school of health professions 2020 - 2021 Catalog

Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (MSCR)

The Master of Science Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (MSCR) program is currently accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) as a rehabilitation counseling program through 2023. The program is applying for accreditation with CACREP as a clinical rehabilitation counseling program. 

1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA 22314 
www.cacrep.org


Our Profession

Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors empower people with disabilities to make informed choices, build viable careers, and live more independently within the community. Through a counseling process, Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors provide & coordinate services for people with a wide range of physical & psychiatric disabilities, chronic conditions or diseases, and people who are in recovery from substance abuse disorders. Services include counseling to support clients in achieving their education and career goals through preparation activities and training for a specific occupation. Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors work with clients in a variety of settings, including schools and universities, state workforce systems, veteran's services, advocacy and non-profit agencies, employee assistance programs, private forensic practice, and hospital settings.

Program Description

This Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling curriculum is designed to involve the learner as an active participant in the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for competent practice in the field; and conforms to the stated requirements for the graduate education of Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors as set forth by accrediting and certification bodies. It is the intent of the program to graduate students who are:

  • Ready to acknowledge the importance of ensuring dignity, independence, and wellness for persons with disabilities;

  • Dedicated to adhering to the key values, standards, and codes of ethics as set forth by state and national licensing and certifying bodies;

  • Engaged in reflective, creative problem-solving;

  • Responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities;

  • Sensitive to the collaborative therapeutic relationship;

  • Involved in leadership roles to develop and enhance services;

  • Able to act as a responsible advocate for persons with disabilities.

The Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (MSCR) program is a distance education, graduate program designed to provide comprehensive training for the counseling field. Our mission is to provide high quality instruction to prepare students for a rewarding career in the counseling specialty of clinical rehabilitation counseling. Clinical education is an important part of counselor education. All students are required to complete a Practicum and Internship at a qualified site under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. The MSCR curriculum has an emphasis on telehealth. This model of distance-based service provision is a cutting edge technique growing in practice and acceptance nationwide. Students will be eligible for a certificate in telehealth upon graduation.

Students who graduate from the MSCR program are prepared to work with clients in a variety of settings; including schools and universities, state workforce systems, veteran services, advocacy and non-profit agencies, employee assistance programs, private forensic practice, and hospital settings.

Clinical Education

Clinical education is an integral aspect of the program. The MSCR program complies with all requirements for practicum and clinical internships as set forth by the relevant accrediting and certifying organizations. In order to meet these requirements, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling students will be required to complete two clinical experiences during their program. First, all students will participate  in a 100 hour supervised rehabilitation counseling practicum, which fosters personal growth, provides active learning experiences, enhances student insights into individual, group, and organizational behavior, and introduces students to counseling approaches and the rehabilitation issues that affect service delivery. Delivered on a distance basis, these experiences will combine applied instruction by faculty with supervised practicum experiences in approved clinical sites, either at the student’s place of employment (when appropriate) or in approved rehabilitation settings.

Second, all students will be required to complete a 600 hour supervised internship in a rehabilitation setting. Students who are employed in a clinical rehabilitation counseling setting may, with program and employer approval, utilize these locales for their internship experiences.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (MSCR) program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center forwards the mission of the University by providing a practitioner training program focused on the unique needs of diverse communities, especially in rural settings. We are committed to preparing entry-level clinical rehabilitation counselors to work competently and ethically through the mastery of evidence-based practices. Our focus centers on empowering people with disabilities to make informed choices, build viable careers, and live more independently within the community.

Program Goals

The goal of the program is to prepare students with the counseling and rehabilitation knowledge and skills to assist people with a wide range of physical and psychiatric disabilities, chronic conditions or diseases, and social disabilities in achieving their education and career goals.

The objectives of our program are linked to our mission statement. They are to provide:

  • Educational experiences that facilitate the development of knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to practice as qualified clinical rehabilitation counselors with a diverse population in a wide variety of contexts.

  • Learning opportunities to support the ability to implement culturally responsive and ethically sound clinical rehabilitation counseling practices throughout their careers, and to advocate for individuals with disabilities and the profession.

