Rehabilitation Counseling Degrees

For individuals with disabilities, tasks such as finding employment, securing housing, and participating in recreational activities can be difficult. In the wide field of counseling, there are professionals who are educated and trained to assist people with disabilities in leading normal and boundary-free lifestyles. Independent living is a goal you can help them achieve.

Professionals with rehabilitation counselor degrees work with clients to find methods and resources to support everyday life. If you have a passion for helping those with disabilities that stem from physical, mental, or emotional needs, becoming a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) or licensed professional counselor may be the right choice for you.

Consider an online counseling program: School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn more.
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What Kind of Degree Do I Need to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor?

To begin, an accredited bachelor's program can help shape your future in the field of rehabilitation counseling and case management, but a master's in rehabilitation counseling will likely be a requirement if you are considering a clinical counseling career.

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☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

Bachelors in Rehabilitation Counseling

Bachelor's programs in Counseling or Psychology are excellent choices on the path to becoming a certified rehabilitation counselor. They provide a foundation in brain science and cognitive ability, the different disabilities that require rehabilitation services, and disabilities’ causes, including genetic predisposition, injury or accident, or addiction and substance abuse.

Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling

In a master’s in rehabilitation counseling program, students engage in a more specific curriculum. This allows for a more focused approach in learning about the obstacles people with disabilities face and how you can help.

Master's degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Counseling, or Counseling Psychology are strong choices at this level, as they focus on methods of providing counseling services. These programs can also help students learn about the various ethical concerns, laws, and privacy issues that arise regularly in the field.

Traditional learning experiences offer those pursuing a master’s in rehabilitation counseling in-person coursework. For those who require the convenience and flexibility of remote learning, a master’s in rehabilitation counseling online is also available.

Doctoral Programs Focused on Rehabilitation Counseling

While most states require a minimum of an accredited master's degree in counseling for this career, pursuing a doctorate-level degree can help strengthen your abilities as a counselor and help you provide further expertise within the field.

Doctorate programs in Counseling and rehabilitation counseling provide a deeper look into the various disabilities that are common within society, the different treatment methods available to counseling professionals, and the research and development that is constantly taking place in the field.

What Are the Requirements for Different Rehabilitation Counselor Degrees?

Depending on the degree and focus you pursue, curricula will vary. This broad overview outlines the general higher education requirements for practicing in the field.

Bachelor’s in Counseling Degree Requirements

At the undergraduate level, students take a set of prerequisites that include algebra, history, arts, and other introductory courses. Once those prerequisites are complete, coursework progresses into more focused areas of counseling such as general psychology, individual counseling, clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and family therapy. 

Most bachelor’s degrees require 120 to 130 credit hours to complete, and a bachelor’s in counseling generally takes four years of full-time study, depending on the learning institution and your focus of study.

Master’s in Counseling Degree Requirements

After earning a bachelor’s, students can move on to graduate level coursework. Master’s program requirements include both independent study outside of the classroom and coursework that introduces various aspects of counseling. Some typical courses include Individual Counseling, Group Counseling, and Grief Therapy. Graduate school programs also typically include a practicum course and internships, allowing students to gain valuable clinical experience in a variety of work settings.

Students must have a good understanding of a range of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, as well as of the origins and effects of these disorders. Also, students may be expected to take courses that outline the different counseling techniques and ethical issues associated with providing counseling services to the public. For example, students in counseling ethics courses will study the five principles of ethical reasoning: autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and fidelity.

Students can pursue specialized majors such as school counseling, clinical and mental health counseling, or marriage and family counseling. Master’s in counseling programs offer several course options, depending on a student’s interest. Examples include Grief Therapy, Individual Counseling, and Group Counseling. Most master’s level programs consist of two to three years of graduate education.

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After earning a master’s in counseling, graduates take part in supervised work experience to qualify for licensure. Most rehabilitation agencies require that professionals be licensed prior to working with clients.

Doctorate in Counseling Degree Requirements

Doctorate programs involve a more refined look into rehabilitation counseling. Students may also take courses that help increase their research and analysis skills, which can contribute to a more thorough dissertation within the last year of the program. Doctorate level programs can assist learners with becoming more effective research and development specialists within their chosen field. 

