Rehabilitation Counseling

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

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.

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 University 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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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

# of graduates – 13

Program Completion rate – 92%

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

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 Campus 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 on-campus program and can also be done as a hybrid program with a mix of online and on-campus components. Online students do have a one week residency requirement 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 campus program, Practicum is offered in the Spring and students work with our clinical placement specialist to find 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?
A 3.0 GPA is required. However along with your official transcript, all application materials are considered including three professional letters of recommendation, personal statement and resume. Refer to the program page for specific admissions information.

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.