Rehabilitation Counseling Specialization

The rehabilitation counseling specialization will prepare you to work in state organizations, hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, and private practices, as well as in insurance rehabilitation, for advocacy groups, or as a consultant.

The Drake rehabilitation counseling program is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education, so you will be eligible to take the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor exam—which leads to certification in every state—during your last semester of coursework.

The 60-credit hour rehabilitation program emphasizes field-based experiences, with six courses devoted to hands-on learning. The program can be completed in two and a half years.

Community ties

The rehabilitation program has strong ties to the community. Professionals from the community are often invited to teach classes or be guest speakers.

Drake is also committed to advancing the field. The National Rehabilitation Institute was established at Drake in 1976. The Institute conducts research, manages federal research and training grants, and provides pre-service and in-service training in the areas of rehabilitation counseling, placement, and leadership. Drake is also a member of the Iowa Rehabilitation Association, National Rehabilitation Association, and the American Counseling Association.

Mission and Objectives of the Rehabilitation Counseling Specialization

The mission of the Rehabilitation Counseling program is to support activities that improve the lives of people with disabilities. To this end we will offer degree programs, provide university and community services, and conduct research on issues related to rehabilitation. Close collaboration will occur between the program, students, local rehabilitation provider, and consumers to ensure a well-rounded and practical learning experience. Students will graduate from the Rehabilitation Counseling program having met all the competencies established by Drake, the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE), and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

1. The Rehabilitation Counseling program shall prepare students to enter the rehabilitation profession as qualified rehabilitation professionals as defined by the Council on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification and expose them to professional issues relevant to participation in professional associations and work settings. 
2. The Rehabilitation Counseling program shall actively involve people from the community on its boards, as guest lecturers, and instructors. These people shall include people with disabilities; people from diverse backgrounds; people working in public rehabilitation, not for-profit rehabilitation, for-profit rehabilitation; and employers.
3. The Rehabilitation Counseling program shall periodically conduct follow-up with graduates and area needs assessments. It will incorporate those results into its curriculum planning to ensure it meets the needs of local consumers and employers.
4. Rehabilitation Counseling faculty will work closely with local rehabilitation agencies through in-service training, consulting, and research.

Outcome Measures for the Rehabilitation Counseling Specialization. 

Apply Now

• Applications for this program are accepted for fall and spring start terms, with the following deadlines. All materials must be postmarked by the identified dates: 
  • Spring start-term: September 1
  • Fall start-term: March 1
• Upon the receipt of transcripts, an advisor will complete a transcript evaluation in order to determine any credit or course substitutions/transfers. 
• In order to begin the application process, please click the “Apply Now” link above. This link will provide you application requirements. Questions regarding the application process can be forwarded to the Coordinator of Graduate Admission at soegradadmission@drake.edu or 515-271-2552.

Counseling Admission Requirements

This program has indicated specific essay requirements. This essay replaces the general admission essay required for other programs.

The paper should be a 5-page, double spaced statement of interest in the counseling profession.  It should include the following information:

• Educational and professional background
• Career aspirations with a counseling degree
• Experience working with people who are different from you
• Personal characteristics that will allow you to be a successful graduate student

Questions?

 To receive more information about the program, contact counselored@drake.edu.  

Program Contact

Robert M Bruinekool
Assistant Professor
matt.bruinekool@drake.edu
515-271-4507 

Learn more

Click here for rehabilitation counseling coursework information. For more information on certification, visit the website for the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.