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Job outlook for vocational rehabilitation specialists in the United States
Vocational rehabilitation specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected vocational rehabilitation specialist job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 9,800 new jobs for vocational rehabilitation specialists are projected over the next decade.
Vocational rehabilitation specialist salaries have increased 8% for vocational rehabilitation specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 23,053 vocational rehabilitation specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 4,190 active vocational rehabilitation specialist job openings in the US.
The average vocational rehabilitation specialist salary is $47,721.
Are vocational rehabilitation specialist jobs in demand?
Vocational rehabilitation specialist job and salary trends over time
Vocational rehabilitation specialist jobs over time
Vocational rehabilitation specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 23,053 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 25,477 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 27,641 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 27,072 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 26,288 | 0.01% |
Average vocational rehabilitation specialist salary over time
Vocational rehabilitation specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,721 | $22.94 | +4.4% |
| 2024 | $45,712 | $21.98 | +0.9% |
| 2023 | $45,305 | $21.78 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $44,326 | $21.31 | +0.5% |
| 2021 | $44,084 | $21.19 | +0.8% |
Vocational rehabilitation specialist jobs by state
Most common states for vocational rehabilitation specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 70 | 10% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 251 | 8% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 48 | 8% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 70 | 7% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 50 | 7% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 384 | 6% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 115 | 6% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 44 | 6% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 36 | 6% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 286 | 5% |
| 11 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 132 | 5% |
| 12 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 88 | 5% |
| 13 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 69 | 5% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 64 | 5% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 64 | 5% |
| 16 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 53 | 5% |
| 17 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 361 | 4% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 217 | 4% |
| 19 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 207 | 4% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 118 | 4% |
Most common cities for vocational rehabilitation specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Big Spring | 1 | 4% | $51,006 |
| 2 | Huntington | 1 | 2% | $63,200 |
| 3 | Iowa City | 1 | 1% | $45,318 |
| 4 | Saint Paul | 1 | 0% | $58,696 |
| 5 | San Antonio | 1 | 0% | $51,112 |
| 6 | Spokane | 1 | 0% | $55,518 |
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of vocational rehabilitation specialist experts
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Pennsylvania State University - Abington
Husson University
Lipscomb University
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis
Brenau University
South College
East Tennessee State University
Assumption University
LaGrange College
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Ohio Wesleyan University
Szu-Ping Lee PT, PhD
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What general advice would you give to a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist?
Szu-Ping Lee PT, PhD: Most people like the job because they enjoy working with people and helping them. There is a high level of satisfaction that comes from improving other people's lives. In fact, healthcare workers consistently report some of the highest levels of career satisfaction. However, caring for people is hard work. Doing a good job as a rehabilitation specialist takes a lot of mental and physical energy. Therefore, burnout is fairly common.
What Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Szu-Ping Lee PT, PhD: Aging is happening globally. Our society requires rehabilitation specialists to care for our elderly and individuals recovering from injuries or other illnesses. A World Health Organization commissioned study estimated that 1 in 3 persons in the world will need some form of rehabilitation care in their lifetime, and this demand is growing. Therefore, the job market for rehabilitation specialists is expanding in many areas of the U.S. and abroad.
What will help Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Szu-Ping Lee PT, PhD: There are many specialists in rehabilitation, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation nurses, rehabilitation physicians (physiatrist), orthotists/prosthetists, podiatrists, speech and language pathologists, respiratory therapists, social workers, and more. Each profession fulfills its own responsibilities in the rehabilitation process while collaborating with other professionals. The main goal of all clinical rehabilitation specialists is to improve patient function and to help them achieve their goals. For someone considering entering the field, I would suggest learning as much about each profession as possible to find out which field is most appealing. Many rehabilitation clinics and hospitals provide shadowing experience, and that is a good way to learn about the different fields.
Elsa Drevyn PT, DPT
Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education and Vice Chair for Clinical EducationWhat general advice would you give to a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist?
Elsa Drevyn PT, DPT: It brings a lot of satisfaction to help someone recover or achieve the greatest potential that they possibly can after an injury, accident, illness, etc. This profession probably offers more flexibility than many as far as job sharing, hours, settings, etc. There is also flexibility in the types of settings that we can work in and the opportunity to change settings throughout our careers. We deal with a lot of emotional situations, patients in pain and distressed, that does take a toll. There is pressure from administrators for increased productivity and that also gets taxing.
What Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elsa Drevyn PT, DPT: This would totally depend on the setting. Generally speaking, in an acute setting, the PT would be working on early mobilization of the patient to prevent complications from prolonged positioning. If the patient is stable, the PT would most likely be working on bed mobility, transfers, gait training, exercises, while at the same time monitoring the pt’s reaction to the intervention. In an inpatient rehabilitation setting, the PT would be working with the patient for close to an hour or so, two times per day to help them achieve the highest level of function possible. In an OP setting, the PT would be working on the specific issue/impairment, to help the patient attain ROM, strength, function, decrease pain, etc.
What will help Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Elsa Drevyn PT, DPT: There is increased awareness of what we do and how we can assist an individual. There is also increased autonomy and the push for even more autonomy. There is high demand in the different settings and salaries have improved over the years.
What Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Abigail Akande Ph.D., CRC: Having had fieldwork experience as an undergraduate; having a related minor or certificate as a part of your undergraduate education; being multilingual; having undergraduate research experience; being enrolled in graduate school; taking on extra responsibilities to speed up promotions and raises; and considering your geographic location/being open to moving.
What will help Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Abigail Akande Ph.D., CRC: New issues are emerging, yet some that are prevalent now will remain prevalent. Technology and telehealth; immigrant cross-cultural sensitivity and international service provision; multilingualism; disability and chronic health conditions among older adults/seniors; vocational rehabilitation and career counseling; and co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse.
What general advice would you give to a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist?
Abigail Akande Ph.D., CRC: Stay flexible, your first job will not be your forever job. But it can serve as a great opportunity to gain experience and to forge important relationships in the field. Bachelor's-level employees in rehabilitation are generalists, who will potentially where a lot of hats. Take care of yourself and do your best to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Empathy fatigue can rear its ugly head if practitioners don't establish and maintain healthy boundaries. Ask for help when you need it. Use the vacation time that you earn. Promote client autonomy by collaborating and keeping a strengths-based perspective. In other words, clients empower themselves by being encouraged to tap into their own resources to problem-solve and make strides toward their rehabilitation goals. An easy way for a practitioner to become overwhelmed is by not encouraging teamwork.
What skills stand out on Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Chad Howland: I believe having strong interpersonal skills is important when first entering the field. The rehabilitation specialist must work to be an active listener and encourage their patient/client to be an active participant in meeting their own healthcare goals. Exposure to different clinical settings and experiential learning across diverse patient/client populations is a plus. In addition, rehabilitation specialists should be a part of their respective national organizations. Certainly, being involved in the national or state chapter of a professional organization speaks to the job candidate's professional growth, along with taking on a leadership role within their profession. In regard to specific skills, well-rounded education in the foundational sciences (anatomy, biomechanics, neurology) has become essential for rehabilitation specialists.
What soft skills should all Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Chad Howland: As outlined previously, a rehabilitation specialist needs to be an active listener and form a partnership with their patient/client. Expanding upon this point, they need to be effective communicators with other healthcare professionals. Establishing trust between various stakeholders is essential.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Chad Howland: In this day and age, rehabilitation specialists should become well versed in technology and information gathering. Most hospital systems use electronic medical records and documentation. Due to the recent pandemic, rehabilitation specialists need to be comfortable performing examinations and select interventions remotely. Telehealth is a growing area within clinical practice. Also, new graduates might seek to pursue post-professional training in specialized areas such as orthopedics, manual therapy, neurorehabilitation, or pediatrics - just to name a few.
What skills stand out on Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Dr. Ruth Henry: Exposure to a variety of therapy settings. The outpatient clinics are the most common type of shadowing and patient care. While those are valuable, it is good for students to have had at least some observation hours in a greater variety of settings--inpatient, acute care, long-term care, or school settings. For a potential employee coming right out of their therapy training, skills in teamwork are desirable since the therapist usually works with a team of healthcare professionals.
What soft skills should all Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Dr. Ruth Henry: Important soft skills for rehab are creativity and flexibility. Not every "textbook" type of therapy will work for every patient, so being about to "think outside the box" in developing a novel protocol is useful. During the pandemic, flexibility was essential because some sessions had to be held remotely, and while those sessions are not ideal, being able to adapt to the current needs is essential. People skills are also needed. Therapists meet with their patients several times per week over a period of several weeks, and sessions are more fun for the patient if the therapist has an ability to interact with them; this helps the therapist make a connection for the patient and better compliance with the program can result. On the other hand, silent therapy sessions with no therapist/patient interaction can be awkward and unmotivating.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Dr. Ruth Henry: It goes without saying that experience and skill in manual therapy are the cornerstones of the therapist's skill set. Experience in or exposure to a variety of treatment modalities, including heat & cold therapy, ultrasound, TENS, K-tape, electrical stimulation, cupping, and others, is also useful. Willingness to try new modalities when the patient's needs indicate a different approach.
