How to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Become a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
- Become a Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor
- Salary and Job Outlook
- Work Settings
- State Requirements
- FAQ
- To become a rehabilitation counselor, you need a master’s degree, postgraduate clinical experience, and a state license.
- Vocational rehabilitation counselors can enter the field with a bachelor’s degree, while a master’s is required to become a clinical rehabilitation counselor.
- Earning a professional certification, such as the certified rehabilitation counselor credential, can boost career opportunities.
Rehabilitation counselors help people with disabilities improve their quality of life. Learn about two different branches of rehab counseling: vocational and clinical, and discover whether this career path is right for you.
Steps to Become a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Vocational rehabilitation counselors assist individuals with disabilities to find and maintain employment. You can enter this field with a bachelor’s degree, but some positions require specific certifications.
- Complete an Accredited Bachelor’s Degree Program
- Consider a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Consider Professional Certification
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Bachelor’s Degree Program
Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, rehabilitation studies, or a related behavioral or health science field from an accredited school. Most undergraduate degrees take four years to complete. Internship or volunteer experiences during your studies can boost your career prospects.
Step 2: Consider a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
While a bachelor’s degree prepares you for entry-level positions, spending another two years to earn a master’s degree can increase your employment and earning potential. You can also provide a broader scope of services and qualify for state licensure and certifications.
Step 3: Consider Professional Certification
While not required in most states, professional certification demonstrates specialized training that distinguishes you from other counselors. The certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) credential establishes expert status and can increase employment and salary prospects.
Steps to Become a Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor
Clinical rehabilitation counselors must obtain a graduate degree, clinical experience, and state licensure. This training prepares them to help clients develop the psychosocial skills necessary for independent living.
- Complete an Accredited Bachelor’s Degree Program
- Earn a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Complete Postgraduate Supervised Experience
- Obtain State Counseling Licensure
- Consider Professional Certification
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Bachelor’s Degree Program
Before pursuing graduate training in clinical rehabilitative counseling, you need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, rehabilitation studies, or a related behavioral or health science major. You can strengthen your counseling skills by participating in relevant field placements or volunteer experiences.
Step 2: Earn a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
To become a licensed clinical rehabilitation counselor, you must earn a master’s degree accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Most master’s take 24 months to complete, including the required supervised clinical experience.
Step 3: Complete Postgraduate Supervised Experience
You must complete a postgraduate supervised clinical experience to qualify for licensure. Clinical experiences, typically spread over two years, range from 1,400-3,000 hours depending on state requirements. Some states require a temporary license to complete these clinical hours.
Step 4: Obtain State Counseling Licensure
You need a state license to offer direct clinical services. In most states, licensure applicants must complete postgraduate clinical hours and pass a state-approved exam, usually the CRC or National Counselor Exam (NCE), and any required state jurisprudence exams.
Step 5: Consider Professional Certification
Earning the CRC credential showcases your expertise and makes you more competitive in the job market. Other voluntary certifications in specialties like disability management and behavioral health can also broaden your career prospects.
Rehabilitation Counselor Salary and Job Outlook
Rehabilitation counselors earn a median salary of $46,110, according to the BLS. However, earnings vary significantly by employer type, experience, certifications, and location.
Common Work Settings
Rehabilitation counselors deliver services in various practice settings to diverse client populations, including individuals with physical disabilities, developmental or cognitive challenges, or chronic illness. Key duties may include assessment, counseling, case management, advocacy, and resource allocation. Common work settings include:
- State and federal government agencies
- Community and non-profit organizations
- Assisted living facilities and nursing homes
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Substance abuse clinics
- Schools
- Private practice
Become a Rehabilitation Counselor in Your State
The steps to becoming a rehabilitation counselor can vary depending on the state where you plan to practice. Learn more about specific requirements in the top five states that employ the most rehabilitation counselors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Frequently Asked Questions
Becoming a rehabilitation counselor generally takes approximately 6-8 years. This includes completing a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and the postgraduate clinical experience hours required for licensure.
