Program: Rehabilitation Science and Technology - Rehabilitation Counseling Concentration, MS - University of Pittsburgh

Program Requirements

Students participate in the equivalent of full-time graduate study for two academic years (i.e., a minimum of 60 semester hours). The emphasis in rehabilitation counseling requires two practicum experiences (minimum of 100 field hours each) and an internship (minimum of 600 hours). One practicum is recommended in the area of counseling or job placement and the other in assistive technology. The internship must be in rehabilitation counseling.

Clinical Capstone Examination

All Counseling students are required to pass a clinical competency examination. The Clinical Capstone Exam focuses on student demonstration of knowledge and skills that reflect the competencies of the rehabilitation and mental health counselor. Students will be assessed on their knowledge and skills accumulated through coursework and clinical experiences. The course requires students to synthesize and apply advanced concepts into clinical practice.

The course implements a case study approach. Students are provided real and/or simulated clients to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Students are expected to analyze and synthesize case materials for case conceptualization and then develop appropriate and realistic intervention plans. Students are expected to apply appropriate counseling techniques included in their intervention plan via role-play simulations. Successful completion is needed for the student to demonstrate mastery of graduate study.

Curriculum and Course Descriptions

https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/RST/msrc.aspx?id=157

The program curriculum is designed to permit the student to obtain the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function effectively as a professional rehabilitation counselor.