a nationally ranked program renowned for graduating leaders in the rewarding field of rehabilitation counseling C ata l o g

Transcription

1 master of arts in rehabilitation counseling a nationally ranked program renowned for graduating leaders in the rewarding field of rehabilitation counseling C ata l o g

2 Welcome to the institute of social and rehabilitation services at assumption college. our mission e mission of our program is to prepare you for a rewarding career as a skilled, knowledgeable professional in Rehabilitation Counseling. Founded in 1968 by Dr. George S. Elias, hundreds of graduate students, undergraduate students, and practicing rehabilitation professionals have studied at the Institute. many of our graduates are leaders in the field. e greatest indication of the quality of our program is found in the number of students who are aggressively recruited by rehabilitation and human services agencies here in New England and around the nation. Our graduates have secured positions in public agencies, private agencies, and educational settings contributing significantly to the quality of life experienced by people with disabilities. Rehabilitation counseling is a profession offering many career opportunities and a high degree of professional fulfillment. e Institute offers the high-level experience and resources that will lead to a rewarding career as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Assumption College Graduate School 500 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA (508) (888) FAX (508) graduate@assumption.edu Assumption is among a handful of New England colleges ranked by U.S. News in the top 50 Best Graduate Schools in Rehabilitation Counseling.

3 this is one of the finest programs in the country. this is one of the finest programs in the country, exemplified by the fact that other colleges have used it as a model. Its graduates are intelligent, dedicated counselors with a proven record of success. I ve drawn upon my experience in the program throughout every phase of my career in the human services field as a counselor, an employer, a manager, a professional fundraiser, and executive. assumption College is a first-class community of learning. all full-time faculty hold doctoral degrees and have worked as practicing professionals in rehabilitation and related fields. Our full-time faculty is a premier group of educators. e part-time faculty also offer a rich blend of practical experience and professional accomplishment. Your education and training will integrate theory and practice through the study of core courses plus several electives. Practical experience is developed through an internship in a setting that affords you the opportunity, under the supervision of a professional rehabilitation counselor, to engage in the full range of responsibilities experienced by the rehabilitation professional. study in small classes focused on career training as a rehabilitation counselor. In addition to small classes, there is an opportunity for specialization in areas such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse counseling. e quality of the graduate program is supported by its accreditation from the Council on Rehabilitation (CORE) Education and the career success attained by our graduates. If you are considering a career in rehabilitation or one of the helping services which requires an understanding of disability and counseling, the Institute of Social and Rehabilitation Services at Assumption College provides you with a supportive environment, small classes, and an exceptional faculty to help you achieve your career goals, all backed by a legacy of success. ronald P. coderre, m.a., c.a.g.s., 72 Vice President for Philanthropy Day Kimball Hospital 1

4 What You ll learn in rehabilitation counseling at assumption. graduates of our program are well-trained and positioned to assume leadership roles in rehabilitation, human service, allied health, education, and a variety of related settings. e Institute of Social and Rehabilitation Services at Assumption College offers the Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies. Graduates of our programs are well prepared to seek employment in settings which focus on rehabilitation, human services, and allied health and education. Our philosophy is to develop leaders in the field, using a multi-disciplinary approach drawing from rehabilitation, sociology, psychology, natural sciences, economics, education, and the humanities. e student will master a comprehensive set of skills, knowledge and competencies and then have the opportunity to put those skills into practice in actual rehabilitation settings. Key areas of focus are: Interviewing and counseling Assessment and vocational evaluation Appraisal and interpretation of medical, psychiatric, educational, vocational sociological and psychological data Case management and coordination of services Rehabilitation Planning and Service delivery Occupational Analysis, job development and placement Psycho-social impact of disability Most importantly, a strong academic component is combined with equally strong experiential components, offering students a unique real-world training experience. 2

