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Vision Specialist in Vocational Rehabilitation Certificate

 

     

Improve your Career Possibilities

The Vision Specialist in Vocational Rehabilitation Certificate Program consists of four graduate-level courses designed for professionals working in vocational rehabilitation settings who want to expand their knowledge of serving individuals who are blind or have low vision.

As of 2026, the Vision Specialist Program is no longer funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Mississippi State University plans to update the program and establish it as an official university certificate program, with registration opening in the fall of 2027. Contact Amy Stockton at 662-325-3426 for more information.

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Since 1991, students in the Vision Specialist Program have hailed from 37 states. Opportunities for employment in working with individuals who are blind or have low vision exist in many areas of the country, and the Vision Specialist Program prepares participants to meet the challenges of this rewarding career. 

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Course Descriptions

  • NRTC 6303 Rehabilitation of Persons Who are Visually Impaired  
    • Includes medical aspects of blindness and low vision, including anatomy & physiology of the eye, introduction to low vision, adjustment to blindness counseling theories, adaptive rehabilitation skills training methodologies, history, and legislation related to vocational rehabilitation of consumers with visual impairments, job placement, and professional practice.
  • NRTC 6323 Sensory Aids/Assistive Technology for Persons Who Are Visually Impaired 
    • Provides students with a basic knowledge of various computer and stand-alone assistive technology (AT) devices used by individuals with visual impairments for success at home, in the community, and at work.  
  • NRTC 6313 Resources for Persons Who Are Visually Impaired 
    • Overview of blindness-related professions that facilitate adjustment, including the areas of assessment, identification of resources, instructional and counseling techniques, and special services related to independent living, communication, personal management, and basics of orientation and mobility of people who are visually impaired. Students are required to develop a comprehensive resource file. 
  • NRTC 8293 Special Project: Practicum 
    • Involves 100 hours of practical supervised experience working with people with blindness or low vision and the agencies that serve them.
    • ***This course is only available to students completing the entire Vision Specialist certificate program. Registration prerequisites: Students must complete NRTC 6303 and 6323 before registering for NRTC 6313 and 8293.