  • Clinical training experiences focused on translating acquired knowledge, attitudes and skills to evidence-based practice in a wide range of real-world opportunities.

The MSCR program strives to accomplish our mission, goals and objectives by:

  • Recruiting, educating and graduating a diverse population of students who are prepared to provide clinical rehabilitation counseling services in a variety of employment settings.

  • Providing a rigorous academic environment that provides a solid foundation to prepare entry level Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors who meet national certification standards.

  • Working closely with the public and private rehabilitation communities to ensure well-trained graduates who are considered valued employees.

  • Developing a faculty that is valued by our students and the rehabilitation community for our teaching, research, and service.

  • Achieving the highest quality program possible within the constraints of available financial, human, technological, and time resources.

  • Developing commitment within students to empower individuals with disabilities to identify and maximize their resources to meet their developmental, vocational, independent living, and educational needs.

  • Instilling within students a commitment to develop a life-long commitment to learning professionalism continuing education throughout their career.

Certification and Licensure

Students who graduate from the MSCR program are eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam, and the National Counselor Exam (NCE). Graduates are also eligible to apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in and outside the state of Texas.

Admission to the Program

The MSCR Program enrolls students in both the Fall and Spring Semesters. Students applying for  the Fall semester must submit an application by June 1 and those applying for Spring semester must submit an application by November 1.

Individuals applying to the program should already hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, preferably in a related area such as psychology, social work, special education, sociology, nursing, and related disciplines, however all disciplines are accepted. To be considered for admission, an overall grade point average GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale or a minimum cumulative GPA in the last 60 semester hours of courses of 2.7 or higher from all college credit is required. Applicants with lower GPA's may be considered based upon their work experience in a human services or related field for (3) or more years. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Millers Analogies Test (M.A.T.) scores are NOT required for entry into the MSCR program. Prior work or volunteer experience in human service settings is considered a valuable attribute for applicants, but is not mandatory. Students may transfer up to 9 credit hours, if applicable, with program approval. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Students will submit a completed application form, transcripts, an essay from the applicant outlining their rationale for applying to the program, 2 letters of reference, and a resume. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to assure that all supporting documentation is received by the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs. Application materials and detailed information on application procedures and admission criteria can be accessed via the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Health Professions website at http://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/admissions/application.aspx. Applications for non-degree seeking students wishing to participate in selected MSCR courses are accepted up to three weeks prior to the start of the semester.

MSCR Curriculum

CORE COURSEWORK
Courses
Credit Hours

HPCR 5301      Introduction to Counseling & Ethical Development

3

HPCR 5302      Counseling Theories

3

HPCR 5303      Human Growth & Development

3

HPCR 5304      Career Counseling

3

HPCR 5305      Psychopathology & Diagnosis

3

HPCR 5306      Treatment Planning & Case Management

3

HPCR 5307      Multicultural Counseling

3

HPCR 5308      Research & Statistics

3

HPCR 5309      Group Counseling

3

HPCR 5311      Addictions

3

HPCR 5312      Assessment

3

HPCR 5313      Micro Counseling                                     

3                                  

Total Hours = 36

SPECIALTY COURSEWORK
Courses
Credit Hours

HPCR 5330      Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling & Ethical Development

3

HPCR 5331      Medical Aspects of Disability

3

HPCR 5332      Psychosocial Aspects of Disability

3

HPCR 5333      Professional Development in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

3


Total Hours = 12              

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
*Requires individual professional counseling liability insurance policy 
Course
Credit Hours

HPCR 5314      Practicum

3

HPCR 6001      Internship Completion                                             

3-9                            


Total Hours = 12

ELECTIVES
*Elective credits are optional and are not required for graduation.
Courses
Credit Hours

HPCR 5111      Independent Study

1

HPCR 5310      Special Topics                           

3




  • HPCR 1002 Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (0:0:0,O)

    An introduction to broad concepts related to interprofessional core competencies for healthcare providers.

