Rehabilitation Counseling Certificates

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About Rehabilitation Counseling Certification Programs

Utah State University offers two post-master’s certificate programs designed to provide specialized training and coursework for professionals who already hold graduate degrees and want to expand their scope of practice in rehabilitation and counseling. These certificate options reflect two complementary pathways: one focused on national certification and vocational rehabilitation practice (CRC eligibility), and the other on clinical licensure specific to the state of Utah and direct mental health service delivery within the rehabilitation counseling profession. Also available are additional courses specific to the collaborative delivery of transition education and services though these courses are not part of a formal certificate program; more about each option is below.

 

Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

The Rehabilitation and Disability Studies certificate is a postgraduate option for individuals with an existing related master’s degree to work toward eligibility for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam (e.g., counseling, social work, psychology) working to meet academic requirements for the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Category 3 pathway. Through focused coursework in areas such as medical and psychosocial aspects of disability, vocational assessment, counseling theory, case management, and job placement and career development, the program prepares graduates to obtain their CRC credential and work in diverse rehabilitation settings, including state and federal agencies, healthcare systems, and community-based services. Requirements for applying under the Category 3 option can be found using this link. Scholarships are available for eligible USU students through a grant from Department of Education (DoE), Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Comprehensive System of Professional Development (CSPD) program: Click here for more information on the RSA grant funding.

 

Mental Health Licensure in Utah

The Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling certificate is oriented toward individuals seeking clinical practice roles and mental health licensure specifically within the state of Utah (individuals from other states are welcome to apply but encouraged to compare the curriculum against the licensing rules of their respective state to ensure all educational requirements are met). This certificate emphasizes counseling theory and micro counseling skills, mental health assessment and treatment planning, and supervised practicum/internship experiences aligned with Utah licensure requirements. Its purpose is to prepare practitioners to deliver therapeutic services to individuals with disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions, integrating rehabilitation philosophy and principles with clinical mental health counseling.

 

Transition Specific Curriculum

The Transition Education and Services emphasis is an option for students interested in educating and serving transition-age students and youth with disabilities, their parents, families, and support team members (as defined by the person; e.g., educators, friends, employers). Emphasis is on effective, collaborative practices for person-driven planning, early and high expectations for living, learning, participating, and working, and using evidence for increased employment outcomes especially in Engineering and other STEM occupations. Transition education and services are mandated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004) and the Rehabilitation Act as amended in the Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act (WIOA, 2014). Transition education and services are focused on youth and students with disabilities to assist in their preparation and planning for their transition from secondary education to postsecondary participation in employment, education, living, and community. This additional training is for individuals interested in and/or professionals already working with transition-age individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings such as:

  • Public and Private sectors
  • Vocational rehabilitation counseling agencies
  • Secondary schools
  • Universities and/or colleges
  • Community rehabilitation agencies
  • Disability resource centers
  • Workforce services and other human resource centers
  • Veteran's Administration
  • Independent living centers
  • Mental health centers
  • Addiction centers

 

Scholarships for eligible USU students are available through a grant from the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Comprehensive System of Professional Development (CSPD) program.  Find more information on the RSA grant funding.