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Rehabilitation and Human Services

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rehabilitation and human services program

Clarion's Rehabilitation and Human Services programs are known for preparing high-quality, rehabilitation professionals. Students enrolled in Clarion's Rehabilitation and Human Services will work with nationally recognized faculty in the field.

One of the reasons students are successful professionally stems from their participation in a variety of field experiences. These experiences involve increasing levels of responsibility culminating in a semester-long supervised internship in a human service agency. Internship opportunities are available locally, regionally and nationwide.
Clarion University offers associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in Rehabilitation and Human Services.

Associate of Science in Rehabilitative Services

The two-year Associate of Science Rehabilitative Services program at Venango College prepares individuals to make a positive impact upon special needs individuals in human services settings.

Because of the many diverse employment opportunities in the field of human services, the program offers both specialized and generic competency preparation. The Rehabilitative Services program includes a core curriculum that provides education in observation and recording, interviewing and communication techniques, behavior management, group dynamics, crisis intervention, case management, and referral.

General education courses in liberal arts, sciences, and the humanities are also part of the curriculum. The program culminates in a supervised field experience in a human services agency.

Qualified students who have earned a 2.5 QPA or higher may continue their study toward a bachelor's degree in rehabilitative sciences and receive full credit toward graduation for all courses taken while earning the associate degree.

Graduates of the Associate of Science Rehabilitative Services program may be employed in a variety of roles.

Possible careers include:

  • Life skills worker
  • Life coach
  • Residential program worker
  • Classroom development assistant
  • Human development assistant

They also might work in fields that deal with older populations, addictions, mental health, intellectual disabilities, residential care or health services. These paraprofessionals work under the direction of professionals from a variety of fields, such as nursing, psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitation, education or social work.
The program culminates with a supervised field experience in a human services agency.

 

Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation and Human Services

The Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation and Human Services is an interdisciplinary program that combines the resources of the departments of psychology, sociology, sports and wellness, nursing, special education. The program prepares students for general human service positions in the areas of aging, developmental disabilities, and addictions.

Graduates of the program assume a variety of positions, including:

  • Case managers
  • Residential program managers
  • Therapeutic staff support
  • Day service directors
  • Rehabilitation program specialists
  • Intellectual disabilities personnel
  • Substance abuse prevention specialists
  • Activities directors

The programs in Rehabilitation and human services feature five different concentrations:

Addictions – Prepares students for careers in substance abuse prevention and treatment. Graduates work with children, adolescents and adults in federal, state, county government and private agencies and in educational settings. Workers perform assessment, casework, crisis intervention, treatment, advocacy and prevention. Graduates are positioned to qualify for earning the credential of Certified Addictions Counselor.

Court and Community Services – Graduates of the Court and Community Services program will have a strong understanding of the rehabilitation process and its interaction with the court system. They will work in organizations such as victim and witness assistance programs, protection from abuse programs, adoption services, child abuse agencies such as Children and Youth, foster care agencies, and work release agencies, among others.
This program is designed for students who are interested in the growing human services fields that work closely with the court system. This unique academic option combines a traditional rehabilitative science program with criminal justice and paralegal education necessary to bridge the gap between the courts and social services.

Developmental Disabilities – Prepares students for careers in working with persons with intellectual disabilities. Graduates work in early intervention, service coordination, vocational training settings, day programs, leisure activities, Head Start, therapeutic staff support, and residential programs.

Gerontology - Prepares students for careers in working with persons of older age. Graduates work in county care management, personal care homes, nursing homes, senior centers and crisis centers.

Pre-OT - Physical and Psychosocial Disabilities - Prepares students to employ occupation or purposeful activity to help people of all ages with physical, developmental, or emotional dysfunctions and assists people to prevent, lessen, or overcome disabilities.

The Rehabilitation and Human Services is an inter-disciplinary program that combines its resources with:

  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Social Work
  • Athletic Training, Sports and Wellness
  • Nursing
  • Criminal Justice

Admission Requirements

Acceptance into the Rehabilitative Sciences program is contingent upon earning a 2.5 QPA in the first four semesters at Clarion and Act 33, Act 34, and FBI clearances.
The most common graduate programs that human services and rehabilitation bachelor's degree graduates enroll in are:

  • Rehabilitation Counseling
  • Social Work
  • Marital and Family Counseling
  • Public Health Administration

M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree at Clarion University is a 60-credit-hour program designed to meet the academic requirements established by the Pennsylvania state board leading to the Licensed Professional Counselor credential in Pennsylvania. This program is aimed at graduate students who are looking to enhance their career options.

