Oct 30, 2013

UNI-trained mental health counselors in high demand

The University of Northern Iowa's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program was the first accredited program in the nation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). It was also one of the first programs nationally to prepare K through 12 and elementary school counselors, which is critical because the state of Iowa continues to face a shortage of K through 12 guidance counselors.

More than 50 percent of our students are hired during their practicum/internship experiences, before even finishing their degrees. And, 100 percent of them secure a job position upon graduation.

One of the reasons our graduates are in such high demand is because of their 100 percent pass rate on both the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) and National Counselor Exam (NCE)

"The School Counseling program at the University of Northern Iowa not only fully prepared me for my dream job of becoming a school counselor, but it helped me become a professional. It exposed me to many different theories and strategies in working with kids of all ages. This exposure helped me become more confident in my own abilities and professional judgments. I feel confident in any situation that may come my way - from multicultural diversity to confidentiality issues. My training at UNI is one of the best things I did for myself both personally and professionally."
-Kelli Johnson, elementary school counselor, Belmond-Klemme Community School District.

Demand for UNI trained mental health counselors is expected to grow as a national occupational tracking network (O*NET) predicts jobs in this field will grow nearly 30 percent faster than other professions.

Upcoming Event

UNI's College of Education will host its bi-annual Teacher Education Induction Convocation at 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 4, in the Great Hall of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC). The college will induct 368 students who have satisfied requirements for admission into the UNI Teacher Education Program.