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MASTER'S

Master of Science in Counseling · MSCO

Limited-Residency | 2 1/2 To 3 Years | Zoom Evening Classes
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Professional Path

Professional Organizations

Graduate students in the Counseling Program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions have a number of opportunities for personal and professional development. The following are examples of organizations that students are encouraged to participate in:

American Counseling Association

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is a professional organization representing the interests of counselors and counselors-in-training nationwide. Various branches of ACA exist to support the special interests (e.g., school counseling, career counseling, education and supervision of counselors, family counseling) of its diverse membership. As a student member special discounts can be obtained on membership, liability insurance, and up-to-date counseling resources. Included among the many resources are such items as audio and videotapes, books, journals, and effective educational materials. ACA is also instrumental in the enhancement of academic training through developmental workshops presented by leading experts in the field represented. Other ACA membership benefits include job search assistance through database systems and job postings found in the ACA monthly publication, “Counseling Today.” Visit the ACA website.

American Mental Health Counselors Association

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) represents more than 7,000 licensed and certified mental health counselors nationwide. AMHCA members are on the cutting edge of community services and may be found in private practice, community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, managed care organizations (MCOs), and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Visit the AMHCA website.

American School Counselor Association

For those graduate students interested in school counseling, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) provides insight into the forefront of advances in the school counseling field. Membership in ASCA can afford students additional benefits such as various journal publications (The School Counselor, 5 issues annually; Elementary School Guidance and Counseling, 4 issues annually), newsletters (e.g., The ASCA Counselor), an extensive resource library within their members-only website, other publications, which include a wide range of brochures, books, and monographs related to topics of interest to school counselors, and grassroots involvement through developmental workshops and state conferences allowing networking opportunities. Visit the ASCA website.

Utah Mental Health Counselors Association

The Utah Mental Health Counselors Association (UMHCA) is the local chapter of the American Mental Health Counselors Association. The Utah Chapter attempts to unite with ALL other Mental Health Providers in the state of Utah. Although UMHCA endeavors to bring recognition and acknowledgments specifically to Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, they also ally with ALL other noble professionals within the helping association. Visit the UMHCA website.

Utah School Counselor Association

The Utah School Counselor Association (USCA) represents the profession of school counseling. This association expresses a united and single voice for school counseling in the state of Utah. USCA believes that guidance and counseling must be an integral part of every student’s educational experience. Visit the USCA website.

Licensure and Certification

Obtaining National Certified Counselor (NCC) Credential

Refer to the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) for current national requirements: NBCC Home Page Students who wish to obtain the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential must:
  1. Complete the Master’s program in Counseling.
  2. During the last spring or fall semester of the counseling program or after graduation, take and pass the National Counseling Exam (NCE).
  3. When notified by NBCC, complete the Endorsement forms and submit transcripts.
  4. Contact NBCC for more detailed application procedures.

Obtaining Licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) in Utah

Licensure requirements vary by state. The RMU Counseling Program meets the coursework (see Clinical Mental Health Counseling Curriculum) requirements for the state of Utah, as well as for many other states. Please review the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), Clinical Mental Health Counselor website by clicking here. If you intend to work in another state, please review that state’s website and speak with your advisor.

Obtaining Licensure as a School Counselor in Utah

School counseling certification/licensure standards also vary by state. The RMU Counseling Program meets the coursework (see School Counseling Curriculum) requirements for Utah. Please visit the following to learn about specific certification/licensure requirements for Utah: Utah State Board of Education (USBE)