Employment follow-up of undergraduate rehabilitation majors

College Student Journal, June, 2004 by Martha H. Chapin

This study was designed to explore employment opportunities, salary potential, and knowledge required by graduates of a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services degree. A survey was mailed to graduates of the program addressing these questions. The response rate was 41%. Of the respondents, 96.7% were currently employed, many within 1.5 months of graduation. Forty-three percent were currently in positions related to their degree, although 60% had used their degree since graduation. Salaries at graduation ranged from $21,481 to $24,480 with current salaries from $26,881 to $29,880. The Rehabilitation Services curriculum provides a good foundation for entry-level human service employment and for graduate education in human services and allied health.

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Empirical studies of employment opportunities for people with undergraduate degrees in rehabilitation have been limited (Gandy, 1983; Culberson, 1979; Geist & McMahon, 1981) but Gandy reported, "empirical studies at the national level have supported the value of a professional trained at the undergraduate level" (p.357). More recent literature focused on roles for baccalaureate trained rehabilitation workers (Williamson, Evenson, & Perry, 1996) and career options (Perry, 2000).

Williamson, Evenson, and Perry (1996) found the term used to describe baccalaureate trained workers varied by group. "Vocational rehabilitation counselor," "rehabilitation counselor," or "counselor" was favored by state directors, "rehabilitation specialist" by community rehabilitation program (CRP) directors and somewhat by educators. When state directors and educators were asked to consider the baccalaureate trained worker's role at the work site, they defined this role as assistant to the counselor/case manager. CRP directors preferred to describe the role as case manager and supported baccalaureate professionals in positions of authority (e.g. administrator, program manager, supervisor, or other leadership positions). When state and CRP directors were asked to list job titles that require a bachelor's degree but no work experience, state directors indicated counselor-related job titles. CRP directors indicated person's with baccalaureate degrees had supervisory and administrative responsibility, and had job titles such as "caseworker," "rehabilitation coordinator," "case manager," "job placement specialist/developer," and "job coach/supported employment counselor" (Williamson, Evenson, and Perry, 1996).

Rehabilitation services undergraduates can work in a variety of human service areas. Perry (2000) surveyed National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) members regarding careers for baccalaureate trained individuals and undergraduate rehabilitation curriculum issues. He identified 14 job titles for persons with an undergraduate degree: placement specialist-public and private sector, transitional specialist, mental health or mental retardation/developmental disabilities (MR/DD) case manager, probation/parole worker, client assistance worker, work adjustment specialist, residential care coordinator, employment services specialist, independent living specialist, Social Security disability examiner, sheltered workshop supervisor, and day activities director. Seventeen common work settings were listed from most to least often: MR/DD, mental health, vocational evaluation, work adjustment, hospitals, substance abuse, supported employment, state vocational rehabilitation, recreational, private sector rehabilitation, nursing homes, independent living centers, criminal justice, schools, client assistance, disability determination units, and college disability support services. Respondents felt strongly that undergraduate curriculums should have some standardization, a field based experience, and formal recognition as a viable career with opportunities for growth (Perry, 2000).

Section 101 (a)(7) of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 eliminated some jobs for undergraduate rehabilitation professionals with the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) guidelines. These guidelines require rehabilitation personnel, to meet the profession's national or State-approved or recognized certification, licensing, or registration qualifications. For rehabilitation counselors this means a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related field (F. K. Schroeder, written communication, May 1998). Implementation of these guidelines varies by state. This Southeastern state requires graduate training of current staff be completed by December 31, 2009 (L. Robb, oral communication, July 2002). Prior to this legislation, undergraduates could be hired as a rehabilitation counselor. The impact on future graduates from this legislation is unclear.

Current surveys of graduates of undergraduate rehabilitation education programs were absent from the literature. This study was designed to explore employment opportunities, salary potential, and knowledge required by graduates of a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Rehabilitation Services degree program that has been in existence since 1994. This year the program has 21 majors and 46 intended majors. There are approximately 18 graduates per year. A minor in Alcohol and Drug Studies is also available to students. Three Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs--Rehabilitation Counseling, Vocational Evaluation, and Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling--are available for students who wish to pursue graduate education. Students who complete the undergraduate degree program are able to complete their graduate degree in approximately 1.5 years.