Admissions
Swipe Left or Right
Admission Policies and Procedures
The Counseling Program admits new students at different points throughout the year. Admission selections are based on a comprehensive review using all required application materials and information submitted. Admission to the Counseling Program is competitive and reflects a holistic consideration of the full spectrum of the applicant’s qualifications, based on all evidence provided in the application, and viewed in the context of the applicant’s academic and personal circumstances.
Minimum Program Admissions Requirements
The established guidelines for admission are as follows:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
- An overall minimum 2.75 undergraduate grade point average on a 4.0 scale;
- An acceptable undergraduate statistics or research methods course with a grade of C or higher;
- Those who have an undergraduate GPA higher than 3.0 or those who hold a conferred master’s degree or higher, are not required to take the GRE, MAT, or PLT. A GPA lower than 3.0 requires acceptable test scores from one of the previous standardized tests completed within the last 5 years;
- Three letters of recommendations (at least two from professional references);
- Successful completion of an interview with Counseling Program Admissions Committee; and
- Recommendation for admission from the Counseling Program Admissions Committee.
Completing the Application Process
To apply to the Counseling Program, applicants must complete the Online Application found here: RMU Admissions.
When completing the application, be prepared to:
- Submit a statement of professional goals, on the application, which should include an essay describing your reasons for wanting to become a professional counselor, any relevant experiences in helping others, and important events that have influenced your career goals.
- Submit test scores from GRE, MAT, or PLT (if required; standardized admissions scores are not required if UGPA is above a 3.0).
- Submit a Resume or CV. Tailored to graduate school, including detailed employment history, career history, extracurricular activities, and so forth.
- Submit the names and contact information for three people that can provide letters of recommendation. The recommendations are ideally from a former or current supervisor or professional colleague who is able to comment on your ability to apply evidence in practice.
- Submit official transcripts from each prior undergraduate and graduate institution from which a degree was earned. Official transcripts may be mailed or emailed. Official transcripts must originate from the institution’s Registrar’s Office. Any transcripts emailed from the applicant will be considered unofficial.
- Pay a non-refundable admissions deposit ($500 for the Master’s program and $250 for certificates). This will be applied towards tuition per acceptance into the program.
Transfer Credits
Students that have previously completed graduate work may be allowed to transfer in credits. Students must work with the Registrar’s Office (registrar@rm.edu) to submit appropriate requests and provide needed documentation and receive written approval before those credits will be counted towards the degree. The Counseling Program Coordinator can help facilitate the application process.
Associated Costs with Counseling Program
While there is a cost associated with developing and maintaining a high-quality program, every attempt will be made to keep this cost manageable. Students should be aware that there is a range of training fees, including:
- Application fee. (Currently $50 for Master’s and $35 for certificates. See here for Current Admissions Dates: Admission Dates)
- Tuition and student fees. (See here for Current Tuition and Fees: RMU Tuition and Fees. Also, see here for Financial Aid Information: RMU Financial Aid)
- Books and course fees. (The Counseling Program uses Cengage Unlimited for most, but not all, textbooks. The cost for this is $100 per semester. This also covers the first taking of the comprehensive exam and other course costs.)
- Professional membership dues. (Students will be required to join a professional counseling organization. Several options are available. For example, some might want to join, ACA, ASCA, AMHCA, or another. The cost of these varies. However, student memberships are fairly reasonable, around $100 per year. See Professional Organizations)
- Malpractice insurance premiums. (Students will be required to maintain Malpractice insurance while in practicum and internship. The good news is that this is included in most Professional Organizations’ student membership. Make sure you check the organizations’ benefits.)
- Licensure Testing fees. (The Counseling Program will provide information on licensure testing, e.g., NCE and Praxis. However, these will have to be taken in connection with state requirements.
Immunization Statement
The Counseling Program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is cognizant of the various beliefs surrounding the personal use of vaccinations. We support all individuals’ right to make that decision for themselves. However, as professional mental health care providers in agencies and schools, we believe that we have a professional and ethical obligation to reduce the risk associated with transmitting diseases to others. Therefore, as part of the counseling program, students will be required to obtain immunizations required by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Utah Department of Health, RMU, and any additional requirements unique to a counseling placement site (e.g., school or inpatient facility).
Swipe Left or Right
Immunization Statement
The Counseling Program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is cognizant of the various beliefs surrounding the personal use of vaccinations. We support all individuals’ right to make that decision for themselves. However, as professional mental health care providers in agencies and schools, we believe that we have a professional and ethical obligation to reduce the risk associated with transmitting diseases to others. Therefore, as part of the counseling program, students will be required to obtain immunizations required by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Utah Department of Health, RMU, and any additional requirements unique to a counseling placement site (e.g., school or inpatient facility).
Swipe Left or Right
Technology Requirements
Background and Purpose
The healthcare industry is heavily reliant on technology and on providers who are proficient in utilizing technology. As a result, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions requires extensive utilization of electronic devices for its programs. The purpose of this document is to define minimum technology requirements for students to ensure they are equipped with the hardware and software necessary to facilitate their participation and success in all facets of their education.
Laptop Computer*
Students are required to secure a personal computer for use during the course of their studies that adheres to the below minimum requirements (*this does not apply to students in the Optometry OD program.)
Operating System (OS)
- For PC: Windows 10
- For Mac: macOS 13 (Ventura) or higher
Specifications
- Processor: Apple – M1 Chip or better. Windows – Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 or better
- Memory: 8 GB or more
- Storage: 128 GB Flash Solid-State Drive (256GB or more recommended)
- Display: 13 inches or larger (retina display 12-inch is acceptable)
- WiFi Connectivity: 802.11ac or higher
- Camera: Built-in high resolution (720p or better), internal or external
Buying Recommendations
Required Software
Your computer must have these systems installed:
- Adobe PDF Reader
- An anti-virus program* If you don’t already have one installed, we recommend Sophos
*Note: You should have only ONE anti-virus program installed; multiple installations can be troublesome.
High Speed Internet
- The connection should be a Cable/DSL broadband connection or better. We recommend having a minimum of 10 mbps download and 2 mbps upload. You can check your download and upload speeds at Speedtest.
- Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) must be reliable. Please note that wireless connections can be unstable; wired Ethernet connections should be used whenever possible. If the speed of your connection is inadequate, contact your ISP to upgrade to a higher-level service.
Internet Browser
- Due to its integration with G Suite, we recommend Google Chrome.
- We recommend you also have the Mozilla Firefox browser available, as a backup.
Programs Not Using These Requirements
Applicable to all new students except the PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA) program. Check PA program technology policy for reference.
LAST UPDATED: July 2024.