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