Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
MSCR Program
This section of the Student Handbook describes information specific to the MSCR program. Academic policies that are common to the School of Health Professions are provided at the following website address: https://hscweb.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/current/policies.aspxCurriculum, Course Descriptions, and Academic Calendar
Refer to the following website to obtain updated information about the curriculum, course descriptions, and academic calendar for the TTUHSC MSCR program: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/master-of-science-clinical-rehabilitation-counseling/default.aspxMission Statement
The mission of the Masters of Science 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 goals of the program are 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. To accomplish this, the program provides educational and clinical experiences that allow students to meet the following knowledge and outcome expectations:The objectives of our program are linked to our mission statement. They are to provide:- Educational experiences facilitate the development of knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to practice as qualified 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 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 environments.
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 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 counseling communities to ensure well-trained graduates are considered valued employees.
- Developing a faculty that is valued by our students and the counseling 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 mental health concerns to identify and maximize their resources to meet developmental, vocational, and educational goals.
Program Accreditation
The MSCR program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) within the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling CACREP specialty area.
Students are encouraged to maximize their professional potential by joining one of the national counseling organizations. The American Counseling Association (ACA) is a premier organization representing the diverse industry of counseling and includes specialty-focused divisions and regional/state chapters. More information on ACA can be found here: https://www.counseling.org/
ACA also has a division focused on rehabilitation counseling, the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA). More information on ARCA can be found here: http://www.arcaweb.org/
Codes of Ethics
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program are expected to undertake all activities related to their program of study in accordance with the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Code of Professional Ethics and The American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics are in effect immediately when you become a clinical rehabilitation counseling student. The program faculty and students operate within the standards of ethical conduct as set forth by the CRCC and ACA codes of professional ethics. All clinical rehabilitation counseling students are responsible for knowing and following the CRCC and ACA Codes of Professional Ethics.The Codes are available in the links below.ACA Code of Ethics: https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/ethicsCRCC Code of Professional Ethics: https://www.crccertification.com/
Certification and Licensure
Upon completion of the MSCR program, graduates will possess the competencies and experiences necessary to pursue national certification or state licensure as a counselor. These credentials are essential to furthering the graduate's career. As with most professional credentials, these credentials are not automatically acquired by completion of the academic program. Rather, the completion of scholastic work and attainment of the Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling makes the graduate eligible to apply for various national certifications and state licensure as a counselor.Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC):
The CRC is considered the leading national rehabilitation counseling certification. The certification is offered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) https://www.crccertification.com/National Certified Counselor (NCC):
The NCC is offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Board certification demonstrates to colleagues and the public that you have voluntarily met high national standards for the practice of counseling. NCCs may also hold specialty certifications such as the Master Addictions Counselor (MAC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), and National Certified School Counselor (NCSC).Further information is available about the NCC by contacting:
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), Inc. and Affiliates
3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, NC 27403
336-547-0607
https://www.nbcc.org/Certification/NCC
Graduates of the MSCR program will also be eligible for licensure in many states. Various examples of professional counseling licenses that graduates may qualify for are Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), depending upon the state. For more information about specific requirements and qualifications, please contact your respective state counselor licensure board.The following website provides helpful resources and links: https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements Academic and Clinical Behavior:
Department-Student AgreementDepartment of Clinical Counseling and Mental Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterStudents are expected to conduct their behavior in accordance with the following regulations:- The use of unauthorized written or oral references during examinations (cheating) is prohibited. This applies to all forms of electronic communication (e-mail, instant messaging, texting, etc.) for web-based examinations.
- The inadequate citation of references or assistance on papers or class presentations (plagiarism) is prohibited.
- Habitual tardiness, unexcused absences, and lack of participation in-class activities are prohibited.
- Students will behave in accordance with the Code of Ethics set forth by the School of Health Professions and respective program/professional organizations.
- Students will comply with all rules and regulations of the clinical facilities to which they are assigned.
I certify that I have received a copy of the Department of Clinical Counseling and Mental Health Student Handbook for my personal use and reference.I assume the responsibility to read, review and thoroughly understand the rules, regulations, code of ethics, and honor code as outlined in this Student Handbook. I agree to abide by all rules, regulations, and codes while I am a student in the Department of Clinical Counseling and Mental Health at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.Within one week after receipt of this handbook, I agree that I am responsible for writing an inquiry to the Program Director for clarification of any information in this handbook, including an inquiry about consequences for my failure to comply. If I do NOT write an inquiry within one week after receipt, I am declaring that I fully understand my responsibilities and any consequences for my failure to meet those responsibilities.By entering a web-based course, you are signifying that you have read and agree to all applicable guidelines, policies, regulations, and rules set forth in the TTUHSC School of Health Professions, Department of Clinical Counseling and Mental Health Student Handbook, and the TTUHSC Information Technology Policy.