5 I constantly call upon the knowledge and experience gained at assumption. I ve worked with both adults and children in my career thus far. In both settings, I ve constantly called upon the knowledge and experience gained at assumption. the degree has been entirely relevant and applicable in my work. When you talk to people in the field of Rehabilitation Counseling, they always acknowledge the quality of the assumption master s. the learning experience was firstclass. It s an atmosphere in which amazing faculty and students function like a family that offers mutual support, collaboration, and career empowerment. that is a recipe for success! rebecca lauzon, m.a. 08 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor ACCEPT Education Collaborative Natick, MA 3

6 You ll gain the expertise for accelerated career growth in the field. assumption is among a handful of new england colleges ranked by u.s. news in the top 50 best graduate schools in rehabilitation counseling. e primary goals of the rehabilitation counselor are to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals in life by assisting them to identify their strengths, build on their assets, enhance their abilities, and positively alter the environments in which they function. To effectively and efficiently assist the rehabilitation client to accomplish these objectives, the rehabilitation professional focuses on several major roles and functions including: Counseling Career Development Case Management Disability Management Job Analysis Vocational Assessment Consultation Mediation Consumer Advocacy Environment Modification 4

7 the program is a dynamic first-class learning experience. career Paths and Job opportunities: our graduates are in high Demand. the program is founded on small classes, constant interaction with professors, and the application of theoretical learning through realworld practicums. assumption students are highly desired within the human services field, and specifically here at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. We employ a number of Rehabilitation program graduates in various disciplines. as a group, they are compassionate, caring, insightful, and intelligent professionals who view the person as a whole to determine the most effective course of treatment. thomas manning, m.a., c.a.g.s., 71 Vice Chancellor for Operations and Commonwealth Medicine University of Massachusetts Medical School As a whole, our students are heavily recruited by agencies within and outside of the region. Many students have job offers prior to graduation and virtually all of our students find employment shortly a er graduation. Many of our graduates have become leading figures in human services management in New England. Typically, graduates are employed in a number of public, private, nonprofit, and proprietary settings including public agencies such as the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, private nonprofit agencies such as Goodwill Industries or proprietary entities (private for profit agencies) such as Unum. Our graduates currently hold positions as rehabilitation counselors, vocational evaluators, work adjustment specialists, and vocational placement specialists, in many state rehabilitation agencies; program directors, and coordinators in agencies that provide services to individuals who have a range of impairments and disabilities, including hearing impairment, visual impairment, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and physical and psychiatric disabilities. e field of rehabilitation has maintained a consistent pattern of growth over the last two decades and will continue to expand into increasingly important areas such as school to work transition, veterans with disabilities, injured workers, individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and multicultural issues. Entrepreneurial students can look forward to increasing opportunities in private sector rehabilitation. 5

8 make Your Place as a caring and thorough expert in the field. full-time faculty are highly trained Professionals With Decades of experience. all hold Doctoral Degrees. e MA in Rehabilitation Counseling gives you the opportunity to learn from dedicated professors who possess extensive professional experience in counseling, assessment, case management, addictions, school guidance, and other specializations. Several are licensed psychologists, most are nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC). e faculty s field experience is integrated into the curriculum, so that you are exposed to cutting edge approaches that are proven to be effective. All full-time faculty are CRCs and hold doctoral degrees. Many are actively engaged in research, grant writing, and publications. Furthermore, our adjunct faculty members are well connected with human service agencies throughout the region, another reason why our graduates are quick to be hired. Students consistently praise our faculty for being dedicated and accessible professionals who care about their future. the Worcester, ma region offers tremendous opportunity in the human services field. Worcester is a major human services center in Massachusetts. e Institute for Social and Rehabilitation Services has an excellent relationship with a large number of agencies in the community, as well as those in Boston, Providence, and Hartford. is makes many meaningful internship opportunities available during your course of study. 6

