Program Coordinator/Contact
Jay Trenhaile, Professor
School of Education, Counseling and Human Development
Thompson Center 116, Box 2214
605-688-4367
Program Information
The Rehabilitation Counseling Specialization is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of counselors and programs of service to people with disabilities. Educational experiences will aim to prepare qualified rehabilitation counselors, increase knowledge in the field of rehabilitation, and to apply knowledge to the growing effectiveness of rehabilitation professionals and service delivery systems. In alliance with students, agencies, consumers, and professional organizations, the specialty area will promote the independence, acceptance, and dignity of all people with significant disabilities.
Students who successfully complete this 60-credit hour specialization will earn a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resource Development specializing in Rehabilitation Counseling. Upon successful completion of the core requirements, and those of the Rehabilitation Counseling emphasis, and with successful completion of the comprehensive written exam, graduates are endorsed as having constructed appropriate entry level knowledge and as having met appropriate skill acquisition to be recognized as professional rehabilitation and mental health counselors. Students in this emphasis are also responsible for having taken supporting area courses which supplement or enhance their chosen specialty.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
Accreditation
The Master of Science in CHRD specializing in Rehabilitation Counseling is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Certification
All Master of Science students are eligible to begin the process for the National Certified Counselor certification by taking the NCE six months before or after they graduate.
Students specializing in Rehabilitation Counseling are eligible to begin the process for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification by taking the CRC exam after a student has completed 75% of coursework or after graduation.
Licensure
Graduation from this program does not grant immediate licensure as a counselor. Licensure differs by state and is obtainable by completing additional client contact hours after graduation. Students are responsible for researching licensure requirements for the state in which they plan to practice.
Course Delivery Format
Instruction occurs through didactic (classroom) and clinical experience. Most classes are enhanced with internet supplements. Rehabilitation counseling specific courses are on a semester rotation for online delivery. Classes are scheduled for one day per week for three hours. All courses are available at the BHSU - Rapid City except for rehabilitation-specific courses. The Rehabilitation Counseling specialization is not available at BHSU - Rapid City.