Graduate

Rehabilitation Counseling

We offer a nationally recognized course of study that will lead to a rewarding career as a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a variety of other counseling career paths.

Rehabilitation Counseling Program

Program Tracks Available

On campus, Online

Admission Deadline

Fall (August start): July 1
Spring (January start): December 1
Summer: April 15

Degrees Offered

M.A., C.A.G.S.

Department

Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Program Overview
Program Viewbook

Assumption College is ranked nationally by US News in the top 50 Best Graduate Schools in Rehabilitation Counseling.

The Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies (HSRS) at Assumption College offers the Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study. Graduates of our programs are well prepared to seek employment in settings which focus on rehabilitation, human services, and allied health and education.

Our 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.

Most importantly, a strong academic component is combined with equally strong experiential components, offering students a unique real-world training experience. The student will master a comprehensive set of skills, knowledge and competencies and then have the opportunity through their practicum and internship experience, to put those skills into practice in actual rehabilitation settings.

Key areas of focus are:
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Medical and Psychiatric Rehabilitation
- Cultural Diversity
- Case and Caseload Management
- Disability Management and Rehabilitation Planning
- Vocational Assessment, Career Counseling and Job Placement
- Assistive Technology and Accommodation
- Consumer Advocacy
- Ethics and Ethical Decision-making
- Graduates of our program are well-trained and positioned to assume leadership roles in rehabilitation, human service, allied health, education, and a variety of related settings.
Study in small classes focused on career training as a rehabilitation counselor.
In addition to small classes, there is ample opportunity for students to pursue specific interest areas such as vocational rehabilitation, psychiatric rehabilitation, youth in transition, substance abuse and addiction, and working with veterans with disabilities. The quality of the graduate program is supported by its accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the career success attained by our graduates.

If you are considering a career in rehabilitation or one of the helping professions which requires an understanding of disability and counseling, the Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies at Assumption College provides you with a supportive environment, small classes, and an exceptional faculty to help you achieve your career goals, all backed by a 48 year legacy of success.

Program Contact

Susan M. Cahill

Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions

Schedule a Conversation

508-767-7365 sm.cahill@assumption.edu Admissions House - Room 205

Nicholas Cioe, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Rehab Counseling, Director of Rehabilitation Counseling, Coordinator of SMVF Program, Director of Transition Specialist

508-767-7063 nj.cioe@assumption.edu Kennedy Building - Room 107c

John Landers

Academic Affairs Support Team

508-767-7430 jm.landers@assumption.edu Kennedy Hall - Room 107

Program Curriculum

Mission

The mission of the Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program is to provide a full array of a sequenced and integrated course of professional study that addresses current and emerging professional issues, community needs and the needs of people with disabilities. Students will acquire the needed knowledge, competencies, values, and professional identity to provide individuals with significant disabilities with the assistance and opportunities they need to achieve high quality employment, independence living and active participation in their communities.

Learning Objectives
- To educate students in counseling and rehabilitation principles and practices so that they can use these to assist persons with disabilities to maximize their employment and independent living potential.
- To educate students in the following core rehabilitation counselor practice domains: affective counseling, case management, community rehabilitation utilization, job development and placement, assessment, rehabilitation planning, vocational counseling, rehabilitation technology, rehabilitation research utilization, and ethical rehabilitation counselor practice.
- To provide students with a dynamic learning experience that promotes and reinforces personal and professional values that are reflected in the rehabilitation philosophy, including consumer-centered practice, informed choice and empowerment.
- To provide a supervised clinical experience that will prepare students to engage in effective rehabilitation counseling practice consistent with the Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors.
- To provide a course of study that addresses current and emerging professional issues, community needs and the needs of people with disabilities.
- To prepare students to become nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC).
This program is designed for students who wish to enroll in a traditional on-campus setting. Students attend small classes which meet on a weekly basis during the academic year. During the summer session classes meet once per week. Students enrolled in this program are eligible to apply for traineeships, graduate assistantships and scholarship funding, when available. Upon successful completion of the academic and clinical requirements of this program students are eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam. Students are encouraged to take the CRC exam during their final academic semester.