Dr. Raymond Ortega Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Arkansas at Little Rock
Rehabilitation Counseling Program
What skills stand out on Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Dr. Raymond Ortega Ph.D.: The job market for rehabilitation counselors has changed substantially over the years. Initially, it was limited to public sector agencies but now includes several private and non-profit opportunities. As a result, the requisite skillset has also increased. The essential skills that "stand out" include knowledge of career and occupational standards and requirements, legal and regulatory standards, physical and psychological disability, and counseling skills.
What soft skills should all Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Dr. Raymond Ortega Ph.D.: Ability to work well with others, cultural awareness, empathy, adaptability, problem-solving, dependability.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Dr. Raymond Ortega Ph.D.: Effective counseling skills, legal and ethical documentation and record-keeping, written and oral communications, use of technology, and adaptive equipment.
What skills will help Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Raymond Ortega Ph.D.: Specialization in Life Care Planning, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, or Worker's Compensation.
Erin Foster Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, Neurology and PsychiatryWashington University School of Medicine in St Louis
Program in Occupational Therapy
What skills stand out on Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Erin Foster Ph.D.: Track record of publications, presentations, funding; advanced statistical analysis; clinical experience; teaching and mentoring.
What soft skills should all Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Erin Foster Ph.D.: Grit, resilience, persistence; flexibility, adaptability; ability to work in multi/inter-disciplinary teams, collaborate, interpersonal skills; ethics, integrity; leadership & management.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Erin Foster Ph.D.: Scientific writing, scientific communication, research design and methodology, analysis, the ability to synthesize knowledge/evidence from various sources to generate new questions, hypotheses & and studies, problem-solving.
What skills will help Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists earn the most?
Erin Foster Ph.D.: Communicating your research and its impact clearly and effectively to diverse audiences through various channels (e.g., social media, scientific presentations, in conversations with "lay" stakeholders). Self-advocacy and negotiation skills.
Dr. Robert Cantu
Associate ProfessorBrenau University
Physical therapy Department
What skills stand out on Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Dr. Robert Cantu: These are not necessarily skills per se, but as a hiring manager, this is what I would look at in a resume for a new grad:
Clear objective statement in the resume that matches the needs of the clinic. This shows a focus on job seeking and career path.
Clinical education experiences that match the needs of the clinic.
Skills gained in their clinical training that matches the clinic's needs: Examples: Strong manual therapy training in a clinic that emphasizes one-on-one care of patients. Strong exercise training in sports medicine clinics.
For those with some career experience:
Job stability--i.e., how long is the candidate at one place of employment. At least 18-24 months in a job or longer is good. This means they were perceptive and chose wisely. Six jobs in the first 5 years will raise red flags.
Current and frequent continuing education attendance in the area in which the clinic specializes. This shows a focus on growing and staying current in clinical skills.
What soft skills should all Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Dr. Robert Cantu: People skills: For the workgroup: ability and willingness to work in groups and manage conflict. Flexibility: Willingness to occasionally work late or come in early to accommodate the patient load. Team player attitude. Willingness to play their assigned part on the team. Strong commitment and discipline for timely completion of tasks such as daily paperwork. This shows "discipline in the drudgery," which is critical for the smooth operation of the clinic and results in better customer service.
People skills: For patient management: Empathy, the warmth of personality, a caring demeanor, and express kindness. And absolutely, a willingness to always put the patient first. Good eye contact, firm but kind, reassuring handshake (or a kind elbow bump). The understanding is that even though they work for a company, ultimately, the clinician works for the patient.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Dr. Robert Cantu: During initial employment, clinical skills can be honed informally or through a formal residency program for a new grad. Affinity for technology is important. Examples: Willingness to do telehealth, able to adapt to changes in software such as EMR systems. Skills should closely match the clinic's needs, and if not, the candidate should express an interest in what the clinic is doing and exhibit a strong commitment to learning.
Ability to adapt to changes in insurance reimbursement policies while not compromising patient care.
What skills will help Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Robert Cantu: First and foremost: Patient and referral source engagement skills. Being able to quickly earn trust and confidence from patients so they will return and complete their rehab. They will have the confidence to refer other patients to the candidate and the clinic from referral sources. This is the lifeblood of any clinical practice.
