Licensure requirements:
• Differ from state to state, occupational specialty and work setting
• A lot of states require school counselors to have a State school counseling certification and to have completed some graduate course work. Most schools require a master’s degree.
• Some states require school counselors to be licensed (this generally requires continuing education credits)
• Some states require public school counselors to have counseling and teaching certificates and some teaching experience
Counselors outside of schools:
• 49 states and the District of Columbia have some form of counselor licensure that governs the practice of counseling
• Requirements usually include the completion of a master’s degree in counseling
• the accumulation of 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience beyond the master’s degree
• passage of a State-recognized exam
• adherence to ethical codes and standards
• the completion of annual continuing education requirements
Different licensure requirements may exist for counselors working in certain settings or in a particular specialty. A career counselor working 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 usually governed by a different State agency or board than are other counselors. Criteria for their licensure vary greatly. In some cases, these counselors may only need a higher school diploma and certification.
Other qualifications may include:
• a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust and confidence
• should be able to work independently or as part of a team
• must follow the code of ethics associated with their respective certifications and licenses
• High physical and emotional energy to handle the array of problems they must address. Daily problem coping and solving can create job stress.
Certification and advancement:
• Counselors may elect to be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc (this is a general practice credential of National Certified Counselor)
Certification requires:
• Master’s degree with a concentration in counseling from a regionally accredited college or university
• At least 2 years of supervised field experience in a counseling setting. The exception is for graduate from counselor education programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
• Provide two professional endorsements (one must be from a recent supervisor)
The national certification is voluntary. It is distinct from State licensing. In some states, those who pass the national exam do not have to take the State certification exam.
The board also offers specialty certificates in:
• School
• Clinical mental health
• Addiction counseling
The specialty certifications require:
• Passage of a supplemental exam
To maintain certifications, counselors must retake and pass the exam or complete 100 credit hours of acceptable continuing education every 5 years.
Rehabilitation counselors may acquire a voluntary national certification offered through the Commission on Rehabilitation. Many employers require rehabilitation counselors to have the certification.
Requirements are:
• Must have graduated from an accredited educational program
• Complete an internship
• Pass a written examination
Certification requirements may vary, however, according to an applicant’s educational history.
There are other counseling organizations that offer certification in particular counseling specialties. Becoming certified is usually voluntary; however, having certification may enhance job opportunities.
Advancement for counselors:
• School counselors can become directors or supervisors of counseling, guidance, or pupil personnel services
• With further graduate education, school counselors, can become counselor educators, counseling psychologists, or school administrators.
• Marriage and family therapist, especially those with doctorates in family therapy, can advance to supervisors, teachers, researchers, or advanced clinicians in the discipline
• Counselors may become supervisors or administrators in their agencies
• Some counselors move into research, consulting, or college teaching, or go into private or group practice
• Some may choose to pursue a doctoral degree to improve chances for advancement
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Counselors, on the Internet
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Written by: Connie Limon For more career description information visit http://smalldogs2.com/CareerDescriptions For a variety of FREE reprint articles and special topic articles rarely found elsewhere visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com
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