Start Your Rewarding Career With These Flexible Online Rehab Counseling Degrees

Rehab counseling is increasing in demand, as understanding of addiction issues grows and treatment is looked to as a solution rather than jail time. Rehabilitation doesn’t just mean alcohol and drug abuse – it can mean dealing with difficulties caused by any kind of disability, mental or physical. That can range from drug or alcohol abuse, to veterans, the elderly, and anyone trying to recover from life-affecting issues.

What does a counselor do?

A qualified counselor will work on a one-to-one basis, establishing a rehabilitation plan to help those with disabilities live an independent and full life. This could involve developing skills, finding work and generally integrating into a community. If you are looking to become qualified as a rehabilitation counselor there are lots of institutes that offer online courses. These are often part time too, so it can be managed if you have another job.

What are the requirements?

Generally the most popular online programme is a master’s programme. This means you need to have an undergraduate degree (BA), and at some institutes this will need to have a GPA 3.0 or higher.

How long will it take to qualify?

It can range quite widely between schools, and depends on how intensively you want to work and if your course includes practical work. Some courses can be as few as 48 hours of teaching and practical, others 16 -18 months, and the longest will be less than three years, or four years with internship.

Where can I work once I’m qualified?

You could be employed at counseling centers, psychiatric centers, prisons or correctional institutes, nursing homes, substance abuse programs, community centers, or in private practice. Depending on where you live and your hours, you can expect a salary of $25 - $70,000.