Rehabilitation Counseling

Program Curriculum

• Learning Objectives

  1. To provide supervised clinical experiences that prepare students to engage in effective rehabilitation counseling practice consistent with the Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors.

  2. To provide student with the ability to be aware of and effectively assess psychosocial, medical, cultural, and environmental aspects of disability.

  3. To enhance employment and career development through a course of study that addresses current and emerging professional issues, community needs, and the needs of people with disabilities including consumer-centered practice, assessment, job placement, assistive technology, job modification, informed choice, and empowerment.

  4. To educate students in the following core rehabilitation counselor practice domains: affective counseling, case management, community resource utilization, job development and placement, assessment, rehabilitation planning, vocational counseling, group work, rehabilitation technology, rehabilitation research utilization, and ethical rehabilitation counselor practice.

  5. To educate students in counseling and rehabilitation principles and practices so that they can assist persons with disabilities to maximize their employment and independent living potential including applying the principles of caseload management and providing appropriate rehabilitation services.

  6. To prepare students to become nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC).

• Mission

  Mission

  The mission of the Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program is to provide a full array of sequenced and integrated courses 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 the assistance and opportunities they need to achieve high quality employment, independence living and active participation in their communities.

• Online Course of Study (60 Credits)

  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.

• Online & On-campus Blended Course of Study (60 credits)

  This program is designed for students who prefer taking classes in a traditional on-campus setting. Taking a blend of on-campus and online classes allows students to take four classes per semester and complete the program in five semesters (instead of the eight semesters it takes to complete the program fully online). Students enrolled in this program are eligible to apply campus-based traineeships and graduate assistantships in addition to the scholarship funding available to all students, 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.

• 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 focused on either Veterans, Transition-Aged youth, Addictions, Healthcare management, or Resiliency. Graduate courses external to the University will be considered in consultation with the Program Director.

• Oral Exams

  Required Competency Testing

  All students graduating from either the Master of Arts or CAGS programs must pass a competency exam. Students in the Master’s degree program are eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam during their final semester. Students who choose to take the exam and pass the exam meet the competency exam requirement. Students who choose not to take it, are not eligible to take it (often the case for CAGS program students), or who do not pass the CRC exam must take a Comprehensive Oral Exam.

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

  This program is designed for Assumption University 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 501 Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders in 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
  • RCP 520 Principles of Psychiatric Rehabilitation
  • ELECTIVE

   

  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
• Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.)

  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 University or another college/ university 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 after a transcript review by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) and based on students’ specific needs and interests. 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.

  Learn More
• Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC) Preparation

  Addiction is a chronic and complex phenomena and effective addiction treatment requires the practitioner to understand the multidimensional nature of addiction and recovery. Treatment is most effective when the cognitive, physical, psychological, familial, and vocational aspects impacted by addiction are addressed. This is why Rehabilitation Counselor training is the ideal preparation for those looking to help individuals experiencing addiction.

  The Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling degree provides a pathway for students to complete the prerequisite coursework and experiential learning needed to pursue the Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC) credential. Our program aligns with the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) standards, but students are expected to verify alignment with their state’s credentialing requirements.

• Practicum and Internship

  The Clinical Component 
  The clinical component of the program is comprised of a 100 hour practicum experience over 1 semester, and a 600 hour internship experience over 2 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, which often leads to jobs upon graduation.

  Practicum – First Phase 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 Phase 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 3 full days per week over the final 2 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 Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling 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 a professional rehabilitation counselor position.

  Sampling of Practicum and Internship Placement Options in Central Massachusetts
  • AdCare Hospital of Worcester
  • AIDS Project Worcester
  • Alternatives Unlimited, Inc.
  • Center for Living and Working, Inc.
  • Community Healthlink
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Children and Families
  • Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Faith House
  • Genesis Club, Inc.
  • Hubbard Regional Hospital – EAP
  • Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
  • Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
  • Northborough Family and Youth Services, Inc.
  • Seven Hills Foundation
  • Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Unum Insurance Company
  • Veterans Inc.
  • Worcester Public Schools
  • Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital
  • Y.O.U., Inc.

  Online Students – Practicum and internship placements are developed in the student’s local geographical area.

• Course Descriptions
  View Course Descriptions
• Upcoming Course Offerings
  Upcoming Course Offerings
• Program Course Sequence

  CAMPUS/BLENDED Course Offerings
  Fall	Spring	Summer
  RCPL 503	RCPL 505	RCPL 520
  RCPL 510	RCPL 512	RCPL 502 (requires residency week)
  RCP 525 (hybrid)	RCP 501 (hybrid)	RCP 631 (hybrid)
  RCP 530 (hybrid)	RCP 599	Elective
  Fall (2nd year)	Spring (2nd year)
  RCPL 513	RCPL 540
  RCPL 514	RCPL 619
  RCP 550 (hybrid)	RCP 630
  RCP 698	RCP 699
  ONLINE Course Offerings
  Fall	Spring	Summer
  RCPL 503	RCPL 505	RCPL 502
  RCPL 510	RCPL 512	RCPL 530
  		RCPL 550
  Fall (2nd year)	Spring (2nd year)	Summer (2nd year)
  RCPL 501	RCPL 520	RCPL 599
  RCPL 514	RCPL 525	RCPL 630
  		Elective
  Fall (3rd year)	Spring (3rd year)
  RCPL 513	RCPL 540
  RCPL 631	RCPL 619
  RCPL 698	RCPL 699

  *This is the typical sequence of courses but occasionally changes are needed.