9 I was employed by the organization with which I interned as soon as I graduated. at assumption, I felt like a person, not a number. Most impressive was the constant focus of the faculty on ensuring students professional success and growth. Even after finishing the program, I have been able to count on faculty for generous advice and counsel. like so many, I was employed by the organization with which I interned, as soon as I graduated. the breadth of knowledge has made it possible to thrive as a substance abuse counselor, even though it wasn t the primary thrust of my training. this says volumes about the program s quality. small classes enhance Your learning. Our small classes allow you to get to know faculty and classmates well, and provide an intimate forum for group interaction that significantly enhances learning. scholarships, traineeships, and assistantships are offered. Many financial awards are given each year to qualified candidates. e full-time twoyear graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling may provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships, traineeships, and/or assistantships to qualifying applicants. Application procedures can be found on subsequent pages in this catalog. Justin mccarthy, m.a. 09 Substance Abuse Clinician Community Health Link/UMass Memorial Worcester, MA 7

10 beyond the classroom: enjoying the college, Worcester, and new england located in the heart of new england Assumption College is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the state s second largest city and home to 12 colleges and more than 30,000 students. e campus is nestled on 185 park-like acres in a safe and serene section of the city, approximately three miles from downtown. e diverse natural beauties of New England are just a short drive away, with mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, both within an hour s drive. Also located within an hour to the east is the world-class city of Boston. Listed on Forbes.com as one of the top-ten most livable cities in the country and five-time recipient of the All-America City Award, metro M Worcester has a population of 787,000. e city continually plays host to countless favored events, such as NCAA basketball and hockey tournaments, and 2 91 concerts by nationally acclaimed artists at MASSACHUSETTS 90 the DCU Center. With Shrewsbury Street s 90 Sturbridge Springfield fine dining and fun restaurants, Highland Street s hangouts, Water Street s entertainment district, Lake Quinsigamond s crew Hartford 91 races, the Hanover eatre, and a downtown undergoing a $1 billion makeover, CONNECTICUT Worcester is on the move WORCESTER Lowell 295 Providence RHODE ISLAND Boston

11 ...the professors are leading, high-level experts in the field. the practical, real-world, career emphasis at assumption really sets it apart from other Master s programs. Many of the professors are leading, high-level experts in the field. the internship also provided a wonderful hands-on workplace experience that changed my career view and helped me realize how fresh and exciting it could be to work in Rehabilitation. I was hired by Mass Rehab, where I interned, and was fully employed immediately upon graduation! charity cummings, m.a. 09 Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Plymouth, MA 9

12 graduate Programs in rehabilitation counseling Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program Mission The mission of the Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program is to provide the full array of a sequenced and integrated course of professional study that prepares graduates with the needed knowledge, competencies, values and professional identity to provide individuals with significant disabilities with the assistance and opportunities that they need to achieve high quality employment and independence in their communities. The Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program is designed to train students to become competent rehabilitation counselors. Students who successfully complete the program of study are qualified to work with individuals who have a wide range of disabilities and work in a variety of employment settings. Students develop professional competencies in all domains that are essential for effective rehabilitation counselor practice as prescribed by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). Graduate Program Learning Objectives 1. To educate students in counseling and rehabilitation principles and practices so that they can use these to assist persons with disabilities maximize their employment and independent living potential. 2. To educate students in the following core rehabilitation counselor practice domains: affective counseling, case management, community resource utilization, job development and placement, assessment, rehabilitation planning, vocational counseling, rehabilitation technology, rehabilitation research utilization and ethical rehabilitation counselor practice. 3. To provide students with a dynamic learning experience that promotes and reinforces personal and professional values that are reflected in the rehabilitation philosophy, including consumer-centered practice, informed choice, and empowerment. 4. To provide a supervised clinical experience that will prepare students to engage in effective rehabilitation counseling practices consistent with the Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors. 5. To prepare students to become nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC). Length of Program Full-time students can complete the program in two years. Parttime students usually complete the program in 3-4 years, but may have up to 7 years to complete all the requirements for the Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling. General Program Descriptions The graduate program is open to graduates of Baccalaureate programs in rehabilitation, human services, and related disciplines who are interested in pursuing graduate study in rehabilitation counseling. The program is also designed for currently employed human service providers who would like to upgrade their academic credentials, augment their knowledge and skills, and enhance their career opportunities. There are four options for completing graduate study in Rehabilitation Counseling at Assumption College: 10

