A Ten Year Follow-up of Graduates of a Rehabilitation Counselor Training Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct a ten year follow.up of graduates of the University of Georgia Rehabilitation Counselor Training Program focusing on initial and current employment status. A survey questionnaire was sent to ali graduates (n=332) and a 83% return was received. The survey indicated that 95% of the graduates were initially employed by state DVR agencies or closely related agencies. There was some attrition of graduates from the state DVR agencies for two primary reasons: (a) better salaries and (b) greater advancement opportunities. A substantial difference iIi mean salaries exists between those graduates who remained with state DVR agencies and those who were initially employed by DVR agencies and later became employed by closely related agencies. All graduates had mean salaries greater than the national average. The survey clearly indicates, based on one graduate training program results, that RCTP are preparing professional trained personnel for the rehabilitation profession.