How to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor
Discover how to become a rehabilitation counselor, including educational and licensure requirements.
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A rehabilitation counselor works with people living with disabilities to achieve their independence goals and access employment opportunities.
Learn about how to become a rehabilitation counselor, including educational and licensure requirements, and salary information.
Choosing Your Rehabilitation Counseling Career Path
There are two types of rehabilitation counselors – vocational and clinical. Vocational counselors need a bachelor’s degree, allowing them to help clients who are disabled access employment resources. Clinical rehabilitation counseling requires a graduate degree and state licensure so that practitioners can offer clinical counseling to clients.
Education and experience requirements for these career paths vary, so knowing which path you want to pursue is important. Discover the key differences between vocational and clinical rehabilitation counselors:
| Comparison | Vocational | Clinical |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Practice | Limited scope of practice | Broader scope of practice |
| Description | Help disabled clients find and maintain jobs | Provide clinical counseling and support to disabled clients |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree required | Master’s degree required |
| Licensure | No licensure required | State license required |
Steps to Become a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Becoming a vocational rehabilitation counselor requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, a state license, and a broad skill set that allows you to communicate effectively with clients.
Here are the steps to becoming a vocational rehabilitation counselor:
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is required to work as a vocational counselor. Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social sciences, or a health-related major typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. Volunteer or work-study experiences while in school can help you build the interpersonal skills you need for your future role.
- Step 2: Consider a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
While not required, employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. A graduate degree can offer valuable training in how to assess client needs, intervene with effective job placement strategies, and conceptualize the medical and psychological facets of living with a disability.
- Step 3: Consider Professional Certification
Earning a professional certification in rehabilitation counseling can set you apart from other professionals in the field. Employers often prefer certified candidates, though certification is not a requirement.
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification oversees certification for rehabilitation counselors. Professionals who earn a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) credential can apply for an additional certified vocational evaluation (CVE) specialist credential to further specialize in vocational rehabilitation counseling.
Steps to Become a Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor
To become a clinical rehabilitation counselor, you must earn a graduate degree, obtain a state license, and hone interpersonal and clinical counseling skills.
Here are the steps to becoming a clinical rehabilitation counselor:
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social sciences, or a health-related major is the first step toward becoming a clinical rehabilitation counselor. Four years of full-time study is required in order to earn a bachelor’s degree, and additional work-study or volunteer experience working interpersonally with people can help you begin building valuable skills.
- Step 2: Earn a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
Most rehabilitation counselors hold a master’s degree, which is required to provide counseling services to clients. Common options include a master’s in rehabilitation counseling or other clinical counseling degrees. Master’s programs in counseling typically include a supervised clinical internship.
- Step 3: Complete Postgraduate Supervised Experience
Clinical rehabilitation counselors must obtain state counseling licensure to provide counseling services to clients. Most states require at least 3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate experience in order to qualify for independent licensure. Refer to your state’s counseling licensure board for more information on how to become licensed.
- Step 4: Obtain State Counseling Licensure
State counseling licensure is essential for clinical rehabilitation counselors who provide direct services to clients. In addition to completing the required number of supervised clinical hours, counselors are typically required to pass a state-recognized exam in order to become licensed. Continuing education requirements must be met in order to maintain licensure.
- Step 5: Consider Professional Certification
Professional certification through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification can help you advance your knowledge and expertise in the field. While not required, a certificate can enhance your employability as a rehabilitation counselor and further hone your skills.
How Long Will Becoming a Rehabilitation Counselor Take?
Depending on career goals, it generally takes 4-8 years to become a rehabilitation counselor. You can become a vocational rehabilitation counselor in four years, the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Clinical rehabilitation counselors must complete a master’s degree in another two years, followed by around two years of supervised clinical experience. They can pursue optional certification while working in the field.
| Job | Time to Become |
|---|---|
| Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor | 4 years |
| Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor | 6-8 years |
How Much Does a Rehabilitation Counselor Make?
The median annual salary for rehabilitation counselors is $46,110, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, your actual salary can vary based on your education, experience, and location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation counselors help people living with physical, developmental, cognitive, and social-emotional disabilities to lead more independent lives. They offer counseling and advocacy services to help people access employment and achieve their goals related to independent living.
