Degree Programme in Rehabilitation Counselling

Degree: Bachelor of Health Care and Social Services, Rehabilitation Counsellor
Extent: 210 ECTS cr, 3.5 years
First-preference applicants / intake 2011: 111/20
Intake 2012: 20

Are you interested in the planning, guidance and development of rehabilitation? Do you want to promote different-aged rehabilitees’ ability to work and function?

The Degree Programme in Rehabilitation Counselling will provide you with the competences needed in rehabilitation planning, guidance and development within the various settings of rehabilitation, such as health and social welfare services; disability, patient and public health organizations; schools, rehabilitation centres, insurance companies, the labour administration, the Social Insurance Institution, projects, and as entrepreneur.

Content of Studies

The Degree Programme in Rehabilitation Counselling will introduce you to the following content areas

• client work
• service systems
• legislation
• rehabilitation needs assessment, planning and guidance
• multiprofessional cooperation
• management

Moreover, you will develop your competences related to self-development, ethics, communication, interaction, development activity, organizational and societal activities, and internationality. You can also develop your entrepreneurial competence by choosing an ’entrepreneurial path’ as part of your education.

The studies are based on a personal study plan and enable the creation of an individual career path. Potential prior competence is taken into consideration on creating the personal study plan.

Implementation of Studies

Studying in the programme is challenging and practice- and workplace-oriented. It mainly involves action-based and collaborative learning of knowledge and skills. You will also learn to utilize the theoretical knowledge available in different sources, and how to apply it to practice. Part of the programme is delivered online.

One third of the programme is constituted by the supervised practical training, which can be completed, for example, in the rehabilitation research units of specialized health care, in basic health care, social services, the Social Insurance Institution, labour force service centres, insurance companies, organizations and foundations, companies, and different R&D projects of JAMK and working life. The practical training will introduce you to rehabilitation clients and their rehabilitation process; rehabilitation services; rehabilitation planning, coordination and counselling; and the planning and management of rehabilitation projects.

Students’ participation in R&D activities, as well as the practical training, involves close cooperation with working life. For example, work at the unit’s Learning Centre for Health and Welfare Services is an opportunity to gain experience of real-life work and clients. Participation in the activities of the learning centre will provide you with valuable, authentic learning experiences of e.g. entrepreneurship, the activities maintaining the ability to work, the planning and guidance of special groups, individual customer service, the organization of thematic days and other events, and of health promotion in general.

You can participate in international exchange by completing part of your studies or the practical training in one of our partner institutions. In 2010-2011 the most popular countries of student exchange were Sweden, Estonia and Macedonia. Canada, UK and South Africa have also been among the exchange destinations of the unit.

Bachelor’s theses are often assigned by JAMK’s working life partners or constitute part of a project. The purpose of the thesis is to enhance your ability to develop the field.

Eligibility Criteria

The successful completion of the programme calls for the ability for independent work. In addition, organizing, problem-solving and decision-making skills, as well as interaction and cooperation skills and the ability to develop one’s work are required. Language skills are also necessary, as part of the learning material is in English.

Employment Prospects

The rehabilitation counsellors graduating from the programme have been successful in finding employment in positions relevant to their degree within the various settings of rehabilitation.

Admission Criteria and Applying

You can apply for admission if you have completed general upper secondary education, the matriculation examination or if you have a vocational qualification. If you will graduate during the spring in which you are submitting your application, please refer to your latest school certificate in your application.

The application period is in the spring. Further information on applying and on the admission criteria is available in the Applicant's Guides and in the Admissions Office.

Eligibility for Further Studies

After your graduation as a rehabilitation counsellor, you can continue your studies at a university of applied sciences. With three years of work experience you can apply for admission to a master’s degree programme of the field. You can also complete professional specialization studies or continuing education while working. If you are planning a teaching career, after a Master’s degree you can apply for admission to the Teacher Education College.

Those with a Master’s degree completed at a university of applied sciences are eligible for university postgraduate education. The university in question will decide separately in each case on the admission criteria.

Further Information on the Programme

Mirja Immonen, Head of Department, +358 40 547 8949
Pirjo Waldén, Lecturer, +358 400 989 453
firstname.lastname@jamk.fi
JAMK, School of Health and Social Studies

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