The Department of Rehabilitation and Human Services
Dr. Terry Blackwell, Chairperson
APS 116, (406) 896-5830
tblackwell@msubillings.edu
www.msubillings.edu/CAHP/rhs/
Professor: Blackwell
Associate Professor: Colling
Assistant Professor: T. Dell
University Lecturer: Nichols
Undergraduate Degrees and Majors
Bachelor of Science Majors
Associate of Arts Program of Study in:Rehabilitation and Related Services
Graduate Degrees (see Graduate Catalog)
Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (MSRMHC)
For details concerning the graduate degrees, see the Graduate Bulletin. Graduate Bulletins may be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies, McMullen Hall first floor west, Montana State University Billings, 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101-0298.
Bachelor of Science Degree Major in Human Services
Admission Requirements
All students desiring admission to the Human Services Program are required to file an application for admission. The application must be completed during the semester following the completion of 40 semester
hours of credit, or, in the case of a transfer student, during the first semester of residence after the student has attained sophomore level.
- A minimum of 40 semester credits is to be completed prior to admission to the Human Services Program.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is required in all courses completed.
- All applicants must complete the General Education Category Requirements at Montana State University Billings, or at another regionally accredited institution of higher education, earning a minimum grade point average of 2.00. Courses taken on a pass/no pass or credit/noncredit basis will not be accepted to fulfill the requirements. Students should consult with their academic advisor.
- A minimum grade of B in HS 201
- The application should be accompanied by a working copy of the student’s transcript and be submitted to the faculty advisor for review and approval and signed by the advisor and the Department Chair at least three (3) weeks prior to the end of the semester during which application is made.
Students not accepted are encouraged to apply for admission during the next application period. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that a completed application is submitted by the deadline. It is suggested that applications be submitted at least three (3) weeks prior to the end of the semester during which application is made. If admission to the Human Services Program is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision to the Human Services Committee of the Department. The Department Chair serves as chair of the appeals committee.
Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation and Related Services
Rehabilitation is defined as the restoration, re-adaptation, or re-education to fullest physical, mental, social, vocational, and economic usefulness following a disabling injury or disease. Thus the role of the rehabilitation counselor involves aiding adult clients with disabilities through the techniques of job development and placement, case management, vocational counseling and assessment, and effective counseling. The aim of the treatment program is to allow clients to overcome mental, physical or emotional disabilities and become self-sufficient and productive citizens.
The rehabilitation curriculum is focused on preparing professionals for employment in rehabilitation settings. Graduates have found employment in state and private rehabilitation offices, supported employment programs, Veterans Administration, community-based vocational programs, hospitals, chemical dependency programs, mental health centers, schools, centers of independent living, insurance companies, manufacturing firms, and other commercial enterprises.
A Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling is generally considered the minimum educational requirement for the job title Rehabilitation Counselor; however, many agencies accept applicants with bachelor’s degrees. Individuals with associate degrees find entry-level positions as paraprofessionals in many work settings.
Program of Study in Rehabilitation and Related Services
A paraprofessional training program leading to the Associate of Arts Degree and preparing graduates for entry-level employment in rehabilitation and related settings.
