Rehabilitation Counselor

To be a successful Rehabilitation Counselor you should…

• strong interest in helping others
• have the ability to inspire respect, trust, and confidence
• be able to work independently or as part of a team

What will my job be like?

Rehabilitation counselors help people deal with the personal, social, and vocational effects of having disabilities. They counsel people with disabilities, illness or disease, accidents, or the stress of daily life. They provide personal and vocational counseling, and arrange for medical care, vocational training, and job placement.

Where could I work?

Rehabilitation counselors usually work a standard 40-hour week. Self-employed counselors and those working in mental health and community agencies often work evenings to counsel clients who work during the day.

Other workplace settings:

• Colleges and Universities
• Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Employment Agencies

What is the average annual salary?

$37,500

What is the future of this career?

The BLS reports employment of rehabilitation counselors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 11,200 openings for rehabilitation counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

Counselors receive their education through academic programs at community colleges, colleges and universities. Most counselors receive a 4-year bachelor’s degree plus a graduate degree. There are 2-year associate degrees that offer certification in specialized areas of counseling.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• Capital Community College, Hartford
• Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
• Gateway Community College, New Haven
• Manchester Community College, Manchester
• Quinebaug Valley Community College, Danielson

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: Graduation from an approved program.

Where can I get more information?

American Counseling Association
PO Box 31110
Alexandria, VA   22310
(800) 347-6647
www.counseling.org