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Continuing Education For Counselors
from: Kyle BesserPeople who are interested in counseling as a career should have a strong desire to help others and be able to inspire respect, trust and confidence. They should be able to work independently and as part of a team. Counselors must possess the physical and emotional energy to handle the stress of the array of problems that they will deal with on a daily basis.
The education requirements for being a counselor vary based on the occupational specialty and state licensure and certification requirements. Some states require counselors in public employment to have a master's degree. Other states require a bachelor's degree with appropriate counseling courses.
Counselor education programs in colleges and universities are often found in the education or psychology departments. Fields of study include elementary or secondary school counseling, education, gerontological counseling, marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation counseling, agency or community counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and career counseling.
Courses are often grouped into eight core areas:
*human growth and development
*social and cultural diversity
*relationships
*group work
*career development
*assessment
*research and program evaluation
*professional identity.
In an accredited master's degree program, 48 to 60 semester hours of graduate study which includs a period of supervised clinical experience are required.
Some employers provide training for newly hired counselors. Others may offer time off or tuition assistance for counselors to complete a graduate degree. Often counselors must participate in graduate studies, workshops and personal study to maintain their certificates and licenses.
Licensure requirements differ greatly by state, occupational specialty and work setting. Many states require school counselors to hold a state school counseling certification and some graduate course work. Most states require a master's degree. Some states require public school counselors to have both counseling and teaching certificates and some teaching experience.
For counselors outside of schools, 49 states and the District of Columbia have some form of counselor licensure that governs the practice of counseling. Requirements generally include a master's degree in counseling, 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience beyond the master's degree level, passing a state-recognized exam, adhering to the ethical codes and standards of the field of specialty and completing the annual continuing education requirements.
Counselors working in certain settings or particular specialties may have different licensure requirements. A career counselor in private practice may need a license, but a counselor working for a college career center may not.
Substance abuse and behavior disorder counselors are generally governed by a state agency or board different from that of other counselors. The criteria for substance abuse and behavior disorder counselors licensure vary greatly by state. In some cases, only a high school diploma and certification are needed.
Some counselors elect to be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., which grants a general practice credential of National Certified Counselor. This certification is voluntary and is separate from state licensing. In some states, counselors who pass the national exam are exempt from taking the state certification exam. The National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. also offers specialty certifications in school, clinical mental health and addiction counseling, which require passing a supplemental exam. To maintain certification, counselors retake and pass the exam or complete 100 credit hours of acceptable continuing education every 5 years.
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification offers voluntary national certification for rehabilitation counselors. Many state and local governments and other employers require rehabilitation counselors to have this certification. For certification, rehabilitation counselors usually must graduate from an accredited educational program, complete an internship and pass a written examination. To maintain certification, counselors must retake and pass the certification exam or complete 100 credit hours of acceptable continuing education every 5 years.
Other counseling organizations also offer certification in particular counseling specialties. Becoming certified is usually voluntary, but having certification may enhance job prospects. People interested in entering the field must research state and specialty requirements to determine what qualifications they must have.
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