Career Definition for a Vocational Rehab Technician
Vocational rehab technicians, or rehabilitation counselors, help people who have suffered injuries or who are chronically disabled learn skills that will help them find and hold jobs. They can teach patients physical skills used in daily activity or they can help patients with their social interaction skills. Vocational rehab technicians are also responsible for assessing the employment potential of their clients and helping with job placement once their rehabilitation is complete. They also arrange for clients to get to career training and help employers understand a client's needs.
| Required Education | Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling often required; some jobs require only a high school diploma |
| Job Skills | Communication skills, motivational skills, compassion, ability to read and administer diagnostic skills tests |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $44,740 (rehabilitation counselors) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031)* | 11% growth (rehabilitation counselors) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Required
Most vocational rehab technology positions require a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling; however, jobs are available in the field with only a high school diploma. Master's degree programs include coursework in anatomy, psychology, physiology, sociology, and chemistry, as well as supervised experience through an internship.
While licensure isn't always required to work in this field, employers may prefer that vocational rehab technicians be licensed, which requires completing a master's degree, clinical experience, and a state exam. Certification is also available through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
Necessary Skills
Vocational rehabilitation technicians need to have excellent communication and motivational skills and should be sympathetic to their patients' needs and disabilities. They should also be capable of administering and scoring diagnostic tests and able to measure their patients' rehabilitation progress.
Career and Economic Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that jobs for rehabilitation counselors would grow by 11% from 2021 to 2031. The median salary in 2021 for rehabilitation counselors was reported by the BLS as $44,740 annually, depending on job duties, employer, and education.
Alternate Career Options
Here are some examples of alternative career options:
Occupational Therapist
Normally earning at least a master's degree in occupational therapy, in addition to their licensing or registration, these therapists treat disabled and injured patients using the therapeutic attributes of normal, everyday activities. Much faster-than-average employment growth of 14% was anticipated by the BLS, from 2021-2031. In 2021, an annual median salary of $85,570 was reported by the BLS.
School and Career Counselor
In order to obtain required credentials, most of these counselors must earn a master's degree to secure employment helping students develop social skills or assisting older clients in their choices of educational programs or careers. The BLS reported an annual median wage of $60,510 in 2021 and predicted a much-faster-than-average job growth of 10% during the 2021-2031 decade.