Second: Business affinity: Understanding that the purpose of any business (including healthcare) is to create wealth. Understanding how to charge for your services ethically and efficiently. Also, understanding that if a business is not growing, it is shrinking. This means an affinity to grow your individual practice and the overall practice. An understanding that we are operating in an industry.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Dr. Roberta “Bertie” Gatlin: Potentially, could have difficulty with employment opportunities as some employment positions have been furloughed and not brought back. Many of these furloughs have been in the PTA field and out-patient ortho or sports settings. Other sites, especially acute care hospital based, in-patient rehab and out-patient clinics are now realizing the aftermath of COVID and the need for extensive rehabilitation services for the post COVID patients. The trend is we hope the employment opportunities are available to the rehabilitation professionals as they complete their final clinicals and graduate.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Dr. Roberta “Bertie” Gatlin: In the field of physical therapy the professional has many opportunities to specialize in residency training. There are fields such as pediatrics, neurology, orthopedics, to name a few. These residencies are offered through the accrediting program of the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education. Here is the link here. www.abptrfe.org
What will help Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Roberta “Bertie” Gatlin: Unfortunately many salary rates are limited by the corporate organizations. There are more practitioners going into private practice which allows them to have better salary based on the reimbursement contracts with payors. Those that seek residency and fellowship training often have an increase in salary but this would be based on the employers management structure, like an tiered program or career ladder.
Mary Andreae
Assistant ProfessorEast Tennessee State University
Department of Rehabilitative Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Mary Andreae: I believe that we may see an increase in job openings. Due to the pandemic, dietetic internship applications have decreased, and so we predict that we may see a temporary decrease in entry-level registered dietitians entering the field.
What soft skills should all Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists possess?
Mary Andreae: Soft skills needed are: Networking, teamwork, interprofessional networking and collaboration, and time management.
How have salaries changed over time for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Mary Andreae: Salaries have slowly increased over the years. With the advent of the new requirement for all registered dietitians to have earned a Master's degree (to be implemented in the year 2014), we expect to see salaries continue in the upward trend.
Susan Scully-Hill Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies and Director of the School Counseling program at Assumption UniversityAssumption University
Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Susan Scully-Hill Ph.D.: What I am seeing now is that schools are increasing the number of "school support personnel" by hiring additional school counselors, school adjustment counselors, learning coaches, student engagement officers, instructional aides, and para-professionals. Student engagement in remote learning is, overall, very low and schools are seeing more students failing multiple subjects than they have ever before. Currently schools are working hard to increase student engagement and academic outcomes by increasing support personnel. I think this trend will continue even as students transition back to in-person learning. Transitioning back to in- person learning will create challenges for many students-not just academic challenges but social, and emotional as well. Making up for lost classroom and learning time will be a priority and therefore additional school personnel will be required.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Susan Scully-Hill Ph.D.: -Being licensed as a school counselor and/or a school adjustment counselor will have the biggest impact on our graduates. Licensed counselors will be sought after to fill student support personnel positions.
-Coursework focused on academic, learning, social, emotional, and behavioral interventions will be essential for counselors who wish to work in the schools and have a positive impact on student learning outcomes.
What's a good job out of college for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Susan Scully-Hill Ph.D.: Most of our students who graduate from a master's degree program in school counseling or school adjustment counseling are seeking a position as a school counselor or school adjustment counselor. Therefore, these are excellent positions for graduates to acquire. However, if students are not able to be hired in a counselor position, other student support positions, such as those mentioned above, are great ways for graduates to get into a school system. Once in a school system they will have an opportunity to move into a counselor position when an opening occurs.
What technical skills for a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist stand out to employers?
Amber Leiker McGlawn Ph.D.: Since Kinesiology is such a broad field, necessary technical skills will vary by discipline. In general, though, being able to critically assess an individual, team, or situation, and make evidenced-based decisions is incredibly important. It's great to have the content knowledge, but employers want to know that you can put it into action! Some employers require specific certifications and credentials (e.g., Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, Athletic Trainer Certified, etc.), so make sure you're on the lookout for requirements at least a year before you graduate to give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
What's a good job out of college for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Amber Leiker McGlawn Ph.D.: I like to be blunt with my students-your first job out of college most likely isn't going to be your dream job, but that's okay! A good job out of college is one that can help not only build your resume, but build your professional character. For example, in our senior seminar course at LaGrange College, we set short-term and long-term career goals. In analyzing your own goals, look for a first job that can help you build skills that will be applicable as you're on your way to dream job, and ones that can still apply once you get there.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Amber Leiker McGlawn Ph.D.: With the pandemic, I think a lot more people are recognizing the role of healthy living habits in the prevention of disease. As Exercise Science practitioners have the ability to provide services to improve baseline health, I'm hoping to see increases in the utilization of exercise for preventative care, especially once the general population feels safe to do so again. Until then, we'll likely continue to see opportunities to provide services online or in smaller, more personal settings. Either way, creativity will be key with the ever-changing dynamics of the pandemic.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Christopher Kevin Wong Ph.D.: In the short term, the immediate effect has been reduced clinic density and overall patient care. Thus, there may be fewer opportunities for new graduate Rehab Techs at the current time. In addition, elective surgeries are down in number in many areas thus there are fewer people to rehabilitate from such surgeries. Other people with minor injuries and dysfunctions that have comorbidities that put them at risk for COVID may opt to wait or use telehealth (which has little role for Rehab Techs). It may be a good time to take the next step to apply to professional programs if you can afford it.
