How to Become a Rehabilitation Counsellor: An Enjoyable Job That Fulfils You and Your Clients

To become a qualified rehab counsellor, you generally need to complete an undergraduate degree in either:

• allied health
• social work 
• health science 

This must be followed by a postgraduate qualification in rehabilitation counselling. Postgrad qualification options include:

• Master of Rehabilitation Counselling
• Graduate Diploma in Counselling

This postgraduate course allows you to develop more complex skills, knowledge and expertise in rehabilitation counselling. 

The Master of Rehabilitation Counselling prepares the learner for work as a rehabilitation counsellor in government, insurance companies, private and not-for-profit organisations and other vocational rehabilitation services, to name a few.

Masters degrees can vary in length and depend on the units of study a learner has already achieved but is usually between one and three years. 

Course providers have differing entry requirements and study methods available.

Many students that have completed a relevant undergraduate degree then take on postgraduate studies like a Graduate Diploma in Counselling to become qualified rehab counsellors. 

This graduate diploma allows practitioners to advance their specialist abilities in working with a diverse range of clients with complex issues.

The course duration is generally one year full time or part-time equivalent, and many course providers offer flexible and online learning environments. Entry requirements may differ between course providers.

A Diploma of Counselling provides the skills and knowledge to work as a counsellor in defined and supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice.

The average course duration is one year full-time but can be self-paced and studied online or on campus.

If you’re not ready to take on a bachelor’s degree, you can enter the industry by studying a short course in counselling or health science. This allows you to get a job sooner, with the option to undertake further study to gain qualifications down the track.

Some units achieved in a diploma qualification can be carried over and be a pathway into a bachelor’s degree.

This course provides the learner with a sound knowledge of the health of individuals, communities and populations. Job outcomes from this course could include roles in case management, community health, counselling and disability services, to name a few.

The duration of this course is approximately one year full-time or part-time equivalent. Blended learning delivery is available and depends on the course provider.

If you’re not ready to take on a bachelor’s degree, you can enter the industry by studying a short course in counselling or health science. This allows you to get a job sooner, with the option to undertake further study to gain qualifications down the track.

Some units achieved in a diploma qualification can be carried over and be a pathway into a bachelor’s degree.