13 ma/cags in rehabilitation counseling MA/CAGS in Rehabilitation Counseling Full-Time Course of Study (68 Credits) This program is designed for students with limited rehabilitation education and experience who wish to enroll in a comprehensive and challenging full-time course of study leading to a Master of Arts Degree and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Rehabilitation Counseling. Students in this program work closely with their faculty advisor to customize their course of study based on their particular interest areas and career goals. This is done through elective and advanced course work, and specialized clinical experiences. Students enrolled in this program are eligible to apply for traineeships, graduate assistantships and scholarship funding. Upon successful completion of the academic and clinical requirements of this program students are eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam. Students are encouraged to take the CRC exam during their final academic semester. YEAR 1 FALL Course # Description Credits RCP 502 RCP 503 RCP 505 RCP 510 SUMMER I RCP 508 RCP 500B Research Seminar in Rehabilitation Counseling 3 Foundations of Rehabilitation Services 3 Introduction to Assessment and Appraisal of Individuals with Disabilities 3 Seminar in Medical Rehabilitation 3 Subtotal 12 Family Systems and Rehabilitation 3 Substance Abuse Treatment 3 Subtotal 6 YEAR 2 FALL Course # Description Credits RCP 513 Vocational Evaluation and Assessment 3 RCP 630 Advanced Counseling 3 RCP 550 Group Work 3 ELECTIVE Advanced Course Elective 3 RCP 699 Internship and Internship Seminar I 4 Subtotal 16 Course Schedule is subject to change. SPRING Course # Description Credits RCP 512 RCP 520 RCP 530 RCP 599 SUMMER II Occupational Analysis, Career Development and Job Placement 3 Introduction to Psychiatric Rehabilitation 3 Counseling Theory and Practice 3 Practicum & Seminar in Legal and Ethical Issues 3 Subtotal 12 RCP 525 Psycho-social and Environmental Aspects of Disability 3 RCP 631 Multi-Cultural Issues 3 Subtotal 6 SPRING Course # Description Credits RCP 540 Case Management in Rehabilitation 3 RCP 514 Private Sector Rehabilitation 3 ELECTIVE Advanced Course Elective 3 RCP 500A Developmental Disabilities 3 RCP 699 Internship and Internship Seminar II 4 Subtotal 16 Total 68 11

14 master of arts (ma) in rehabilitation counseling Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling Full-Time or Part-Time Course of Study (50 Credits) The 50 credit Master of Arts program in Rehabilitation Counseling can be completed on a full-time basis but it is specially designed for individuals who have some experience in Rehabilitation or related counseling or human service work, and would like to pursue a graduate degree on a part-time basis. YEAR 1 FALL Course # Description Credits RCP 502 RCP 503 RCP 505 RCP 510 SUMMER I RCP 508 RCP 500B Research Seminar in Rehabilitation Counseling 3 Foundations of Rehabilitation Services 3 Introduction to Assessment and Appraisal of Individuals with Disabilities 3 Seminar in Medical Rehabilitation 3 Subtotal 12 Family Systems and Rehabilitation 3 OR Substance Abuse Treatment 3 Subtotal 3 YEAR 2 FALL Course # Description Credits RCP 513 Vocational Evaluation and Assessment 3 RCP 550 Group Work 3 RCP 699 Internship and Internship Seminar I 4 Subtotal 10 Course Schedule is subject to change. SPRING Course # Description Credits RCP 512 RCP 520 RCP 530 RCP 599 SUMMER II Occupational Analysis, Career Development and Job Placement 3 Introduction to Psychiatric Rehabilitation 3 Counseling Theory and Practice 3 Practicum & Seminar in Legal and Ethical Issues 3 Subtotal 12 RCP 525 Psycho-social and Environmental Aspects of Disability 3 OR RCP 631 Multi-Cultural Issues 3 Subtotal 3 SPRING Course # Description Credits RCP 540 Case Management in Rehabilitation 3 RCP 500A Developmental Disabilities 3 RCP 699 Internship and Internship Seminar II 4 Subtotal 10 Total 50 12