Graduates can work in a wide range of human service areas including:

  • Direct service or supervisory roles in children and youth
  • Juvenile delinquency
  • Court supervision
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Substance abuse/dual diagnosis
  • Psychiatric rehabilitation and/or gerontology

The MS Mental Health Counseling program offers curriculum in areas of:

  • Assessment
  • Case management
  • Group therapy
  • Therapeutic interventions
  • Crisis interventions
  • Ethics
  • Cultural foundations
  • Clinical instruction

Coursework is offered entirely online with a few courses offered in a hybrid format that includes some face-to-face instruction in the evenings or on weekends.

The Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is intended for students who are pursuing careers in human services. Students in this program typically work with:

  • Individuals diagnosed with mental health problems
  • Individuals diagnosed with addiction problems
  • Older citizens
  • Persons with developmental disabilities in residential and day program settings
  • Adult and juvenile offenders
  • Public and private human service agencies

Dr. Mark F. Lepore, LPC, LCSW
Director, Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Professor
128 Harvey Hall
1 814 393 2474

 

Note: GoGrad.org, a leading resource for graduate-level education, recently released its annual ranking of the Best Online Master's Degrees in Social Work. GoGrad.org analyzed data from hundreds of colleges across the nation in order to develop their rankings. Clarion University's Master of Science degree ranked 18th in offering the most notable combination of academic quality, accommodation, guidance and affordability.

 

For more information

Question?

Julie Miller, Support Staff
237 Harvey Hall
+1 814 393 2325

For more details about course degree requirements, general advisement and procedures for field experiences, please download the Rehabilitation and Human Services Student Handbook or consult the Degrees and Programs database. You may also direct questions to the department chair, Ms. Jennifer May.

Medical Clearances

Rehab Science

The requirements for Rehab Science have not changed. You are required to have a TB test every 2 years, a medical exam annually and show proof of the required immunizations.

We will need proof of the following immunizations:

       Hepatitis B (series of 3 shots)  

       MMR or Measles, Mumps, Rubella (total of 2 shots)

                                    Tdap within the past 9 years  

It is strongly recommended that all medical exams and TB testing be done at the Clarion University Center for Wellness in 256 Becht. This is the best way to insure all data is accurately reported so that the Office of Field Services can record your medical clearance as complete. Also, the TB testing will require two office visits, one to place the TB test and one to read the result of the test. 

If you choose to have your medical clearance done elsewhere, the physician who does your medical exam TB test must complete the Physician’s Certification for Medical Clearance Form Rehab Science

Please be aware that if data is missing on the Physician’s Certification Form, you will be notified and: 

1) Your milestones will be marked not complete foryour medical clearance, delaying your co-op/internship.

2) You will be responsible to return to the physician to have the form properly completed.

                  *To obtain medical clearance from the Clarion University Center for Wellness

1) Verify on the Patient Portal that the Center for Wellness has your immunization records. If not, take a copy of your records with you.

2) Call the Center for Wellness at 393-2121 to schedule your TB test and physicals.

                  *To obtain medical clearance from your personal physician:

1) Print a copy of School Personnel Health Record and take it to your appointment with you.

2) Print a copy of the Physician's Certification for Medical Clearance Rehab Science for your doctor to complete and sign.

Accreditations

The B.S. program in Rehabilitation and Human Services is nationally accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE  and the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). 

cshsecore

In addition, the Court and Community Services concentration is the only such program in Pennsylvania. This program puts Clarion University at the forefront of a growing field.

Undergraduate Program Statistics

Undergraduate Human Services Student Achievement Indicators

 

Rehabilitation and human services Club

The Clarion University Rehabilitation and Human Services Club is a club that helps to promote awareness of four main areas Human Services and Rehabilitative fields including developmental disabilities, gerontology, court and community services and addictions.