The Clinical Component

The clinical component of the program is comprised of a 100 hour Practicum experience over one semester, and a 600 Internship experience over two semesters. These experiences provide an opportunity for the student to integrate theory and practice in a “hands on” environment. Our graduates consistently rate their combined practicum and internship experience as one of the most rewarding and beneficial parts of the program, and often lead to jobs upon graduation.

Practicum: First Period of Supervised Clinical Practice

The 100 hour practicum experience places emphasis on the counseling relationship and the development of fundamental counseling and interviewing skills. Students are required to complete audio or videotaped counseling sessions during their practicum experience. Students receive weekly individual and group supervision during the practicum session, and have opportunities to get feedback regarding the development of their counseling skills. There is also an emphasis on identifying and addressing ethical issues that may arise in the counseling relationship. Formal supervisor and student self-evaluations are required upon completing the practicum experience.

Internship I and II: Second Period of Supervised Clinical Practice

The second component of supervised practical experience is the 600 hour Internship. The internship in Rehabilitation Counseling usually requires 21 hours, or three full days per week over the final two semesters of the program. The internship provides students with the opportunity to experience the wide range of duties and responsibilities of a rehabilitation counselor, and to participate in all aspects of the delivery of rehabilitation counseling services. Students receive regular supervision from an on-site supervisor, and individual and group supervision by the faculty supervisor and seminar leader. The student’s professional development and growth are closely monitored and evaluated to ensure that the student is acquiring the skills required of an entry level professional rehabilitation counselor position.

Electives

Students consistently expressed a desire for taking electives but accreditation requirements do not leave much room. Program leadership in consultation with colleagues and the advisory board found a way to create room for an elective while still fulfilling the accreditation requirements. Students are encouraged to take an elective from the different graduate and graduate-level certificate programs at Assumption and graduate courses external to the college will be considered in consultation with the Program Director.

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. The oral exam is waived for people who take and pass the CRC exam prior to graduation.

Oral exams carry the grade of pass or fail. If a student does not pass the oral exam, he/she will be given the opportunity to retake the oral exam prior to graduation.

View Course Descriptions

View Fall 2019 Course Schedule

View Spring 2020 Course Schedule

View Spring 2020 Online Course Schedule
The online program is a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited, 20-course, 60-credit program that can be completed over 8 semesters, in less than 3 years. Upon completion, students will be awarded a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling, and will be eligible to sit for the CRC exam.

Online Program Course of Study

The online graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling is a 20-course, 60-credit program that can be completed over 8 semesters in less than 3 years. Upon completion, students will be awarded a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling, and will be eligible to sit for the CRC exam.

Program Features & Benefits:
- It is one of only a few online degrees offered by a top-ranked Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program in the northeastern region of the United States.
- Student-centered approach emphasizes ongoing communication, convenience, academic excellence, and interaction with professors, administrators, and professionals.
- IT dedicated support is available and responsive to student needs.
- Faculty have interest, investment, and experience in teaching online courses.
- Program is primarily asynchronous, and allows students to learn at their own convenience each week.
- Multiple learning modalities: online, experiential, practice, team
- Curriculum designed to national standards with input from professionals in the field
- Program is ranked among the top Rehabilitation Counseling graduate programs in New England and the nation by U.S. News.
- Program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Computer Literacy

The Brightspace instructional software program is the platform for our online program delivery. Students must have ready access to a personal computer, Internet access and basic computer literacy skills in order to enroll in the online program. In addition, students must feel comfortable with the unique features and methodologies associated with distance learning.

Summer On-Campus Residency Requirement

One 5-day on-campus session will take place during each of two summer semesters. This residency week will always begin on the third Monday of June. Students will stay on campus in fully-furnished, 2 bedroom apartments at the Living and Learning Center.

View Course Descriptions

View Fall 2019 Course Schedule

View Spring 2020 Course Schedule

View Spring 2020 Online Course Schedule

Accelerated Six-in-Five BA/MA program for Assumption College seniors

This program is designed for Assumption College students who are full-time undergraduate majors in human services and rehabilitation studies, or a related major, who have demonstrated superior academic performance, and who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Students must be recommended for the program by a faculty member. Acceptance into the Six-in-Five program allows students to begin taking graduate courses in their senior year. During the spring semester of senior year, students must formally apply for acceptance into the graduate program.

Upon acceptance into the graduate program, students may continue their graduate coursework through the summer session and the following academic year. Upon successful completion of the academic and clinical requirements, students will be awarded a Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. This program allows outstanding students to complete six years of full-time academic work in five years.

YEAR 1

Fall

RCP 502	Rehabilitation Research and Program Evaluation
RCP 503	Foundations of the Rehabilitation Counseling Profession
RCP 505	Introduction to Assessment and Appraisal of Individuals with Disabilities
RCP 530	Introduction to Counseling Theory and Practice

Spring

RCP 512	Occupational Analysis, Career Development and Job Placement
RCP 520	Principles of Psychiatric Rehabilitation
RCP 510	Introduction to Medical Rehabilitation
RCP 599	Practicum & Seminar in Legal and Ethical Issues

Graduation from Undergraduate program - enroll in Graduate program

Summer I

RCP 525	The Psychology of Disability Across the Life Span
RCP 631	Cultural Competencies in Rehabilitation Counseling

Summer II

RCP 501	Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders in Rehabilitation
RCP 631	Cultural Competencies in Rehabilitation Counseling (Continued)

YEAR 2

Fall

RCP 514	Private Sector and Forensic Rehabilitation
RCP 513	Vocational Evaluation and Career Planning
RCP 619	The Effective Use of Technology in Rehabilitation Counseling Practice
RCP 698	Internship and Internship Seminar I

Spring

RCP 550	Principles of Family and Group Process
RCP 540	Case Management and Rehabilitation Plan Development
RCP 630	Advanced Counseling Practice
RCP 699	Internship and Internship Seminar II
RCP 555	Rehabilitation Program Portfolio Review and Evaluation

View Course Descriptions

View Fall 2019 Course Schedule

View Spring 2020 Course Schedule

View Spring 2020 Online Course Schedule

An individualized Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Rehabilitation Counseling is offered to students who have completed a master’s degree in another discipline. Students who have completed a related master’s degree either at Assumption College or another college may apply to the Rehabilitation Counseling C.A.G.S. program. The C.A.G.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling is a course of study that is developed in consultation with the graduate program director and based on students’ specific interest areas. Students pursuing the C.A.G.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling typically take courses on a part-time basis and have up to 7 years to complete their course of study.

This Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study is not currently intended for individuals who possess a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program.

The Rehabilitation Counseling CAGS program is recommended for students with a Master’s Degree in Human Service, Counseling, Education, Social Work and related fields that wish to obtain further knowledge and skills in working with people with disabilities.

The CAGS in Rehabilitation Counseling will allow students to focus graduate coursework on areas such as vocational rehabilitation, career counseling, psycho-social aspects and case management as it relates to individuals with a variety of disabilities.

