ATLANTA – Students in Mercer University’s Master of Science (M.S.) in clinical rehabilitation counseling degree program recently achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination.

Mercer’s 100% result compares with a national average first-time pass rate of 58% over the last three administrations of the CRC exam in fall 2019, spring 2020 and summer 2020.

Additionally, Mercer students scored above the mean on all 12 knowledge domains for the rehabilitation/disability items represented in the 175-question, three-and-a-half hour exam.

Graduates of Mercer’s M.S. in clinical rehabilitation counseling are also prepared to sit for the National Counselors Exam (NCE) and can, with a passing score, apply for licensing as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).

“I am very proud of our students. They continue to excel and exceed our highest expectations through their dedication and hard work,” said Dr. Kristina Henderson, assistant professor and program coordinator of the M.S. in clinical rehabilitation counseling. “I am thrilled that our department prepares these students so well for success, both on the exams and in their careers as Certified Rehabilitation Counselors and Licensed Professional Counselors.”

Mercer’s M.S. in clinical rehabilitation counseling is offered as an evening program on the Atlanta campus with classes meeting one day per week to prepare graduates to provide rehabilitation services aimed at helping individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential. 

Upon graduation, students will have the foundational knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to enter the profession of rehabilitation counseling and practice as rehabilitation counselors. Graduates work as professionals in a variety of settings such as the Veterans Administration, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and rehabilitation hospitals, insurance companies, and private business and industry.  

Mercer’s program benefits from a near-million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration directed by Dr. Suneetha Manyam, professor of counseling, that funds scholarships, professional travel and other academically-related expenses for many of the students enrolled in the master’s program. The College of Professional Advancement has received two such grants since 2015 in support of its clinical rehabilitation counseling program.

About the College of Professional Advancement

Mercer University’s College of Professional Advancement is committed to serving post-traditional learners. Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs are offered to adult learners seeking professional advancement into leadership roles in and beyond their communities. Programs provide students with distinctive, multidisciplinary experiences that integrate theory and practice. In addition to providing general education and elective courses for various colleges and schools at Mercer, the College of Professional Advancement offers degree programs in areas including technology, public safety, public and human services, leadership and administration, health care and liberal arts. Programs are offered on Mercer’s campuses in Atlanta and Macon, as well as Regional Academic Centers in Douglas County and Henry County, and online. To learn more, visit professionaladvancement.mercer.edu.