The club is active in community service activities. Every spring the club goes to Harrisburg for the Annual Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association Conference.

The club is available on both the Clarion campus and the Venango campus.

Student clearances and Liability Insurance Information

PLEASE NOTE: THE FBI Clearance is completed through the IdentoGo System using Service Code: 1KG6RT

*Visit IdentoGO to register.


REQUIRED LEGAL CLEARANCES

The required clearances are:

  1. ACT 114 FBI Clearance - IdentoGO
  2. ACT 33/151 PA Child Abuse History Clearance
  3. ACT 34 - PA Criminal History Record Clearance

Once a candidate has received his/her new clearances, copies must be submitted to the Office of Field Services by one of the following three ways: hand deliver copies of the clearances to the Office of Field Services, 102 Stevens Hall, fax copies of the clearances to: +1 814 393 2426 or mail copies to Clarion University of PA, Office of Field Services, 102 Stevens Hall Clarion, PA 16214

Clearance originals are yours! Keep original clearances in a safe place!  Many field sites will want to see the originals in order to accept copies and teacher candidates must take both their original clearances and copies of their original clearances to their assigned placement.

  • FBI Clearances Information - *Rehabilitation students MUST register through the PA Department of Human Services*

    Please read the entire document carefully as the directions and procedures are very specific.

  • GET YOUR FINGERPRINTING DONE (FBI CLEARANCE) THROUGH THE RIVERVIEW INTERMEDIATE UNIT 6 IN CLARION. (CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE TO REGISTER FOR FINGERPRINTING)

  • Act 33/151 Child Abuse Information    You can print out your Child Abuse Clearance online.
    Recommended:
    Click here  to have your Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance processed online. In most cases the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Check will provide the applicant information as to whether or not they are listed in the Pennsylvania statewide database as a perpetrator of child abuse. You will need to create an account and have a credit/debit card to pay the fee. Because there is minimal delay this method is recommended.

  •  Act 34 Criminal Record Check
  • You can access your Criminal History Clearance online through the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP):

    1. Click on the PSP Webpage. This moves you to the PATCH system page.
    2. Scroll down the PATCH system page to the bottom and click Go to the PATCH Application Website.
    3. A Security Alert will come up. Please click ACCEPT.
    4. On the Personal Information page beside Reason For Request, click on the down arrow. Then click Other.
    5. From this point you will need to move through the remaining pages as directed to pay for and receive your clearance printout.

You will receive the clearance on the screen to print out after the application has been completed online unless there is a need for extensive research by the PSP. A debit or credit card is required for payment for each clearance request.

LIABILITY INSURANCE

REHAB: HPSO
Professional Liability Insurance Programs
PO Box 13630
Philadelphia, PA 191-9802
1(800)982-9491

 MEDICAL CLEARANCES

Medical clearances are to be done each year prior to your field experience. Your medical clearance includes verifying and updating the state required immunizations, a TB test and a medical examination.

You will find a schedule of dates and times that medical exams and TB testing will be done for each major by contacting the CUP Center for Wellness in Becht Hall or email jmcgee@clarion.edu

Please take a copy of your immunizations with you. Students who do not need a TB test (good for two years) should go to the Health Center during the indicated time to schedule the exam for the Medical Clearance.

It is strongly suggested that all medical exams and TB testing be done at the CUP Health Center in Becht Hall. This is the best way to insure all data is accurately reported so that the Office of Field Services can record your medical clearance as completed. Also, TB testing will require two office visits (one to administer the test and a second to read the results), much easier to accomplish if done on campus.

If you choose to not utilize the university Health Center, the physician that does your exam and TB test must complete the attached physician's certification form.

Please be aware that if data is missing on the physicians certification form, you will be notified and:

  1. Your milestones will be marked not complete for your medical clearance, delaying future field observations.
  2. You will be responsible to return to the physician to have the form properly completed.
  3. Processing of your block or student teacher placements will be suspended pending submission of a properly completed physician's certification.

*To obtain a medical clearance from the Clarion University Health Center:

  1. Print a copy of the School Personnel Health Record.
  2. Make a copy of your immunizations.
  3. Report to the university Health Center in Becht Hall at the proper time indicated on the Office of Field Services Calendar for the Academic Year and follow the Health Center's instructions.

