Rehabilitation Psychology Master’s Degree Program Susan Miller Smedema, Ph.D., CRC Assistant Professor ssmedema@wisc.edu 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

What do rehabilitation counselors do? Assist people with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities to achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals in the most integrated setting possible through the application of the counseling and case management process Typically work with adolescents through aging adults Counsel individuals regarding personal problems and adjustment issues in family and community, and help them to plan careers and develop skills for employment and independent living 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison Underlying Values Belief in the dignity and worth of all people Emphasis on the holistic nature of human function (principles of interdisciplinary teamwork, mind-body health, considering context of family and community) Recognition of importance of focusing on personal strengths, rather than weaknesses or limitations 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

Possible Employment Settings State or federal rehabilitation agencies College programs for students with disabilities Veteran’s administration programs Substance abuse rehabilitation programs Community mental health programs School to work transition Hospital rehabilitation centers (psychiatric or physical disabilities) Programs for injured workers Private practice consultation in legal cases Employee assistance programs Life care planning Disability management consultation with insurance providers (e.g., worker’s compensation programs) Independent living centers Correctional facilities 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison Employment Outlook Employment 2012 = 117,500 Projected Employment 2022 = 140,900 23,400 increase (20% increase, faster than average growth) Expected to grow as advances in medical technology allow more people to survive injury or illness and live independently. Other related employment options as substance abuse counselors (employment growth 31%) and mental health counselors (employment growth 29%) 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison Salary Information Depends on geographic location, employer (government or private), and work setting The CRCC May 2007 salary data reports an average annual salary of $57,176 for Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs). As of 2014, salaries for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors in Wisconsin range from $19.19 and $51.68 per hour ($38,380- $103,360 annually), depending on qualifications and experience. According to Les Mirkin, Madison DVR Director, starting salaries are not typically offered at the minimum amount, but are usually are somewhere in the middle 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

UW-Madison Rehabilitation Psychology Master’s Program Tied with Michigan State as #1 program in U.S. in rehabilitation counseling according to U.S. News and World Report rankings Approximately 40 students (admit 15-20 per year) Students can start program fall, spring, or summer Small class sizes (usually 15-20) 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

UW-Madison Rehabilitation Psychology Master’s Program 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

Rehab Psych Master’s Program Accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) Graduates are eligible for national certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). Graduates meet the educational requirements for state licensure, including the Professional Counselor license in Wisconsin. Wisconsin licensing laws will be changing, and the program will help students meet new licensing criteria. 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison Curriculum Currently 48 credits, consistent with CORE standards Optional additional 12 credits to allow students to meet licensing requirements in other states Can be completed in 4 semesters of continuous full-time study (15-16 months) If courses have been taken in prior study, electives can replace those courses Combines classroom study with clinical experiences 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

Coursework Emphasizes: Medical and psychosocial aspects of disability Assessment skills including psychological testing Career development, job analysis, and job placement Counseling techniques and theories for individuals and groups Research and writing skills 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison Clinical Experiences Two semesters of part-time supervised practicum (12-16 hours per week) One-semester, full-time supervised internship (600 hours) A wide variety of sites are available for clinical experiences Internships can be arranged outside of the Madison area 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison Comprehensive Exam All students must successfully complete a comprehensive examination, requiring the integration of content across the core curriculum Typically, students take the CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) exam to meet this requirement 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison Independent Project The independent project requirement may be completed via a formal thesis or a non-thesis project May be based on empirical research, a critical review of  literature, or other types of research Students work individually with their advisors to complete this project 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison Master’s Degree Course Requirements That Can Be Completed at the Undergraduate Degree Level: Abnormal psychology Developmental or personality psychology Statistics 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

Rehabilitation Services Administration Scholarships The purpose of the RSA scholarship program is to increase the supply of qualified professionals to work for state VR agencies in any state (i.e., the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or the comparable agencies in other states) or other agencies and programs that cooperate with state VR agencies in serving their clientele. Thus, the scholarships are intended for students who plan to work in these common positions following graduation. 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

Rehabilitation Services Administration Scholarships The scholarship will provide $6,000 toward tuition and a stipend of $1800 per semester for full-time students. Students will typically receive the scholarship for their first two semesters in the program. 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

Requirements for RSA Scholarship Recipients Conduct your internship at a State VR agency as a requirement for program completion (except when no positions are available) Internships can be paid, and paid DVR interns in WI earn $19 an hour Maintain employment in a State VR agency or related agency, including nonprofit rehabilitation agencies or other groups or agencies that have a service arrangement with the designated State agency for a period of one year for each semester of support. 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison Useful Websites http://rpse.education.wisc.edu/ http://www.crccertification.com/ http://dsps.wi.gov/LicensesPermitsRegistrations/Credential ing-Division-Home-Page/Health-Professions/Professional- Counselor/Professional-Counselor-License-Information/ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social- service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dvr/ 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison Thank you! 11/8/2018 University of Wisconsin–Madison