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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)
Students can start program fall, spring, or summer
Small class sizes (usually 15-20)
11/8/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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
11/8/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. University of Wisconsin–Madison
Useful Websites
ing-Division-Home-Page/Health-Professions/Professional- Counselor/Professional-Counselor-License-Information/
service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm
11/8/2018
University of Wisconsin–Madison

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