Faculty

Nicholas Cioe, Ph.D. Program Director Assistant Professor of Rehab Counseling Director of Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator of SMVF Program Director of Transition Specialist

Patti Clay, MS, NCC, LPC Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Andrea Coraccio, M.Ed., CRC Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Jessica Corneau Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Heather Harris Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Calvin Hill Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, Adjunct Faculty Graduate School Counseling

Stefanie Howe, Ph.D., CRC Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Kirby Matthess, CRC, LRC, CCM Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Ryan Paskins, Ph.D Professor of Practice, Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Andrea Randall, MA, CAGS, CRC Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Nicole Robert, MA, CRC Adjunct Faculty Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

Susan Sabelli Clinical Coordinator, Human Services & Rehabilitation Studies

Susan Scully-Hill, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies Director of School Counseling Adjunct Faculty, HSRS Graduate

Gary Senecal, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Human Services

Justin Somers, MA, CAGS, CRC Adjunct Faculty

Talia Simoncini

Rehabilitation Counseling 2019

Assumption's Rehabilitation Counseling program challenges students to think outside of the box.

Through small, engaging classroom discussions; knowledgeable, experienced faculty; and internship opportunities in the program, I have grown tremendously as a student. The close-knit community at Assumption has made campus feel like home-away-from-home.

Aishea Henry

Rehabilitation Counseling 2019
Staff II Counselor, Family Continuity Programs

The 6-in-5 program was the best thing I could have ever done.

The 6-in-5 made the graduate school process so much easier, and was financially beneficial for me. I never thought I would end up at Assumption, and now I am in my fifth year, and I have enjoyed every moment of my time here.

Jacqueline Kendrick

Rehabilitation Counseling 2019
Disability Specialist, Disability Resource Center, Northeastern University

I feel incredibly grateful for the education I received at Assumption.

I never felt like a number, but rather a valued member of the community. Assumption challenged me to think critically, serve faithfully, and develop a vocation filled with compassion and purpose. I feel confident and prepared to begin my professional career.

Rebecca Lauzon

Rehabilitation Counseling 2008
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, ACCEPT Education Collaborative

I constantly call upon the knowledge and experience gained at Assumption.

The learning experience was first-class. It’s an atmosphere in which amazing faculty and students function like a family that offers mutual support, collaboration, and career empowerment. That is a recipe for success!

Myra Terry

Rehabilitation Counseling 2012
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

It was the ideal graduate school experience—academically and professionally.

The program offers a supportive atmosphere focused on the student’s growth as a practicing counselor. Faculty possess decades of hands-on clinical expertise that I benefited from greatly. Through my internship, I gained direct experience working in vocational rehabilitation.

Justin McCarthy

Rehabilitation Counseling 2009
Substance Abuse Clinician, Community Health Link/UMass Memorial

The constant focus of ensuring students’ professional success and growth was most impressive.

"I felt like a person, not a number. Even after finishing the program, I have been able to count on faculty for generous advice and counsel. Like so many graduates of the program, I was employed by the organization with which I interned, as soon as I graduated."

Tiffany Daugherty

Rehabilitation Counseling 2014
Military and Veteran Affairs Leader, First Data Corporation

The online program offers a remarkable community of people who share goals and high standards.

"The professors know their craft and the administrators care deeply about your success. If you want to succeed, you will be supported every step of the way. There wasn’t a single course that didn’t relate directly to the population that I work with."

Shining Their Light

Talia Simoncini

Rehabilitation Counseling 2019

Assumption's Rehabilitation Counseling program challenges students to think outside of the box.

Through small, engaging classroom discussions; knowledgeable, experienced faculty; and internship opportunities in the program, I have grown tremendously as a student. The close-knit community at Assumption has made campus feel like home-away-from-home.

Aishea Henry

Rehabilitation Counseling 2019
Staff II Counselor, Family Continuity Programs

The 6-in-5 program was the best thing I could have ever done.

The 6-in-5 made the graduate school process so much easier, and was financially beneficial for me. I never thought I would end up at Assumption, and now I am in my fifth year, and I have enjoyed every moment of my time here.

Jacqueline Kendrick

Rehabilitation Counseling 2019
Disability Specialist, Disability Resource Center, Northeastern University

I feel incredibly grateful for the education I received at Assumption.

