Dec 03, 2024  
2012-2013 Springfield College Graduate Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Springfield College Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Rehabilitation and Counseling Services Home Page

Rehabilitation Counseling and Services



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The Rehabilitation Services Department at Springfield College offers both full-time and part-time graduate programs in Rehabilitation Counseling and Services leading to the master’s degree. The programs are designed to provide a combination of didactic course work along with professionally supervised clinical experiences. The Rehabilitation Counseling and Services programs are offered in cooperation with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), U.S. Department of Education. RSA scholarships may be available to full-time students.

General Curriculum

Within the general requirements, emphasis is placed on knowledge and understanding of medical, psychological, social, educational, and vocational aspects of disability and impairments. Faculty advisors meet with students at the beginning of their enrollment to outline an appropriate course of study. Individual differences in background, education, and training are taken into account in meeting the basic requirements.

Areas of Professional Practice

In addition to the general requirements, which are at the core of all programs, the graduate candidate may earn a master of science or master of education degree by completing a course of study related to the following areas of professional practice:

Rehabilitation Counseling:

  • General Counseling and Casework
  • Pediatric and Developmental Disabilities
  • Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Substance Abuse Counseling

Rehabilitation Services:

  • Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services
  • Pediatric and Developmental Disability Services
  • Special Services

The graduate programs are designed to meet the goals and needs of students with a variety of educational and experiential backgrounds as well as the national professional standards required to assist our graduates to be fully marketable in the field. Individual eligibility should be discussed with the department chairperson and faculty advisor. Students who have completed the master’s degree may pursue advanced course work leading to a Post-Master’s Certificate. Typically, students seeking the certificate wish to complement their existing educational and professional background, training, and experience to qualify for advanced positions or to become eligible for rehabilitation certification. Programs are arranged individually with the student’s faculty advisor.  Three program levels are available for the master’s degree. Program levels may be determined and approved by the completion of the first twelve to fifteen credits of course work.

Accreditation Information

The Rehabilitation Counseling programs are approved and accredited by the National Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). Students completing all course work requirements (minimum: 48 credits) including research, general rehabilitation course requirements, practica, and internships are eligible for the national certification examination to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC) and to apply for state licensure as a Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Depending on the concentration, students may also be eligible for additional certifications and licenses. For more information, see the information provided for individual concentrations.

Additional Information

Students should consult with their advisors to plan sequence of courses to be sure course prerequisites are appropriately met and to determine if specific requirements by certifying bodies have been changed.

Program Coordinators/Faculty and Telephone Numbers

Michael P. Accordino, D.Ed., CRC, LMHC - Professor and Graduate Coordinator 
748-3258 Locklin Hall Room 102C

J. Patrick Decoteau, Ph.D., CRC/LRC - Professor
748-3375 Locklin Hall Room 107

Bernard T. Graney, Ph.D., CRC - Professor
748-3320 Locklin Hall Room 109 

Robert L. Hewes, Rh.D., CRC - Professor and Department Chair 
748-3769 Locklin Hall Room 112

Thomas J. Ruscio, CRC/LRC - Professor
748-3566 Locklin Hall Room 102B

Joseph F. Stano, Ph.D., NCC, CRC/LRC - Professor
748-3375 Locklin Hall Room 101

General Counseling and Casework (48-54 credits)


Prepares counselors to work with people affected by a wide variety of physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, illnesses, traumas, and other conditions.  Focuses on all aspects of diagnostoc assessment, evaluation, interviewing, and counseling.  Develops student’s skills in casework planning and client services.  Completion of this option results in (a) eligibility for certification as a rehabiliation counselor (CRC) after passing the required exam and graduation and eligbility for licensure as a rehabiliation counselor (LRC).

Research Course Requirements (6-12 credits)


Clinical Fieldwork Course Requirements (12 credits)


(Minimum of 600 clock hours of internship under CRC supervision required)

Pediatric and Developmental Disabilities Counseling (60-66 credits)


Prepares graduates to work with individuals who have one or more of the following disabilities or other conditions: mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, or various forms of learning disabilities.  Utilizes developmental theory and practice, social learning, and behavioral techniques.  Completion of this option results in eligibility for certification as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC) after passing required exam and graduation.

Research Course Requirements (6-12 credits)


Clinical Fieldwork Course Requirements (12 credits)


(Minimim of 600 clock hours of internship under CRC supervision required)

Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Substance Abuse Counseling (60-66 credits)


This program of study trains students to work with people with problematic use of alcohol and other drugs and psychiatric issues (e.g., Dual Diagnosis).  Completion of this option results in (a) eligibility for certification as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC) after passing required exam and graduation and licensure as a rehabilitation counselor (LRC), (b) eligibility of Certification for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors and Certification as an Addictions Specialist (CADAC/CAC), and (c) eligibility for the licensure as a professional counselor (LPC).

Research Course Requirements (6-12 credits)


Program Specific Course Requirements (12 credits)


Clinical Fieldwork Course Requirements (12 credits)


(Minimum of 600 clock hours of internship under CRC supervision required)

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (36 credits)


Prepares graduates to work in a variety of detoxification and rehabilitation programs.  Focuses on intervention techniques, counseling, and therapeutic strategies in settings ranging from in-hospital acute care to residential/day treatment and career development.  Completion of this option results in eligibility for the Certification for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors and certification as an Addictions Specialist (CADAC/CAC).

Research Course Requirements (6 credits)


Clinical Fieldwork Course Requirements (6 credits)


Chose six credits from the following: (Minimum 300 hours of fieldwork required)

Pediatric and Developmental Disabilities Services (36-42 credits)


Prepares graduates to work with individuals who have cognitive and developmental disabilities.  Utilizes developmental theory and practice, social learning, and behavioral techniques.  certification in Early Intervention and Child life requires additional courses (see advisor).

Research Course Requirements (6 credits)


Program Specific Course Requirements (12 credits)


Choose 12 credits.  See advisor for choosing and substituting specific courses based on professional need.

Clinical Fieldwork Course Requirements (6 credits)


Choose six credits from the following: (Note a minimum of 300 hours of fieldwork is required)

NOTE: Optional for people with two years or more of work experience.

Special Services (36 credits)


Within the scope of departmental offerings and related offerings of other cooperating departments or programs, opportunities exist with faculty advisor guidance and assistance to develop a specialized program or specific individualized elective concentration. For example, specialty programs currently exist within some of the following areas: sensory disabilities (visual and hearing disorders), gerontological services, cardiac rehabilitation, and head injury rehabilitation. Students interested in this program option must design an individualized program of study with faculty advisor and departmental approval.  Students wishing certification or licensure will be encouraged to work toward one of the established concentrations.

Research Course Requirements (6 credits)


Program Specific Course Requirements (choose 12 credits with advisor)


Other offerings may be selected in consultation with faculty advisor

Clinical Fieldwork Course Requirements (9 credits)


(Note a minimum of 300 hours of fieldwork is required)

Degree Options


Students must choose one (1) degree option below:

Plan A: Master of Education (M.Ed)


Plan B: Master of Science (M.S.)


Plan C: Master of Science (M.S.)


Disclaimer


Students should consult with their advisor(s) to plan sequence of courses to be sure course prerequisites are appropriately met and to determine if specific requirements by licensing and certifying bodies have been changed.

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