Online Health Degrees in Counseling
Online Counseling Degree Programs |
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Counseling is a broad field, so much so that those who pursue it as a career are generally identified less as counselors than by their particular area of specialization. Academic or scholastic counselors work with students on a variety of issues, including identifying learning disabilities and providing referrals when necessary. They may also perform career counseling and help with the college admissions process, which includes applying for financial aid and scholarships. Substance abuse counselors work with addicts and the families of addicts to help them overcome addiction and acclimate to a life without drugs or alcohol.
Marriage and family counseling is another popular specialty. These counselors help couples and families improve communication and build healthier relationships. Mental health counselors help mentally ill patients find the resources they need to recover. They are often part of a team that includes psychiatrists and psychologists to help patients deal with mental illness and incorporate new coping skills and strategies into their everyday lives. Working conditions vary by facility, and you should consider that when choosing your specialty. School counselors, for example, may get summers and school holidays off, while self-employed counselors might work more evening hours when their adult patients aren't at work.
Counseling: You'd Better Like School
A master's degree is the minimum educational requirement to open a clinical practice in most states. But the degree is just the first step. To become licensed, you typically must also have two years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and pass a state licensing exam.
School guidance counselors generally need to have completed at least some graduate course work, and most states require a master's degree. Some states also require guidance counselors to obtain teaching certification. Degree programs in counseling are typically found in schools' psychology or education departments.
There are also many accredited online counseling degree programs. Counselors in certain specialties may face less rigorous requirements; for example, some substance abuse counselors or behavior disorder counselors may only need a high school diploma and some focused education (such as an online degree program) to pass a certification exam. Because requirements vary considerably from state to state, you should check with your state agencies about qualifications required for the various counseling specialties.
Earnings for Counselors
Counselors with the right qualifications--generally defined as a master's degree or higher--will enjoy high demand, as job growth is expected to significantly increase over the next decade. According to the Department of Labor, demand for qualified counselors will grow at two to four times the rate of job market as a whole over the next decade. Counselors' annual earnings vary tremendously, from about $27,000 to more than $75,000 depending on the type of employer and counseling specialty. Highly-qualified and well-established counselors with private practices typically bring in the most money, while less-qualified practitioners in residential facilities earn the least.
Pursue your Counseling degree today.
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Northcentral University - Online
At Northcentral University, we teach individuals, not just classes. Our unique, proven online educational experience is designed to help you achieve your goals using your own style of learning.
Learn more about programs at Northcentral University - Online.
The Child and Adolescent Therapy Specialization is designed to prepare Learners to work in therapy settings with children and adolescents from a family therapy, systems perspective. Learners in this specialization are required to focus their course projects, internship work, and dissertation research on issues related to working with children and adolescents.
The Couple Therapy Specialization is designed to prepare Learners to work primarily with couples in therapy settings from a family therapy, systems perspective. Learners in this specialization are required to focus their course projects, internship work, and dissertation research on issues related to working with couples.
Learners in this specialization are required to focus their course projects, internship work, and dissertation research on issues related to marriage and family therapy.
The marriage and family therapy specialization from NCU offers advanced clinical education and training, research coursework and opportunities, and supervision training and experience. Graduates of the doctoral program will be prepared to carry out advanced clinical work and supervision and/or education and research in the field of marriage and family therapy.
Northcentral's Marriage and Family Therapy Master of Arts (MA) degree program is focused on developing the skills and personal and professional growth that are required for effective practice in the field of marriage and family therapy. The program is designed to provide an integrated learning experience for adult Learners seeking specific training in the profession of marriage and family therapy. Learners in this program will critically analyze a broad range of theories and practical knowledge in marriage and family therapy. Degree requirements also include involvement in ongoing clinical work and supervision. This training prepares Learners for therapeutic and educational work in a variety of settings including mental health centers, public service agencies, correctional institutions, industry, medical settings, and private practice. Graduates of the master's level program will be well prepared to begin the process of seeking licensure in their home state or area.
The Medical Therapy Specialization is designed to prepare Learners to work individuals, couples and families that are facing chronic or acute medical difficulties. Medical Family Therapy incorporates a family therapy, systems perspective in helping client families to understand and deal with their medical difficulties. Learners in this specialization are required to focus their course projects, internship work, and dissertation research on issues related to medical family therapy.
The Therapy with Military Families Specialization is designed to prepare Learners to work primarily with individuals, couples, and families that are affiliated with the military through using a family therapy, systems perspective. Learners in this specialization are required to focus their course projects, internship work, and dissertation research on issues related to working with military personnel and their families.
Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-312-263-0456, www.ncahlc.org ).
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