I never felt like a number, but rather a valued member of the community. Assumption challenged me to think critically, serve faithfully, and develop a vocation filled with compassion and purpose. I feel confident and prepared to begin my professional career.

Rebecca Lauzon

Rehabilitation Counseling 2008
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, ACCEPT Education Collaborative

I constantly call upon the knowledge and experience gained at Assumption.

The learning experience was first-class. It’s an atmosphere in which amazing faculty and students function like a family that offers mutual support, collaboration, and career empowerment. That is a recipe for success!

Myra Terry

Rehabilitation Counseling 2012
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

It was the ideal graduate school experience—academically and professionally.

The program offers a supportive atmosphere focused on the student’s growth as a practicing counselor. Faculty possess decades of hands-on clinical expertise that I benefited from greatly. Through my internship, I gained direct experience working in vocational rehabilitation.

Justin McCarthy

Rehabilitation Counseling 2009
Substance Abuse Clinician, Community Health Link/UMass Memorial

The constant focus of ensuring students’ professional success and growth was most impressive.

"I felt like a person, not a number. Even after finishing the program, I have been able to count on faculty for generous advice and counsel. Like so many graduates of the program, I was employed by the organization with which I interned, as soon as I graduated."

Tiffany Daugherty

Rehabilitation Counseling 2014
Military and Veteran Affairs Leader, First Data Corporation

The online program offers a remarkable community of people who share goals and high standards.

"The professors know their craft and the administrators care deeply about your success. If you want to succeed, you will be supported every step of the way. There wasn’t a single course that didn’t relate directly to the population that I work with."

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Graduate Visit Opportunities

We invite you to learn more about our graduate programs - either through a visit to campus, or by scheduling a phone conversation with an admissions team member or one of our program directors. Contact us today to learn more!

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Admissions Requirements

Rehabilitation Counseling-specific Requirements

The Rehabilitation Counseling admissions committee reserves the right to request additional material in support of the candidate’s application.

Conditional Acceptance

In those cases where the applicant does not meet the requirement of 2.75 overall undergraduate GPA, the following applies: For those applicants with a 2.5 to 2.74 overall undergraduate GPA, acceptance may be given conditionally if other admissions criteria are met. For part-time students, the department will review the student's work at the completion of 4 courses and will make recommendations regarding the removal of the conditional status. For full-time students, such review will also occur after the completion of 4 courses. (Based on graduate policy as of this date, conditional status may be removed if the student achieves a grade of B or better in each of the courses taken).

Application Information

All documents, transcripts and other papers submitted for the admittance become property of the College and will not be returned.
A student is not officially admitted or rejected until the Director of Graduate Enrollment has notified him/her. Applicants are notified of their status in writing.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that health science students must be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and Hepatitis B.

General Graduate Studies Admissions Requirements

Completed Application Dated & Signed
$30 Application Fee (waived for AC Alumni)
Letters of Recommendation
Official Transcript(s)
Personal Statement
Current Resume
TOEFL or IELTS for applicants whose native language is not English
Interview

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Scholarship Opportunities

Financial assistance in the form of scholarships and traineeships are offered to qualified students in the Rehabilitation Counseling program. The Rehabilitation Services Administration Scholarship is funded through a grant by the United States Department of Education/Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), and the Charles E. Soule Scholarship in Rehabilitation Counseling is funded by an endowment established by Unum Companies.

How to apply

U.S. News Ranks Assumption’s Rehab Counseling Program among Best in Nation

Assumption’s graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling is one of the Best Graduate Schools for Health 2020, according to U.S. News & World Report. Previously ranked 48th, Assumption has now moved up to be among the top 40 Rehabilitation Counseling programs in the country.

Learn More

Resources

Course Information

Program Resources

External Resources

VIDEO: The Art of Rehabilitation Counseling

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Rehabilitation Counseling

We offer a nationally recognized course of study that will lead to a rewarding career as a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a variety of other counseling career paths.