For rehab professionals, however, the demand for care remains strong in telehealth, home care, hospital based, out patient care. However, assumed is potential care for people with COVID if in institutional settings and for exposure to COVID via patients in any setting.
In the long term, there will be many people with lingering cardiovascular impairment that may introduce more opportunities for Rehab Techs particularly in Physical and Respiratory Techs in both private and hospital based out-patient care. The job market for rehab care will rebound, though telehealth will likely remain as a part of how we interact with patients.
What technical skills for a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist stand out to employers?
Christopher Kevin Wong Ph.D.: Many clinic owners and rehab department managers may not be as facile with social media, website management, and IT ideas as younger people. Nevertheless, social media and internet searches is how we generate publicity, business, and potentially profit. Skills to help as a webmaster, social media manager, or data management and analyst can be a valuable contribution. Therapy technology can be taught as needed.
What's a good job out of college for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Christopher Kevin Wong Ph.D.: As a parent of college and post-college age kids, at some level any job that can support you out of school is a good job. Beyond that, if the job interests and challenges you that makes job satisfaction more likely. In addition, if the job can help develop you for whatever next step you want to take that makes the job particularly useful. Ultimately, I like to live by the motto: plan for tomorrow, but live for today.
As such, rehab tech or aide positions can help expose you to the clinical profession you may be interested in, develop knowledge that may have been learned in an academic setting without real life application, and meet requirements for professional program applications. Sometimes, such a job may help you realize the profession you thought you were interested in is not what you thought. In the ideal case, meeting the right professional may set you up with a career mentor that can inspire or influence you for decades.
Alternately, a job as a lab assistant or research coordinator, whether clinical or bench research, can also introduce you to the research side of various professions. Such a position also can develop knowledge gained as an undergraduate and prepare you for academic professional or research programs. Clinical research will also provide exposure to patients/subjects that can be a very personal experience with them and their families.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists?
Dr. Andrew Busch: In terms of students gaining the types of experiences needed for internships, graduate school applications, etc., surprisingly we have not seen a great deal of impact within the Exercise Science arena. For Sport Management majors, that is different, because almost all major sporting events where undergraduate students have worked in the setup, preparation, planning, organizing, etc. to gain experience have been shut down in that industry. So those majors have been severely affected. For Exercise Science majors however, undergraduate students have still been able to get the observation hours needed for graduate schools, and to fulfill internship responsibilities off campus at private businesses or rehabilitation centers.
What type of skills will young Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists need?
Dr. Andrew Busch: Obviously any type of specific-skill training is beneficial, but what we have found is employers are looking for young graduates eager to learn, who have been taught problem solving skills/approaches. So many successful individuals within many industries did not go into that industry with exact experiences, but they were quick learners with an ability to think creatively and solve problems/questions from a holistic approach. We look to provide our students with hands-on experiential learning opportunities that give them the chance to apply the content/theories/processes they learn in a real-world setting. For example, we teach our students how to conduct a VO2max test on subjects with various exercise modalities (treadmill, stationary bike, rower). They don't need to become experts at testing VO2 on only the 'Bruce Protocol', because they may encounter a work situation where that is not necessary, or they don't have that equipment, so we are constantly asking students how they could answer the same question, given different circumstances.
What experience really stands out on Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Dr. Andrew Busch: For students looking to get into graduate school and those looking to get hired within the field of Exercise Science (Physiology, Kinesiology, Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Strength Coaching) the more hands-on experiences one can be exposed to, the better equipped they will be to hit the ground running. I know of many different four-year institutions that hand out degrees in this field where the students never actually work with a real person. Everything is a theory or textbook-based approach, and while those things are certainly important, if a student is never asked to actually apply those concepts, and asked to respond to the issues/questions that arise when those concepts don't always work like advertised in the textbook, they are missing out on the big picture of what a degree should be giving them. If practical experiences are not part of a given academic program, then students should seek out these experiences, because that is what they will be asked about in their interview process with employers. What have you done? Why are you interested in this field? What differences can you make? They are never asked what score they got on their midterm or final exam.