• Program/Student Outcomes (2024)

  Rehab Vital Statistics Report (2024)

  # of graduates – 12

  Program Completion rate – 75%

  Job Placement Rate (6-months post-graduation) = 100%

   

  CRC Exam Student Outcome Data: 2011-2024
  Year	On Campus	Online	Total
  	Number/Percent Pass	Number/Percent Pass	Number/Percent Pass
  2011	10/12 – 83%	14/16 – 88%	24/28 – 86%
  2012	7/9 – 78%	11/14 – 79%	18/23 – 78%
  2013	10/10 – 100%	13/14 – 93%	23/24 – 96%
  2014	11/15 – 73%	18/19 – 95%	29/34 – 85%
  2015	10/15 – 67%	12/14 – 86%	22/29 – 76%
  2016	11/11 – 100%	7/8 – 88%	18/19 – 95%
  2017	13/18 – 72%	3/5 – 60%	16/23 – 70%
  2018	10/13 – 77%	3/3 – 100%	13/16 – 81%
  2019	10/14 – 71%	4/9 – 44%	14/23 – 61%
  2020	6/6 – 100%	4/5 – 80%	10/11 – 90%
  2021	1/6 – 17%	5/6 – 83%	6/12 – 50%
  2022	5/5 – 100%	1/4 – 25%	6/9 – 67%
  2023	2/5 – 40%	1/2 – 50%	3/7 – 43%
  2024	1/2 – 50%	6/7 – 86%	7/9 – 78%
  TOTAL	107/141 – 76%	102/126 – 81%	209/267 – 78%

• 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

• FAQs

  How many credits is the Rehabilitation Counseling program?
  The Rehabilitation Counseling program is a 60-credit program.

  What is the cost of the program?
  You can find current cost per credit and fee information on our website at www.assumption.edu/gradfinaid.

  Do you have both full-time and part-time options?
  Yes, students can take our program full-time or part-time.

  What is the average length of time to complete the program?
  The Online/Campus (Blended) program can be completed in 5 semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring) and the Online program can be completed in 8 semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring).

  What is a typical class size?
  We never accept more than 20 students into any year’s cohort.

  How many classes do students take per semester?
  Part-time students take 1-2 classes per semester. Full-time students take 3+ courses. It is important to know that to be eligible for Federal Financial Aid in the form of student loans, student’s must be enrolled in at least 2 graduate courses (6 credits) per semester.

  Are courses held online or on campus?
  The program is offered as a fully online or a blended online & on-campus program. All students taking summer courses have a one week residency requirement on campus each June.

  What time and how often do courses meet?
  On-campus courses meet Monday – Thursday once weekly in the late day or evenings.  First year classes meet on Mondays and Tuesdays while second year courses meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

  When does the Internship/Practicum start and what support is offered in finding a placement site?
  Students can complete their practicum and internships at their place of employment (assuming it meets the requirements.

  In the blended online/campus program, students engage in their practicum seminar during the spring semester and work with the clinical placement specialist or Program Director to secure a placement. Internship is completed over two semesters (fall and spring) and students in the campus program are assisted by the clinical specialist to secure their placement.

  Students in the online program have more responsibility for identifying their placements because they tend to live throughout the country in places where we do not have the same level of connections we have locally.  The online program coordinator works with students to help them secure their experiential site; a process that begins a year prior.

  What are the requirements for practicum & internship?
  The Practicum is a seminar with a required 100 hours at an appropriate site where students have at least 40 hours of direct contact with clients. Internship is divided into two seminars (Internship I & Internship II).  Each seminar requires 300 hours at an appropriate site where students have at least 120 hours of direct contact with clients.

  Can you complete the Internship/Practicum while working full-time?
  Definitely if you are completing them at your place of employment. Otherwise for practicum, yes you can complete it while working full-time in a different job. While it is possible to complete your internship while working full-time in a different job, it is very time consuming and usually requires additional program plan accommodations so that your internship seminars are the only classes you are taking those semesters.

  What are the start terms for the program?
  The program begins in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Fall and Summer are preferred but Spring start terms are approved on a case-by-case basis.

  What are the deadlines to apply?
  Application deadlines will vary by program and can be found on the upper left column on the main program page.

  Do applicants need to take the GMAT/GRE to apply to a graduate program?
  We do not require the GRE/GMAT. Our applications are reviewed more holistically focusing on an applicant’s academic transcript, letters of recommendation and personal statement.

  Are there grants, fellowships or scholarships available?
  The Rehabilitation Counseling program has three grant/scholarship options that students may apply for: the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Scholarship, the Charles E. Soule Scholarship and the Anthony “Tony” Sirignano Memorial Scholarship.

  Do you offer financial aid to graduate students?
  Federal Financial Aid is offered in the form of unsubsidized student loans. Student’s must be enrolled in a minimum of two courses per semester to be eligible.

  Is your program accredited?
  Our Rehabilitation Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

  What are the GPA/application requirements?
  While a 3.0 GPA is preferred, applicants with a 2.75 or lower may be considered depending on the quality of their complete application.

  How long does it take to receive a decision after applying?
  All qualified applicants are invited for an interview after submission of all required materials.  Typically, applicants will be notified within a few weeks after their interview. This is an approximate time and may vary.