15 six-in-five ba/ma in rehabilitation counseling Six-in-Five Master of Arts Program Full-Time Course of Study (68 Credits) This program is designed for Assumption College students who are full-time undergraduate majors in human services and rehabilitation studies, who have demonstrated superior academic performance, and who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Students must be recommended for the program by an ISRS faculty member. Acceptance into the Six-in-Five program allows students to begin taking graduate courses in their senior year. During the spring semester of senior year, students must formally apply for acceptance into the graduate program. Upon acceptance into the graduate program, students may continue their graduate coursework through the summer sessions and the following academic year. Upon successful completion of the academic and clinical requirements, students will be awarded a Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. This program allows outstanding students to complete six years of full-time academic work in five years. YEAR 1 FALL Course # Description Credits RCP 502 Research Seminar in RCP 512 Rehabilitation Counseling 3 RCP 503 Foundations of Rehabilitation Services 3 RCP 520 RCP 505 Introduction to Assessment and Appraisal of Individuals RCP 530 with Disabilities 3 RCP 510 Seminar in Medical RCP 599 Rehabilitation 3 Subtotal 12 Graduation from Undergraduate program enroll in Graduate program SUMMER I SUMMER II RCP 508 Family Systems and Rehabilitation 3 RCP 500B Substance Abuse Treatment 3 Subtotal 6 SPRING Course # Description Credits Occupational Analysis, Career Development and Job Placement 3 Introduction to Psychiatric Rehabilitation 3 Counseling Theory and Practice 3 Practicum & Seminar in Legal and Ethical Issues 3 Subtotal 12 RCP 525 Psycho-social and Environmental Aspects of Disability 3 RCP 631 Multi-Cultural Issues 3 Subtotal 6 YEAR 2 FALL Course # Description Credits RCP 513 Vocational Evaluation and Assessment 3 RCP 630 Advanced Counseling 3 RCP 550 Group Work 3 ELECTIVE Advanced Course Elective 3 RCP 699 Internship and Internship Seminar I 4 Subtotal 16 Course Schedule is subject to change. SPRING Course # Description Credits RCP 540 Case Management in Rehabilitation 3 RCP 514 Private Sector Rehabilitation 3 ELECTIVE Advanced Course Elective 3 RCP 500A Developmental Disabilities 3 RCP 699 Internship and Internship Seminar II 4 Subtotal 16 Total Graduate Course Credits 68 13

16 online/master of arts in rehabilitation counseling ONLINE / Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling 16-Course Distance Learning Program (50 Credits) The online program is a Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) accredited, 16-course, 50-credit program that can be completed over 8 semesters in less than 3 years. Upon completion, students will be awarded a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling, and will be eligible to sit for the CRC exam. Admissions standards are identical to our traditional on-campus graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling. An undergraduate degree in biological and social sciences and/or work experience in rehabilitation or human services is strongly recommended. GRE s are not required, but demonstrated academic success as reflected by GPA, and academic and professional recommendations are important acceptance factors. The Blackboard instructional software program is the platform for our online program delivery. Students must have ready access to a personal computer, Internet access and basic computer literacy skills in order to enroll in the program. In addition, students must feel comfortable with the unique features and methodologies associated with distance learning. Residency Requirement: One 5-day on-campus session will take place during each of two summer semesters. Students will stay on campus in fully-furnished, 2 bedroom apartments at the Living and Learning Center. SEMESTER 1 FALL Course # Description Credits RCP 503 Foundations of Rehabilitation Services 3 RCP 510 Seminar in Medical Rehabilitation 3 SEMESTER 3 SUMMER Course # Description Credits RCP 530 Counseling Theory and Practice 3 RCP 502 Research Seminar in Rehabilitation Counseling 3 SEMESTER 2 SPRING Course # Description Credits RCP 505 Introduction to Assessment and Appraisal of Individuals with Disabilities 3 RCP 512 Occupational Analysis, Career Development, and Job Placement 3 (5-Day On Campus Session I: 3rd Week in June) SEMESTER 4 SEMESTER 5 FALL SPRING Course # Description Credits Course # Description Credits RCP 525 Psycho-social and Environmental RCP 500B Substance Abuse Treatment 3 Aspects of Disability 3 RCP 508 Family Systems RCP520 Introduction to Psychiatric and Rehabilitation 3 Rehabilitation 3 SEMESTER 6 SUMMER Course # Description Credits RCP 599 Practicum & Seminar in Legal and Ethical Issues 3 RCP 550 Group Work 3 (5-Day On Campus Session II: 3rd Week in June) SEMESTER 7 SEMESTER 8 FALL Course # Description Credits SPRING Course # Description Credits RCP 699A Internship and Internship Seminar 4 RCP 699B Internship and Internship Seminar 4 RCP 513 Vocational Evaluation and Assessment 3 RCP 540 Case Management in Rehabilitation 3 TOTAL GRADUATE COURSE CREDITS 50 Course Schedule is subject to change. 14

