2. Rehabilitation Psychology (Rehabilitation Counseling) Master’s Degree Program
Susan Miller Smedema, Ph.D., CRC, LPC
Associate Professor
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

3. 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
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

4. Possible Employment/ Practicum/Internship 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
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

5. 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 per year)
Small class sizes (usually 15-20)
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

6. Rehab Psych Master’s Program
Accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE; soon to be Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs - CACREP)
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.
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

7. University of Wisconsin–Madison
Curriculum
Incoming students will complete new 60 credit hour program, consistent with CORE/CACREP standards and WI licensing regulations
Program can typically be completed in 5 semesters of continuous full-time study (12-15 credits per semester)
If courses have been taken in prior study, electives can replace those courses
Combines classroom study with clinical experiences
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

8. 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
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

9. University of Wisconsin–Madison
Clinical Experiences
Two semesters of part-time supervised practicum ( 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
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

10. 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
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

11. 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.
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

12. 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.
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

13. 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)
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.
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

14. University of Wisconsin–Madison
Useful Websites
ing-Division-Home-Page/Health-Professions/Professional- Counselor/Professional-Counselor-License-Information/
service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

15. University of Wisconsin–Madison
Thank you!
9/19/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison