National leader: Master’s program ranked in top 10 in U.S. for rehabilitation counseling

Recognition by U.S. News & World Report reflects ‘dedication of the faculty and staff’
​Jerry Poling | May 16, 2023

A graduate program at University of Wisconsin-Stout has been named one of the best in the nation by a leading publication.

The Master of Science in rehabilitation counseling is tied for 10th in the U.S. News & World Report’s new rankings of graduate programs the U.S. The program has been consistently among the national leaders in recent magazine rankings.

“This ranking reflects the dedication of the faculty and staff who teach and serve in the program,” said Professor Daniel Kelsey, chair of the counseling, rehabilitation and human services department at UW-Stout. “Furthermore, it underscores the high-quality graduates of our program and the work they do across the country.”

Rehabilitation counseling graduate students in Professor Daniel Kelsey's Professional Orientation course learn about assistive technology and independent living during a visit to the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute.
Rehabilitation counseling graduate students learn about assistive technology, a driving simulator, at Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute from Becky Albricht, back left. / UW-Stout

The ranking is part of the magazine’s Best Health Schools 2023-24 report.

M.S. rehabilitation counseling, offered online, is geared toward professionals in the field who want to advance their education and career, but it also is for those with limited experience who are interested in the field. Students enhance their skills with two required practicum experiences.

According to the university’s most recent First Destination report, 100% of M.S. rehabilitation counseling graduates were employed within six months.

The program, which has been offered at UW-Stout for more than 50 years, prepares students to work with people who have all types of disabilities including physical, cognitive, intellectual, psychological and/or sensory. Counselors help clients and consumers make decisions, reach their potential and optimize personal, social and economic independence.

Counseling, Rehabilitation & Human Services Department

We prepare students to perform a vital role as counselors who have specialized knowledge and skills for both mental health and rehabilitation service delivery.
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Graduates are prepared to take the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor examination and are eligible to apply for the Licensed Professional Counselor credential in Wisconsin. They may be eligible for similar credentials in other states.

UW-Stout’s rehabilitation and counseling department also offers undergraduate degrees in rehabilitation services and criminal justice and rehabilitation, a master’s in clinical mental health counseling and a minor in disability services. The Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute offers education, services, training and research to positively impact people’s lives.

In 2022, UW-Stout began offering a new national industry-recognized Certified Rehabilitation Leader credential through SVRI. Participants in the six-month online National Training Center for Transformational Rehabilitation Leadership program receive training in collaborative, conscious, creative, cultural, inspirational and purpose-driven leadership.

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