17 Online Program / Important Facts Student-centered approach emphasizes ongoing communication, convenience, academic excellence, and interaction with professors, administrators, and professionals. Faculty have interest, investment, and experience in teaching online courses. Program is asynchronous; students learn at their own convenience each week. It is the only ONLINE degree offered by a topranked Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program in the northeastern region of the U.S. this Master s program transformed my career. Just two months after graduation, I advanced in position from Case Manager to a Coordinator of Services in a brand new wraparound program, with a substantial increase in income. I work with children who have serious emotional disturbances, coordinating all of the collateral providers to ensure successful care and a better outcome for the child and family. I loved assumption; it was the ideal choice for me. lauren russo, m.a. 09 Intensive Care Coordinator Community Counseling of Bristol County Taunton, MA 15

18 rehabilitation counseling Program CAGS Graduate Program The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Rehabilitation Counseling is offered to working professionals who hold a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, or a closely related field. A customized course of study consisting of graduate credits is developed in consultation with the graduate program director. Students enrolled in this program have an opportunity to develop an area of specialization that is related to their current work or future career goals. Students are typically enrolled in this program on a part-time basis, and have up to 7 years to complete their course of study. Electives RCP500A Developmental Disabilities RCP500B Substance Abuse Treatment in Rehabilitation RCP500C Rehabilitation of the Public Offender RCP506 Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired RCP507 Alcohol Education A Community Approach RCP515 Administration and Management RCP590 Advanced Seminar in Medical Rehabilitation RCP605 Advanced Assessment and Appraisal RCP611 Manpower Resources and the Economic Environment RCP612 Career Development RCP616 Supervisory Practices RCP620 Advanced Seminar in Psychiatric Rehabilitation RCP631 Multi-Cultural Issues RCP650 Advanced Group Work in Rehabilitation RCP680 Personnel Supervision and Evaluation RCP703 Advanced Research Seminar in Rehabilitation RCP704 Program Evaluation RCP705 Cognitive Development and Disturbance RCP730 Principles of Psychotherapy Concentrations Students enrolled in the 68 credit MA/CAGS graduate program have an opportunity to customize their program to develop an area of specialization. This can be done by taking elective and advanced coursework, and developing specialized practicum and internship experiences that meet the particular interests and career goals of the student. Areas of specialization may include Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation and Vocational Rehabilitation. Students may consult with their academic advisor or the graduate program director to develop a specialized program of study. Internship Opportunities The required Practicum and Internship Seminars allow you to integrate theory and practice in a hands on environment. Selecting the right internship site is important because you will acquire the specialized expertise that will advance your career. Our graduates consistently rate their combined practicum and internship experience as one of the most rewarding and beneficial parts of the program. Practicum First Period of Supervised Clinical Practice The first block of supervised clinical practice takes place during the spring semester. The Guidelines for Supervised Clinical Practice, a publication of the Joint Liaison Committee of the Council of State Directors of Vocational Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Counselor Educators, was used in the development of the program for the supervised clinical practice. The emphasis is on the counseling relationship for the development of interviewing skills and case study development. Affiliations for supervised clinical practice have been established with state rehabilitation agencies as well as social, educational, and rehabilitation agencies and institutions. The expanding field of rehabilitation is reflected during clinical practice, through programs that emphasize independent living, corrections, educational problems, substance abuse, gerontology, public welfare, and psychiatric rehabilitation. The Practicum requires 100 hours of supervised fieldwork experience. Internship I and II Second Period of Supervised Clinical Practice The last block of supervised clinical practice is an Internship designed to facilitate the transition from trainee to professional rehabilitation counselor. The emphasis in this block is on counseling - including assessment, appraisal, coping with disability, and placement. At this point, you are called upon to function in an increasingly independent manner, integrating your training and experience. The Internship extends over both the fall and spring semesters. The Internship requires 600 hours of supervised fieldwork experience. Options for Practicum and Internship Placements Include: AdCare Hospital of Worcester AIDS Project Worcester Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. Center for Living and Working, Inc. Community Healthlink Department of Mental Health Department of Social Services Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital Faith House Genesis Club, Inc. Henry Lee Willis Community Center, Inc. Hubbard Regional Hospital - EAP Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Massachusetts Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Northborough Family and Youth Services, Inc. Rape Crisis Center, Inc. Seven Hills Foundation Unum Westboro State Hospital Worcester State Hospital Y.O.U., Inc. 16

