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Counselor internship vs program counselor

The differences between counselor interns and program counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a counselor internship and a program counselor. Additionally, a counselor internship has an average salary of $45,500, which is higher than the $43,820 average annual salary of a program counselor.

The top three skills for a counselor internship include crisis intervention, intake assessments and substance abuse issues. The most important skills for a program counselor are developmental disabilities, patients, and community integration.

Counselor internship vs program counselor overview

Counselor InternshipProgram Counselor
Yearly salary$45,500$43,820
Hourly rate$21.88$21.07
Growth rate14%10%
Number of jobs132,694133,491
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

What does a counselor internship do?

When it comes to Counselor Internship, among the primary responsibilities is to assist in dealing with various activities such as preparing and verifying necessary documentation, observing consultations and outreach programs, guide clients and help develop multiple helpful strategies, and provide assessments. Furthermore, one can conduct counseling and consultation only under supervision. It is also essential to track the information gathered and coordinate with assigned personnel to adhere to the company's regulations and policies.

What does a program counselor do?

A Program Counselor is an essential part of a school's faculty. It's the counselor's responsibility to ensure that students are benefiting from the school's educational curriculum. This person is also tasked to help students resolve issues and problems that may hinder any educational progress. They are also part of the disciplinary team intended to instill good morals, ethics, and decency in students. The Program Counselor is one of the teacher or professor who has expertise or has a high educational degree in a particular subject or field.

Counselor internship vs program counselor salary

Counselor interns and program counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Counselor InternshipProgram Counselor
Average salary$45,500$43,820
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $65,000Between $33,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityChicago, ILNew York, NY
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew York
Best paying companyThe Travelers CompaniesRussell Sage College
Best paying industryFinanceHealth Care

Differences between counselor internship and program counselor education

There are a few differences between a counselor internship and a program counselor in terms of educational background:

Counselor InternshipProgram Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Counselor internship vs program counselor demographics

Here are the differences between counselor interns' and program counselors' demographics:

Counselor InternshipProgram Counselor
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 23.8% Female, 76.2%Male, 35.9% Female, 64.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage15%15%

Differences between counselor internship and program counselor duties and responsibilities

Counselor internship example responsibilities.

  • Conduct group check-in and co-lead group psychotherapy sessions to help clients identify and manage problems associate with psychiatric conditions.
  • Participate in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings and attend IEP meetings.
  • Create a rehabilitation plan of juveniles through the investigation of background history.
  • Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
  • Monitor academic performance and provide tutoring for one individual with untreat ADHD.
  • Conduct psychological assessments for a diverse population including ADHD, memory, and achievement testing.
  • Show more

Program counselor example responsibilities.

  • Lead recreational activities for adolescents with ADHD and other behavior disorders.
  • Provide education, within hospital setting, to adolescent psychiatric patients regarding substance abuse and dependency issues.
  • Receive CPR and first aid certifications.
  • Attend and receive CPR and basic restraint technique certifications.
  • Assist each client with compassion to encourage them on their journey to recovery.
  • Encourage and mentore residents during their recovery and rehabilitation process.
  • Show more

Counselor internship vs program counselor skills

Common counselor internship skills
  • Crisis Intervention, 14%
  • Intake Assessments, 14%
  • Substance Abuse Issues, 10%
  • Mental Health Issues, 9%
  • Group Therapy Sessions, 4%
  • Community Resources, 4%
Common program counselor skills
  • Developmental Disabilities, 11%
  • Patients, 11%
  • Community Integration, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Social Work, 8%
  • Medication Administration, 7%

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