Students enrolled in doctoral programs may be required to complete 45 to 60 extra credit hours in addition to their master’s degree. Most programs require students to write a dissertation that introduces a new topic of scholarship to the field of rehabilitation counseling. A dissertation is an independent piece of research completed by the student under the supervision of a faculty member. Alternatively, the student may be required to complete a research project to get their PhD, which is generally smaller in scale.

PhD programs generally take three to four years. Courses at the doctoral level include Family Systems, Couples and Marital Therapy, and Qualitative and Ethnographic Research. Most PhD programs require that students have a master’s in counseling prior to enrolling.

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On-Campus or Online Rehabilitation Counselor Degree?

Showing up in person to class and learning with your fellow students used to be the norm, but with advancements in communication technology and innovations in digital classrooms, students now have options. When deciding how you’ll pursue your rehabilitation counselor degree, ask yourself which method best suits your schedule and ability to learn.   

On-Campus Master’s Degree Programs in Rehabilitation Counseling

The on-campus learning experience has distinct advantages for those who prefer a hands-on approach. Not only will you receive face-to-face interaction with instructors, the traditional class model also provides opportunities for impromptu discussions and Q&A. Sometimes a student raising a hand and asking a simple question can lead to an enlightening discussion beyond the original lesson plan.   

Another benefit of on-campus learning is access to instructors. Most educators are generous with their time, so it’s not uncommon for them to answer questions after class. Instructors also typically have office hours when students can ask about a recent lecture, a case study, or possible career paths.

Online Master’s Degree Programs in Rehabilitation Counseling  

For students who require more flexibility, online coursework offers an ideal solution. Students with established careers or family obligations can learn from home without disrupting their routines. The main advantage of online learning is that it allows students to learn in an asynchronous environment at their own convenience. Online learning has become as engaging and comprehensive as the traditional in-person model, but without the need to travel to and from class.

An additional benefit is that online programs connect students with local agencies that allow them to work with clients under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor (LPC), which can lead to networking and even a path to a post-master’s career.

An online master’s in rehabilitation counseling is the quickest path to licensure for those interested in accelerated learning. 

How to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor

To become a rehabilitation counselor, you must meet educational requirements set by licensing agencies. Those with a bachelor’s degree should be able to find entry-level employment as rehabilitation assistants, which is a reliable method of obtaining paid experience in the field.

In order to be fully licensed, you will be required to complete graduate-level coursework and earn a master’s degree. This will grant you access to participate in the supervised work experience required to qualify for licensure. 

Rehabilitation Counseling Licensure

Licensure requirements vary by state, but most require a master’s degree, one and a half to two years of supervised work experience (around 3,000 hours), and a passing score on a licensing exam such as the National Counselor Examination. See our Counseling Licensure and State by State Counseling Licensure Information for more details.

Salaries and Job Growth for Rehabilitation Counselors

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Rehabilitation Counselors, Community Vocational Rehabilitation Services: $32,310 median annual salary in 2019

Accreditation for Rehabilitation Psychology Graduate Degree Programs

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a leading accreditation agency for educational programs in rehabilitation counseling. The organization provides educational standards to colleges and universities to better educate future counseling professionals.

When seeking out degree programs in rehabilitation counseling, it is vital that you ensure the quality of your degree program prior to enrolling. The accreditation process can assist you in finding reliable degree programs that are acceptable to licensing agencies and future employers. With the growth of online educational programs, it is important to always locate the CACREP’s seal of approval on any degree program that focuses on rehabilitation counseling.

List of Accredited Programs for Rehabilitation Counselors

Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that are currently accepting applicants.

Pursue Your Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling

A rehabilitation counseling degree puts you on the path to helping those in need, and can lead to a fulfilling, long-lasting career. Learn more about how Counseling Degrees Online can help you take the first step.  

List of Rehabilitation Counseling Programs

Walden University 🗹 Online Masters

Walden University 🗹 Online Masters

Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online

Liberty University 🗹 Online

Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate

Capella University 🗹 Online

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Capella University is HLC Accredited

Capella University 🗹 Online

BS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis
Capella University is HLC Accredited

NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Bachelors

Pepperdine University 🗹 Online

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online

University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

University of New Haven 🗹 Online

East Central University 🗹 Online 🗖 Bachelors

Counseling Career Guide

Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?

Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.


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