PERCENTAGE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE, BEHAVIOR DISORDER AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS EMPLOYED BY TOP THREE INDUSTRIES AND MEDIAN ANNUAL WAGES Data from bls.gov
Rehabilitation services professionals help people with disabilities achieve their greatest physical, mental, social, educational and vocational potential. Through the deaf services, orientation and mobility, and rehabilitation services concentrations, this program focuses on the holistic nature of people, self-responsibility for health promotion and wellness, and social and economic involvement for all people with disabilities.
IMPORTANT QUALITIES SUBSTANCE ABUSE, BEHAVIOR DISORDER AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS NEED• Compassion to empathize with people
who are dealing with stressful situations
• Interviewing and listening skills to understand clients’ problems and values
• Teamwork skills to work with doctors, therapists and psychologists to determine treatment
• Time management skills to oversee a caseload
sfasu.edu/rehabservices
Since 1968, graduates of this program have been assisting people with disabilities in state rehabilitation agencies, rehabilitation facilities, independent living centers and school districts across the U.S. On-campus facilities help students develop skills while engaging in hands-on learning in supervised settings.
individual and family services
$46,090
16%
outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
$44,750
19%
hospitals
$49,100
10%
is the projected growth rate for this career through 2029. That’s five times
the average growth rate of 5% for all occupations.
25%
Apply for admission to SFA Apply for admission to SFA Log on toLog on to ApplyTexas.org.
DEGREE OFFERED• Bachelor of Science in
rehabilitation services
DID YOU KNOW?
$46,240 is the median annual wage for substance abuse, behavior disorder and mental health counselors
REHABILITATION SERVICES
REHABILITATION SERVICES: YOUR GUIDE TO SUCCESS1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year
PLAN YOUR COURSES
4th Year
THINK GLOBALLY
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
GAIN EXPERIENCE
THINK GLOBALLY
PLAN FOR GRADUATION
Take core courses and Study and Practice in Methods for Success in College (SFAS 1101).
Some courses are not offered every semester. Meet with your advisor to ensure you won’t have any gaps that keep you from graduating on time.
Complete Introduction to Alcohol and Other Dependency (RHAB 2322) and Interview and Helping Skills (RHAB 3381).
In the spring, take Disability Services (RHAB 2324), Psychosocial Aspects of Disability (RHAB 3383) and Human Growth and Development (SPSY 4385).
Take Rehabilitation Process and Practice (RHAB 4305) and Advanced Chemical Substance Use and Abuse (RHAB 4322) in the fall. Take Rehabilitation of Persons with Severe Disabilities (RHAB 4390) in the spring.
Complete your 200-hour internship (RHAB 4395) the summer before your senior year.
Take Vocational Evaluation/Job Placement (RHAB 4307) in the fall. Complete the capstone Seminar in Rehabilitation course (RHAB 4394) in the spring.
Note that a minor is optional for this degree. Electives in human resources, communication and American Sign Language are recommended.
Finish at least 15 semester credit hours each fall and spring and consider taking summer courses to graduate on time.
Complete your official degree plan.
Network with faculty members and professionals who might act as references.
Apply for graduation the semester before you intend to graduate.
Get help with your résumé and Handshake career service from the Center for Career and Professional Development.
File for graduation and pay your graduation fees. Attend job fairs hosted by CCPD.
Join SFA’s Alumni Association to stay connected with the university after graduation.
Learn a second language to increase your marketability. SFA offers courses in American Sign Language, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish.
Participate in the Office of Multicultural Affairs’ Diversity Conference and volunteer for organizations that serve diverse populations.
Attend study abroad information sessions through SFA’s Office of International Programs. Scholarships may be available for travel.
Visit with staff members in SFA’s Center for Career and Professional Development to explore job opportunities abroad.
Gain 15 hours of service-learning experience through volunteer work in Introduction to Rehabilitation Studies (RHAB 2320).
Participate in SFA’s Undergraduate Research Conference.
Assist at conference registration tables to network with alumni.
Complete a 150-hour field placement experience through Clinical Practicum in Rehabilitation (RHAB 3685) in the fall.
Participate in individual faculty research projects and present with faculty members at conferences.
Join the SFA Rehabilitation Association. Attend Texas Rehabilitation Association and National Rehabilitation Association conferences.
Get involved in an SFA organization to help the SFA and Nacogdoches communities with service projects each year.
Take advantage of the small student-to-faculty ratio in this program and frequently meet with your instructors.
Attend the annual Texas Rehabilitation Counselors and Educators Association spring workshop to present and network.
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES OF REHABILITATION SERVICES WORKERS
• Provide individual and group counseling
• Evaluate clients’ abilities, interests, health and education
• Arrange for clients to obtain medical and career services
• Locate resources to help clients live and work more independently
• Advocate for the rights of people with disabilities
YOU’LL FIND SFA REHABILITATION
SERVICES GRADUATES WORKING AS
alcohol and substance abuse counselors
job coaches
mental health case managers
rehabilitation services technicians
vocational rehabilitation counselors
PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
The Department of Human The Department of Human Services and Educational Services and Educational
Leadership takes success seriously. Leadership takes success seriously. Students are academically guided Students are academically guided by a Perkins College of Education by a Perkins College of Education advisor and mentored by faculty advisor and mentored by faculty members, which means you are members, which means you are
advised by those who understand advised by those who understand your goals, challenges and interests. your goals, challenges and interests.
Your advisor helps you plan a Your advisor helps you plan a program of study that aligns with program of study that aligns with
your career goals and keeps you on your career goals and keeps you on track and motivated as you work track and motivated as you work
toward your degree.toward your degree.
CONTACT US
Human Services Building, Suite 302P.O. Box 13019
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962(936) 468-2906
sfasu.edu/rehabservices
Data taken from a recent study of the Association of American Colleges and Universities shows employers want a candidate with:
1. innovative contributions to the workplace
2. effective communication skills
3. ethical judgment and integrity
4. analytical research skills and
5. the ability to demonstrate intercultural knowledge.
DON’T JUST DREAM — SUCCEED
If you struggle with these skills, utilize the many resources offered at SFA to strengthen your competencies and explore your own unique strengths. For more information on programs, check out
• SFA Center for Career and Professional Development: sfasu.edu/ccpd
• Steen Library’s Academic Assistance and Resource Center: sfasu.edu/aarc
WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT
WHAT CAN BE GAINED BY STUDYING REHABILITATION SERVICES?• experience serving various age
groups with a range of disabilities
• knowledge to assist individuals who are adjusting to the onset of a physical disability
• enhanced critical-thinking and vocational assessment skills
• understanding of how to use community resources
• knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of disability
• ability to write and discuss professional and clinical documents
• skills for writing résumés and job interviewing
ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE“The rehabilitation services program at SFA gave me the skills and knowledge to really connect with patients and understand their needs. Whether I’m helping individuals adjust to new circumstances or learn ways to maintain their independence, this work is incredibly fulfilling. I appreciate the faculty at SFA for helping prepare me for this career and my occupational therapy doctoral studies that I will begin soon at Texas Woman’s University.”
Madison Page-Samford ’20 Bachelor of Science in rehabilitation services Rehabilitation Technician, Cecil Bomar Rehabilitation Center