  • HPCR 5301 Introduction to Counseling and Ethical Development (3:3:0,O)

    This course introduces students to the profession of counseling, including the history of the counseling profession, professional accreditation and licensure requirements, the role of professional organizations in counseling, consultation with counselors and related professionals, counselor supervision, and self-care strategies. Course materials and learning activities foster the development of critical thinking skills in the areas of professional ethics and ethical decision making, multicultural and social justice awareness and competencies, and professional advocacy. This course also focuses on the laws and regulations governing the practice of counseling and the American Counseling Association (ACA) professional code of ethics.

  • HPCR 5302 Counseling Theories (3:3:0,O)

    Introduction to the principles of behavior, personality, and human development. Exploration of individual, group, and family counseling theories and practices as they apply to persons with disabilities.

  • HPCR 5303 Human Growth and Development (3:3:0,O)

    The purpose of this class is to develop an understanding of human growth and development honoring both normative and non-normative experiences. Students will use this knowledge to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to provide ethical counseling services to diverse individuals across the lifespan.

  • HPCR 5304 Career Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    The theories, roles and techniques in the development of employment of persons with disabilities are explored in depth. From a career perspective, topic areas include job development, placement, work-site modifications, assistive technology, and work place supports.

  • HPCR 5305 Psychopathology and Diagnosis (3:3:0,O)

    The purpose of this class is the exploration of the range of personality and behavioral disorders as described in the DSM-V. Focusing on process, students will learn the descriptive criteria, etiology, assessment, diagnosis, identification of diversity issues, identification of common psychotropic treatments of these disorders, and develop a strong understanding of the major diagnostic categories.

  • HPCR 5306 Treatment Planning and Case Management (3:3:0,O)

    Review of the case management process, including case finding, service co-ordination and client advocacy. Identification and development of treatment planning strategies and caseload management.

  • HPCR 5307 Multicultural Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    This course focuses on the theories underlying multicultural counseling, identity development and social justice, and their application to practice. Topics addressed include race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and socioeconomic issues; racial and cultural identity formation; and oppression, privilege, social justice, and advocacy. Course materials and learning activities provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge of multicultural and diversity theories and issues to examine their own development as counselors to specific client populations and to their communities.

  • HPCR 5308 Research and Statistics (3:3:0,O)

    This course provides the student with an exploration of current trends in research in counseling and related fields; basic research design, methodologies, analysis, and interpretation; a discussion of the applications of research methodologies, findings, and interpretations in guiding and evaluating counseling practice (e.g.-choosing interventions, planning assessments, evaluating results, etc.); and an introduction to research statistics.

  • HPCR 5309 Group Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    This course is designed to prepare counselors to become knowledgeable and skillful in using theoretical constructs of group counseling including individuals with disabilities. Attention is given to theories of counseling, elements of leadership in group counseling, healthy and dysfunctional behaviors, culturally diverse perspectives, and legal and ethical issues. Students must have passed HPCR/HPMH/HPAC/HPRC 5302 or equivalent before enrolling.

  • HPCR 5310 Special Topics (3:3:0,O)

    Specialized seminars of courses in specific areas of counseling as identified by faculty, students or the community.

  • HPCR 5311 Addictions (3:3:0,O)

    A thorough review of addictions including models of addiction, assessment, treatment, and interactions between addiction and rehabilitation services. Common topics include specific issues of prevalence, culture, and political interactions.

  • HPCR 5312 Assessment (3:3:0,O)

    This course focuses on both the tasks of rehabilitation and mental health assessment. Common topics include a comprehensive study of commonly used vocational assessment tools as well as the DSM-V.

  • HPCR 5313 Micro Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    Exploration, development, and practice of micro-skills, the essential building blocks of counseling. Training allows for observed development and peer practice in a laboratory setting. Students must have passed HPRC/HPCR/HPMH/HPAC 5302 or equivalent before enrolling.

