Rehabilitation Counseling Program/Student Outcomes

Mission and Objectives of Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program

The Rehabilitation Counseling program prepares professionals who have a vital role in the vocational, educational, and personal adjustment of persons who have a physical, mental, or emotional impairments or disabilities. Frequently, the rehabilitation counselor is part of a team of professions who evaluate individuals and then assist them to achieve maximum self-realization, independence, and in turn, increased the quality of life. Rehabilitation Counselors are employed in community agencies, insurance companies, and other organizations that support people with congenital and acquired disabilities in reaching their personal and professional goals. Recently, Rehabilitation Counseling was rated one of the most meaningful jobs in America and as the highest paid counseling specialization area. Rehabilitation counseling programs are provided in cooperation with the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the United States Department of Education.

Our Rehabilitation Counseling program is fully accredited by the Council on the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP Accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of the program has been evaluated and meets standards set by the profession. Through CACREP accreditation, students can be assured that appropriate knowledge and skill areas are included in the program curriculum. Also, Springfield College Rehabilitation Counseling program graduates may now pursue counseling careers and doctoral study in programs that require students to graduate from a CACREP-accredited program.

Rehabilitation Counseling Program Outcomes

The Rehabilitation Counseling program outcomes are to prepare Rehabilitation Counselors who:

Demonstrate an understanding of the legislative and social history of the rehabilitation counseling field and the related implications for individuals with disabilities in education, employment, social inclusion, and independent living.
Have the ability to apply labor market, career development, and occupational information in the development of rehabilitation plans and through the counseling process.
Can identify psychosocial implications of a wide range of chronic illnesses and disabilities and apply these factors, as well as counseling theory, in case conceptualization and rehabilitation planning in a wide range of settings.
Demonstrate advocacy skills through participation in campus or community service activities.
Apply counseling techniques and skills, and work collaboratively with clients and stakeholders in counseling and goal setting processes.
Work collaboratively with clients, their families, community partners, and other relevant stakeholders in efficient case management order to assist the client in reaching their identified personal, educational, career, or independent living goals.
Recognize quality of life indicators of specific individuals with disabilities through research, interviewing, assessment, and counseling.
Identify and utilize community resources and interprofessional collaboration to assist clients in meeting their goals.

The Rehabilitation Counseling program at Springfield College is fully accredited by the Council on the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through 2025. Our master's degree program has a goal of admitting 10-15 students each year. Currently, students can be full- or part-time and apply for admission in fall or spring. Student outcomes are evaluated each year and the evaluation is part of the overall program evaluation.

The graduate program has a total of 10 students currently enrolled. More than 50% of the students are underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities. The program has eight full-time and three part-time adjunct faculty members who teach the CACREP accredited curriculum.

During the 2023-2024 academic year:

Nine students were enrolled in the program.
Two students graduated from the program in May 2024.
The average program completion was (80%) two years and (100%) within three years.
Demographic data indicates the program serves more than 50% of students from marginalized groups.
The pass rate for the certified rehabilitation counselor exam was not available due the CRCC reporting requirements for 5 or more students sitting for the exam. However, three students did self-report passing the CRCC exam in March and July 2024.

During the 2022-2023 academic year:

7 students graduated from the program.
The average program completion rate is 98% within a 2–3-year period.
The pass rate for the certified rehabilitation counselor exam was approximately 60% based on student report and CRCC outcome data (the national pass rate is 61%).
The job placement rate for our graduates is 98%.
The average time necessary to complete the program is two years full time. The estimated cost of program attendance is $70,680 for the 60-credit program.

During the 2021-2022 academic year:

3 students graduated from the program.
The average program completion was (80%) two years and (100%) within three years.
The pass rate for the certified rehabilitation counselor exam is 90% (based on student self-report).
The job placement rate for our graduates is 100%.
The average time necessary to complete the program is two years full time. The estimated cost of program attendance is $66,300 for the 60-credit program.

Annual Program Evaluation Report

Each year, eight graduate fellowships are offered within the Counseling Department and 10 Rehabilitation Services Association Long-Term Training Grants (though fall 2024) are available for individuals interested in working in public vocational rehabilitation. Outside the department, there are several other fellowships in the College for which graduate students can apply. Completion of this program results in eligibility for certification as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC) after passing the required exam and graduation and eligibility for licensure as a rehabilitation counselor (LRC).