19 Our graduates consistently rate their combined practicum and internship experience as one of the most rewarding and beneficial parts of the program. Applying to the Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Counseling The program uses a rolling admissions procedure and candidates may submit their application to the Graduate School office at any time during the year. The completed application will be forwarded to the Rehabilitation Counseling program admissions committee for their review. Candidates will be informed of the committee s decision in writing from the Graduate School office. Interested students from culturally diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants accepted for full-time study are encouraged to begin in the fall semester. Applicants for part-time study at our Worcester campus can begin the program throughout the year. Applicants accepted for the Online program can begin their program in the Fall semester only. Admissions Criteria All candidates must meet the following criteria: 1. Possess a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. CAGS applicants must also possess a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or closelyrelated field. 2. Have completed at least 15 semester hours of undergraduate coursework in the behavioral, biological and social sciences. Recommended courses include general psychology, sociology, abnormal psychology, statistics, human development, human anatomy and physiology. Work experience in counseling, rehabilitation or related human services may be substituted for the recommended undergraduate coursework. 3. Have a minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of Application Process A complete application includes the following: 1. An application form and application fee (fee waived for Assumption students or alumni/ae); 2. Official transcripts(s) of undergraduate and graduate records; 3. Three (3) letters of recommendation. These letters must be academic or professional in nature and should be from a professor who has taught the candidate for at least one course or from an individual who has supervised the candidate in a work setting. It is important that the letters are from people who can speak to the candidate s potential for successful graduate school studies and academic ability; 4. A current resume detailing the candidate s academic and work experiences; 5. A personal essay describing the academic preparation, work experiences, and skills that the candidate brings to this graduate program, what he or she hopes to accomplish academically, and his or her professional goals; 6. Once the application is complete and forwarded to the program office, the candidate will be contacted by the program office to arrange an admissions interview. NOTES: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required. The Rehabilitation Couseling admissions committee reserves the right to request additional material in support of the candidate s application. Conditional Acceptance Under extenuating circumstances, the admissions committee may recommend that the applicant be accepted conditionally. In these cases, formal admission to the graduate program is deferred until the student has successfully met criteria specified by the admissions committee. For those students who were conditionally accepted, they will be informed in writing of the status of their acceptance into the program. Application Information All documents, transcripts and other papers submitted for admittance become the property of the College and will not be returned. Courses taken by correspondence will not satisfy prerequisite requirements. A student is not officially admitted or rejected until he/she has been notified by the Director of Graduate Enrollment. Applicants are notified of their status in writing. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that health science students must be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and Hepatitis B, and meningitis. For information, call the Graduate Medical Secretary at (508) After official notification of acceptance, application and transcripts are kept on file for one year. If the candidate has not matriculated by the end of a year, he or she ordinarily reapplies and is subject to the rules and regulations that are in effect at the time of the new application. Incomplete dossiers are kept on file no longer than one year. Online Program The online graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling is a 16-course, 50-credit program that can be completed over 8 semesters in less than 3 years. Upon completion, students will be awarded a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling, and will be eligible to sit for the CRC exam. Admissions standards are identical to our traditional on-campus graduate program in RehabilitationCounseling. The Blackboard instructional software program is the platform for our online program delivery. Students must have ready access to a personal computer, Internet access and basic computer literacy skills in order to enroll in the program. In addition, students must feel comfortable with the unique features and methodologies associated with distance learning. Accreditation The 50 credit MA programs and the 68 credit MA/CAGS program in Rehabilitation Counseling are accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). 17

