Areas of Specialization

Descriptions of the specializations offered in Rehabilitation Counseling are listed below. Specialization is not a requirement of the program.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Students specializing in psychiatric rehabilitation develop knowledge and skills through coursework and practicum experiences. They become competent in goal setting for, assessment of, and interventions with persons with psychiatric disabilities.

Graduates are eligible for CRC certification, and for certification as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Professional (CPRP).

Vocational Evaluation

This specialization provides students with the knowledge and skills to assess and plan for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.

The integration of classroom and community-based internship experiences enables the student to learn skills and apply them in rehabilitation settings with a variety of consumers and clients.

Competencies are developed in using work samples, situational assessment, job site evaluation, and psychometric tests. Students become proficient in diagnostic interviewing, reasonable accommodation, program planning, transferrable skills analysis, and job analysis, as well as in working effectively with members of the rehabilitation team.

Students have the opportunity to utilize the vocational evaluation lab which has state-of-the-art evaluation resources. A student in this specialization meets the educational requirements for certification as a vocational evaluator (CVE).

Industrial Rehabilitation and Disability Management

This specialization trains professionals to work in public and private agencies involved in the rehabilitation of persons with vocational disabilities.

The program emphasizes direct involvement with business and industry to promote effective rehabilitation strategies for individuals who have disabilities.

Students learn industrial analysis, labor market forecasting, marketing approaches, disability management, and worker compensation/ injured worker case management. They also participate in industry-based internships consisting of two days per week in a rehabilitation facility and one day per week in an industrial setting.

During the second year, students interested in rehabilitation in the private sector participate in an internship in an industry, private rehabilitation, or agency setting.