Graduate Studies in Disability Fundamentals

The certificate of graduate studies (CGS) in Disability Fundamentals equips professionals with the foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. 

The certificate of graduate studies (CGS) in Disability Fundamentals equips professionals with the foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities.  The required, suggested, and elective course design ensures essential learning while allowing for flexibility to meet required or preferred learning content. The ideal student for this program is an employee of a state vocational rehabilitation (StateVR) agency who has earned a bachelor's degree but not a master’s degree or who has earned a master’s degree related to Rehabilitation Counseling but could benefit from disability focused learning.  

Graduate Virtual Information Sessions



Certificate of Graduate Studies in Disability Fundamentals Program Contact

Laura E. Hunter, MSOL

Associate Director for Graduate Enrollment
508-767-7458 Admissions House, 121

Nicholas J. Cioe, Ph.D.

Associate Professor , Director of Rehabilitation Counseling, Coordinator of SMVF Program, Core Faculty Member in Rehabilitation Counseling
508-767-7063 Kennedy Building - Room 107c

Caroline Rauscher

Academic Affairs Support Team
508-767-7390 Kennedy Hall - Room 123

An Ideal Place to Learn

Online program
6
Number of courses in the program
Federal Grant Support

Program Details

    • Acquire essential knowledge related to fundamental disability concepts (medical, counseling, employment)
    • Develop counseling interaction skills to foster meaningful engagement of participants
    • Understand various forms of occupational data, information, and resources and their utilization in rehabilitation and the vocational rehabilitation process.
    • Explore areas of interest by choosing elective classes from the entire rehabilitation counseling catalogue.
    • Embody an inclusive and accepting attitude toward individuals with disability
  • RCP/L 503: Foundations of the Rehabilitation Counseling Profession

    This course is an introduction to the field of rehabilitation, independent living and the role of the rehabilitation counselor. It provides an overview of the historical, legislative and philosophical forces that shaped the field of rehabilitation. Special emphasis will be on the civil rights movement for individuals with disabilities, the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and evolving disability policy in the U.S. Historical and present day societal attitudes and values toward individuals with disabilities will also be examined. 3 credits

    RCP/L 510: Introduction to Medical Rehabilitation

    This course includes a brief review of the human anatomy and physiology, and a review of the major medical/physical disabilities and chronic illnesses that result in significant disabling conditions and impairments. It provides students with an understanding of the various medical specialties, medical terminology and skills in effectively utilizing medical consultation in the rehabilitation workplace. Students will have an opportunity to learn about the social, educational and vocational implications of chronic illness and physical disability. The health care system, disability benefits and resources will also be addressed in this course. Prerequisite: Undergraduate level Anatomy and Physiology is recommended but not required; 3 credits

     

    RCP/L 512: Occupational Analysis, Career Development Theory & Job Placement Strategies

    This course provides a comprehensive overview of the world of work for rehabilitation counselors. Students become familiar with various forms of occupational data, information, and resources and their utilization in rehabilitation. Topics covered will include job classification systems, such as O*NET and the DOT, job analysis, and labor market surveys. Students will also become familiar with the major career development theories and their relevance to the vocational rehabilitation process. A variety of job placement support services and strategies will also be addressed, along with major federal and state legislation related to the employment of individuals with disabilities. 3 credits

     

    RCP/L 530: Introduction to Counseling Theory, Practice, and the Profession

    This course examines the fundamental principles and techniques of the major counseling theories, including Person‐centered, Cognitive‐Behavioral, Gestalt, Reality, Psychoanalytic, and Behavior and their applicability to the role of the rehabilitation counselor. Students will have an opportunity to develop and practice fundamental counseling skills. Students will also examine common ethical issues that arise in the counseling relationship and the nature and importance of supervision in counseling. 3 credits

     

    RECOMMENDED ELECTIVE Course Descriptions

     

    RCP/L 631: Cultural Responsiveness in Counseling

    This course promotes knowledge and understanding of the role of culture in counseling. Cultural influences will be considered as representing a wide range of diversity issues including ethnicity, race, religion, age, gender, geography and sexuality. Students will examine their personal experiences, biases, attitudes, values and beliefs about groups representing diversity. Focus is placed on the development of cultural competencies to ensure effective counseling services to all clients with compassion and sensitivity while valuing cultural backgrounds. 3 credits

Faculty

Nicholas J. Cioe, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Director of Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator of SMVF Program Core Faculty Member in Rehabilitation Counseling
Jessica Corneau
Lecturer, Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program
Ryan T. Paskins, Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Practice, Rehabilitation Counseling Core Faculty Member in Rehabilitation Counseling

Application Requirements:

  • Graduate application
  • Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended
  • Recommendation/letter of support from current supervisor
  • Personal statement


Programs Related to Certificate of Graduate Studies in Disability Fundamentals