  • HPCR 5314 Practicum (3:3:7,H)

    Supervised counseling practicum fostering professional growth, knowledge skills development, and awareness into the counseling process and issues that affect service delivery. Includes both in-class and on-site experiences in settings that facilitate the development of basic counseling and practice skills. This course may be repeated if the 100 hour requirement is not met. Completion of this course is a prerequisite for the internship phase of the program. Students must have passed HPRC 5311/HPCR/HPMH/HPAC 5313 before enrolling.

  • HPCR 5315 Internship I (3:1:40,F)

    An immersion experience of supervised practice within a counseling services setting. Students will serve as a counseling professional under the supervision of a fully qualified practitioner. Mandatory group supervision by faculty in an online setting. Requires 600 hours of supervised clinical practice throughout the three internship courses. Students must have passed HPRC 5312/HPCR/HPMH/HPAC 5314 before enrolling.

  • HPCR 5316 Internship II (3:1:40,F)

    An immersion experience of supervised practice within a counseling services setting. Students will serve as a counseling professional under the supervision of a fully qualified practitioner. Mandatory group supervision by faculty in an online setting. Requires 600 hours of supervised clinical practice throughout the three internship courses. Students must have passed HPRC 5312/HPCR/HPMH/HPAC 5314 before enrolling.

  • HPCR 5317 Internship III (3:1:40,F)

    An immersion experience of supervised practice within a counseling services setting. Students will serve as a counseling professional under the supervision of a fully qualified practitioner. Mandatory group supervision by faculty in an online setting. Requires 600 hours of supervised clinical practice throughout the three internship courses. Students must have passed HPRC 5312/HPCR/HPMH/HPAC 5314 before enrolling.

  • HPCR 5330 Foundations of Rehabilitation and Ethical Development (3:3:0,O)

    Introduction to the history and philosophy of rehabilitation and the legislative and policy background underpinning the modern delivery of rehabilitation counseling services. Exploration of the organizational structure of current rehabilitation counseling services, and the legal and ethical standards that guide them are emphasized. Discussion of societal issues, trends, and developments in rehabilitation, and their impact upon consumer review, choice, and personal responsibility.

  • HPCR 5331 Medical Aspects of Disability (3:3:0,O)

    Introduction to the medical aspects and implications of disability. Review of medical terminology, functional limitations, medical treatment and vocational implications as they apply to rehabilitation counseling. The identification of appropriate medical intervention resources is discussed.

  • HPCR 5332 Psycho-Social Aspects of Disability (3:3:0,O)

    The purpose of this class is the exploration of the psychological and social aspects of disability, with particular emphasis on the impact of the disability experience from the perspective of the person with disability. The implications of each disorder on the client's personal, social and occupational functioning will be addressed. Primary focus is centered on understanding the experience of disability, it's social and psychological implications for persons with disabilities, family, support systems, and the general population.

  • HPCR 5333 Professional Development in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    This course services as the capstone experience for the clinical rehabilitation counseling student. Students are expected to demonstrate both theoretical and skill competence prior to graduation. This course reviews and assesses the theoretical and applied skills, as well as attitudes of the rehabilitation counselor trainee. Topics focus on the work the student has completed throughout the program. The course should be taken concurrently with HPRC5312/HPCR/HPMC/HPAC 5314.

  • HPCR 6000 Internship Completion (1-6:1-6:1-40,F)

    A variable credit course used for completion of core required internship hours after HPRC 5313-15/HPCR/HPMH/HPAC 5315-17 have been completed.

  • HPCR 6001 Internship (3-9:0:1-40,F)

    An immersion experience of supervised practice within a counseling services setting. Students will serve as a counseling professional under the supervision of a fully qualified practitioner. Mandatory group supervision by faculty in an online setting. Requires a total of 600 hours of supervised clinical practice throughout the 9 required credit hours. Student will work with their advisor to determine the appropriate number of credit hours for which to register each semester. Students must have passed the Practicum course for their specialty before enrolling. Students may enroll in course multiple times.

  • HPCR 6050 Comprehensive Examination (0:0:0,O)

    The comprehensive examination is designed to assess counseling students' knowledge across the common domains, and relevant specialty area, of counselor preparation. The comprehensive exam is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.