February 24, 2026
Qualify for the CRC® Exam
The Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Certificate equips licensed professionals with additional training to help those with disabilities and injuries achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals. Coursework in this focused certificate program covers disability studies, vocational counseling, medical and psychosocial aspects of disability, assistive technology, and case management.
This program is designed for working professionals who want to deepen their expertise through specialized, applied learning without pursuing an additional degree.
Our Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Certificate program fulfills the initial academic requirements needed to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. You must apply for the CRC exam independent of this program.
Two Pathways of Higher Learning
Licensed counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, and/or psychologists may enroll in this offering as a standalone certificate program.
Students in our M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Ed.D. Sport and Performance Psychology programs may complete coursework to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam with 12 elective credits.
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Curriculum
Curriculum
- Ethics and Professional Identity
- Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities
- Personality and Counseling Theories
- Case Management and Community Partnerships
- Assistive Technology Supporting Mental Health Counseling
- Tests and Assessments
- Career Counseling
- Research Methods and Program Evaluation
Career Pathways
Graduates of the Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Certificate are prepared to work in systems-level settings that support individuals with disabilities, injuries, and barriers to employment, including health care, education, and state-funded vocational rehabilitation programs.
Graduates often serve as guides during pivotal moments, helping individuals rebuild confidence after injury, navigate career transitions, and reconnect with purpose, independence, and community.
Graduates often serve as guides during pivotal moments, helping individuals rebuild confidence after injury, navigate career transitions, and reconnect with purpose, independence, and community.
Career Settings
- Hospitals and health care systems
- Educational institutions
- Military rehabilitation programs
- Government-funded community agencies
- Rehabilitation service organizations
- Vocational agencies
Potential Job Titles
- Rehabilitation counselor
- Rehabilitation coach
- Vocational counselor
- Disability services provider
Describe the online learning environment at UWS.
"It was enjoyable and felt interconnected despite being remote! I found the courses at UWS challenged me, and I absorbed a lot. Professors were helpful, and I enjoyed building both networks and friendships with my classmates. Overall, it was a very positive experience."
Alli Carpenter, Ed.D.
Graduate, M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology
Admissions Requirements
This program is designed for licensed professional counselors seeking to expand their expertise and pursue rehabilitation counselor certification.
Application Requirements:
- Must hold licensure as a professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, social worker, and/or psychologist
- Official transcripts showing successful completion of master’s degree with minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Current resume or CV
- Personal statement responding to provided prompt
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an academic reference
- Application fee
- Pass a comprehensive criminal history background check
Accreditation & Licensure
Institutional Accreditation
University of Western States (UWS) is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This regional accreditation ensures the university meets rigorous standards for academic quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Professional Practice Considerations
The Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Certificate is designed for licensed counseling professionals who want to develop specialized expertise in rehabilitation counseling. This graduate certificate fulfills the academic component required to pursue the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential. Students must meet additional requirements established by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, which may include supervised clinical hours completed independently of this program. Visit the commission’s website to learn more.
State-by-State Regulations
Counseling and professional practice regulations vary by state and jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to review the licensure and certification requirements for the state in which they plan to practice.
Tuition & Fees
Visit our Tuition and Fees page to learn more.
UWS Whole Health
At University of Western States, whole health means caring for the whole person, not just the condition. This approach recognizes how physical, mental, emotional, social, and environmental factors influence a person’s ability to participate fully in daily life.
In the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program, whole health guides how you learn to assess, diagnose, and care for patients across the lifespan. You’ll explore how lifestyle, nutrition, stress, environment, and physiology interact, while developing the skills to integrate naturopathic medicine with conventional approaches and collaborate with other health care professionals.
Financing Your Future
University of Western States remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Our Financial Aid Department is ready to offer guidance and support in determining suitable financial assistance tailored to your needs, including potential scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.
Catalog
Please refer to our Academic Catalog for more information on the Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Certificate program.
“UWS creates unique opportunities for students to design meaningful pathways within their degree programs. Our rehabilitation counseling certificate reflects that spirit of innovation—preparing counselors to advocate for people with disabilities and expand access, inclusion, and opportunity in the communities they serve.”
Amy O'Hana, Ph.D.
Program Director, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
