B.S. Rehabilitation Services

The Department of Rehabilitation and Counseling provides academic and experiential coursework leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Services. The mission of the B.S. in Rehabilitation Services program is twofold: first, to prepare individuals for careers as specialists in a variety of rehabilitation settings. A second objective is to provide a comprehensive broad-­‐based education for those persons wishing to pursue advanced professional study in rehabilitation. All students enrolled in the B.S. in Rehabilitation Services program must also complete a concentration, specialization, or minor as a requirement of the program.

Program Objectives

There are three basic broad objectives of the B.S. in Rehabilitation Services:

1. Students will have a thorough understanding of the “Foundations of Rehabilitation," which includes philosophy, values, and professional ethics.
2. Students will have a comprehensive understanding of people and disabilities as they relate to rehabilitation.
3. Students will understand and demonstrate professional behaviors in the application of the rehabilitation process as it applies to persons with disabilities or who are disadvantaged.

Expected Objectives Upon Graduation

1. Understand the underlying philosophy of rehabilitation in America.
2. Recognize the historical significance of legislation in the development and evolution of the vocational rehabilitation movement.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the rehabilitation process.
4. Examine the medical, psychological, social, behavioral, and vocational implications of disability.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of planning in the rehabilitation process.
6. Evaluate community agencies and resources devoted to helping persons with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation and independent living services.
7. Demonstrate skill in communicating professionally and effectively with clients, referral personnel, colleague, and representatives of rehabilitation resources.
8. Recognize the needs of the diverse client population.
9. Discuss the family's impact on the client and the rehabilitation process.
10. Identify the ethical and professional responsibilities of rehabilitation professionals.
11. Understand the importance of advocacy and improvement in the rehabilitation process.
12. Examine the current and future role and functions of rehabilitation professionals.

Graduates of the program have excellent job prospects, both in the number of openings and in the diversity of positions available. Salaries have shown a steady increase over the past several years. Three-year follow-up studies show steady advancement and salary increases.

The Rehabilitation Services program prepares you for dynamic careers in the human services field. You'll select coursework that will prepare you for positions such as:

• Case Manager
• Work Experience Coordinator
• Behavioral Specialist
• Job Placement Specialist/Employment Counselor
• Rehabilitation Specialist or Technologist
• Independent Living Coordinator
• Case Manager/Social Worker
• Residential Counselor
• Community-Based Specialist
• Activities Program Director

UW-Stout Graduates at Work

• Behaviorist Counselor
  Supported Employment Program, Eau Claire, Wis.
• Job Placement Specialist
  Eau Claire Job Center
• Residential Counselor
  at Correctional Program in Wittenburg, Wis.
• Disability Case Manager
  Private Rehabilitation Center, Madison, Wis.
• Vocational Specialist/Social Worker
  Mental Health Center, Baraboo, Wis.
• Counselor
  Opportunity Partners, St. Paul
• Manager of Residential Services
  Lutheran Social Services
• Jail Program Coordinator
  Triniteam, Eau Claire, Wis.

Advisory Committee Members

Rehabilitation Club

If you are a high school student contemplating a career in rehabilitation services, you should take college preparatory classes. Effective communication skills are important, so technical writing and speech courses are recommended. You are strongly encouraged to gain related experience by volunteering in community work or joining organizations like ARC (an advocacy group for persons with cognitive disabilities).

Learning Experiences

Courses in the program cover three areas: general education studies, professional studies and concentrations. Instructional methods include both classroom and field-based experiences. Classroom experiences provide you with a theoretical foundation. Field-based experiences allow you to apply what you have learned. Concentrations allow you to focus newly acquired skills on a specific clientele or service delivery system. Five main concentrations are offered through the program.

Enjoying Student Life

The campus learning environment includes a wide variety of activities. Intramural sports, social clubs, sororities and fraternities, honor societies and professional organizations are all included. The student professional organization related to the Rehabilitation Services program is the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Club.