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Evaluation of career outcomes following graduate education in rehabilitation counseling

Published: January 1 1999

Abstract

This  study by Kelley, Dixon, Emener, and Wright (1999) of graduates of the University of South Florida Rehabilitation Counselor Education program  reported that 60% of recent graduates (1987-1997) and 39% of remote graduates (1972-1986) attained their original career goals.  The reasons students selected a RCE program to achieve their career goals were varied. Some individuals' selection of a RCE program and rehabilitation counseling as a career choice was influenced by a personal experience with disability or having a close family member or friend with a disability.   Students' choice of a RCE program was also influenced by the characteristics of the RCE program. The study also found that the majority (60%) of USF RCE graduates from 1987 to 1997 attained their career goals, and 86% were highly satisfied with the preparation they received from the RCE program. Also, informal follow-up information of rehabilitation department graduates from this program indicated that most were employed in their preferred career and work setting. 

Citation

Kelley, S. D. M., Dixon, C. G., Emener, W. G., Wright, T. J. (1999). Evaluation of career outcomes following graduate education in rehabilitation counseling: A 25-year retrospective study. Rehabilitation Education, 13(3), 249-260.