20 rehabilitation counseling Program Graduate Traineeships The Institute for Social and Rehabilitation Services offers a limited number of graduate traineeships funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration. To be eligible to receive a traineeship, students must be formally and unconditionally accepted into the 68 credit MA/CAGS graduate program. The following application procedures must be followed: Complete the Free Federal Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) application form listing the school code for Assumption College as FAFSA forms are available at or at the Assumption College Financial Aid Office. Students should notify the Financial Aid office to forward a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) to the ISRS department.* Submit a letter to the Director of Graduate Studies/ISRS on or before April 30th, indicating your interest in receiving a traineeship grant. The letter should include a brief explanation as to why you feel you are an appropriate candidate for assistance. All applicants are reviewed by the ISRS traineeship awards committee, and initial awards are assigned by the director, and recipients notified by June 1st. Students awarded a traineeship must formally notify the director of their intent to accept the award within 30 days of notification, meet the Department of Education eligibility requirements, and agree to the provisions of the traineeship agreement. You may contact ISRS for more information about the DOE traineeship eligibility requirements and the provisions of the traineeship agreement. Unclaimed awards will be reassigned, and alternate candidates are notified of their selection to receive an award by August 1st. Availability of grant funded traineeships are subject to change. * FAFSA application form should be submitted as early as possible. It takes 6 weeks for the college to receive the Student Aid Report (SAR), which must be included as part of the application materials and received by April 30th. International Students Those applicants who have attained a level of education officially considered as equivalent to a bachelor s degree from an American institution of higher education are eligible for admission to the program. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation, and translation if necessary, is required to determine if the degree obtained is equivalent to an American bachelor s degree. Applicants whose native or official tongue is not English are required to provide evidence of English profciency through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International Language Testing System (IELTS). Information about these tests are available from TOEFL at Box 899, Princeton, NJ, or from IELTS at IELTS Inc., 100 East Corson Street, Suite 200, Pasadena, CA, All international students must also complete Assumption College s International Student Information Form (I-20) concerning their financial resources or financial support. Forms and information are available from the Office of Student Life at Special Student Status Special student status may be granted by the Program Director to individuals who either have an application in progress or are interested in selected courses without intending to become matriculated. A student is allowed to take up to four (4) courses as a special student. Special students must review their undergraduate transcript with the Program Director prior to course registration and their undergraduate GPA must meet the minimum entry requirements of the Program. Special students are not allowed to register for additional courses until they have been accepted into the degree program. Permission to enroll in graduate courses as a Special Student does not guarantee an individual admission to the Rehabilitation Counseling program nor does it guarantee that all of the courses taken will be accepted in fulfillment of degree and/or licensure requirements. The Dean of the Graduate School reserves the right not to grant credit toward a degree for courses taken before admittance into the degree program. 18