Certificate of Graduate Studies in Disability Fundamentals

Program Details

• Learning Objectives
  • 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
• Rehabilitation Service Administration (RSA) Scholarship awards

  Assumption University is excited to offer RSA Scholarships to students pursuing graduate level education in the Rehabilitation Counseling program.  Students who receive scholarships under this program are required to “pay back” their scholarship through paid employment after graduation in public agencies that support the state-federal rehabilitation program. Typical settings include State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies or non-profit organizations that have service arrangements (often in the form of contracts to provide services for) with State Vocational Rehabilitation agency. Federally funded agencies that provide rehabilitation services also meet the payback requirement.   Assumption has been awarded multiple RSA awards that provide support to slightly different groups of students.

   

  Individuals pursuing a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling

  • Students accepted into the MA in Rehabilitation Counseling degree program
  • Enrolled full-time in either the online (2 or 3 classes/semester) or blended program (4 classes/semester)
  • Willing to complete the post-graduation work payback requirement*
  • Tuition awards are based on available funds and typically exceed $25,000/student and cover most of the total tuition cost

  Individuals pursuing graduate education who ALREADY HAVE a master’s degree in a similar field

  • Apply for the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
  • Submit their transcript to CRCC for a panel review to determine what courses are needed to qualify them to sit for the CRC exam
  • Complete an individualized program of study (typically of 7 classes)
  • 100% of the CAGS tuition cost is covered by the RSA CSPD grant IF the individual is and remains actively employed by a State VR agency during the program
  • Willing to complete the post-graduation work payback requirement*
  • Applicants must express interest in receiving RSA scholarship support at the time of application if they expect to receive 100% of tuition coverage

  Individuals pursuing graduate education that DO NOT have a master’s degree

  • Apply for the Certificate of Graduate Study (CGS) in Disability Fundamentals
  • Includes 6 courses (2 per semester) so it can be completed in one calendar year
  • Students can apply to begin in any semester (Fall, Spring, Summer)
  • Willing to complete the post-graduation work payback requirement*
  • 100% of the CGS tuition cost is covered by the RSA CSPD grant IF the individual is and remains actively employed by a State VR agency during the program
  • Applicants must express interest in receiving RSA scholarship support at the time of application if they expect to receive 100% of tuition coverage

  *Detailed information about the RSA grants and payback requirements is provided as part of the application and award process

• Course Descriptions

  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