*To obtain a medical clearance from your personal physician:

  1. Print a copy of School Personnel Health Record.
  2. Print a copy of the Physician's Certification for your doctor to complete and sign.
  3. Return the Physicians Certification form with original signature to the Office of Field Services (no faxes).
  4. DO NOT submit the School Personnel Health Record to the Office of Field Services. This document is yours and should be kept with your personal records.

Notice: The physician's certification is to be completed by the physician conducting your TB test and exam or the physician's office designee. Falsification of date or signature is a violation of the Conduct Policy, Student Regulations as found in The Clarion University Student Rights, Regulation and Procedures and is subject to disciplinary action under The Clarion University's Judicial Policy. This policy also applies to falsification of anyother information or documentation that has been submitted to the Office of Field Services.

By the numbers - Rehabilitation at a glance

Student Retention Rate 93 percent | Number of Currently Enrolled Students 142
Number of Graduates: | 2011 - 43 | 2012 - 49 | 2013 - 44 | 2014 - 54 | 2015 - 64

The model student takes four years (eight semesters) to graduate. Many students however, transfer into the Human Services and Rehabilitative Sciences major in their sophomore, junior and even senior years extending the average program time to graduation statistic to 9.3 semesters.

Rehabilitation and Human Services related employment rate of graduates within the first 6 months following graduation: 85 percent of graduates are working in human service/rehabilitation-related employment within six months of graduation. Fieldwork is an important component in the Rehabilitation and Human Services curriculum. In fact, 63 percent of student interns are offered employment immediately upon completion of their internship by the host agency.

In the most recent survey conducted with 33 human service agency student intern supervisors, 94 percent agreed or strongly agreed that Clarion Rehabilitation and Human Services interns:

  • Were well prepared in their general knowledge of human services
  • Have good work habits
  • Believed that program faculty were helpful partners in facilitating students' learning experiences

Number of graduates who are accepted into graduate programs and types of programs

During the past 3 years, 39 students were accepted into graduate programs. The primary types of programs include: Rehab counseling, social work, counseling specialties such as chemical dependency treatment, marital and family counseling, psychology, criminology, occupational therapy, physical therapy and law.

In the latest post-internship survey of 121 students:

  • 96 percent believed they were well prepared for their internship
  • 97 percent believed they were well prepared in terms of their expected work habits
  • 92 percent believed they were well prepared to interact with clients
  • 99 percent believed they were well prepared to interact with professionals

In the most recent survey of 143 Rehabilitation and Human Services students who were eligible for graduation:

  • 100 percent believed that the courses and topics offered by the program were appropriate
  • 99 percent believed that they received appropriate academic support from program faculty
  • 100 percent believed that the program assisted in their self-understanding
  • 97 percent would recommend the program to others

Types of employment settings where our graduates have been hired:• Children, Youth and Families

  • Area Agencies on Aging
  • Mental Health
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Drug & Alcohol and Probation and Parole
  • Substance abuse treatment agencies
  • Juvenile-offender treatment settings
  • Correctional facilities
  • Therapeutic Staff Support (wraparound)
  • Grief counseling centers
  • Family-based treatment programs
  • Head Start
  • Supported employment providers
  • Community based facilities for children with autism and developmental disabilities
  • Community Mental Health Centers
  • Child welfare agencies
  • Early childhood development centers
  • Counseling programs
  • Protective services
  • Crisis intervention programs
  • Residential mental health facilities (adult and adolescent)
  • Inpatient psychiatric treatment program
  • Group homes
  • Assisted Living Facilities
  • Senior Centers
  • State probation and parole settings

Testimonial


"As a returning adult to Clarion University, I was one of those non-traditional students who had been out of the classroom for awhile.  Although I just enrolled for three credits each semester, I graduated from this program way ahead of the six years allotted for completion largely due to taking advantage of summer and winter sessions.

"My advice to any non-traditional student who may feel intimidated by online education is to lay aside that anxiety since Clarion University faculty and the technical expertise of the online support staff will make such a transition seamless. One of my proudest life achievements was accepting my degree at graduation!"

- Mark Conrad 2013

 

 

 

Last Updated 6/29/21