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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.

Key Benefits

  • Three of these courses, offered through the College of Education, can also be taken individually.
  • These courses may be transferable to master’s programs in rehabilitation counseling offered at other universities.

How to Register

  1. Begin the registration process here: Graduate Student Registration Instructions | The Graduate School - Mississippi State University
  2. You will need to submit official transcripts from all prior university programs during registration.
  3. Additionally, you will need to submit a letter of interest/statement of purpose indicating your intent to complete the Vision Specialist coursework.
  4. For assistance with this process, contact the Graduate Registration Office:
    1. Phone: 662-325-7400
    2. Email: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu

Important Notes

  • If you wish to complete the certificate program only and are not currently enrolled in another MSU program, you will need to register as an unclassified student.
  • If you are currently enrolled in the College of Education Rehabilitation Counseling Program, you can take these courses as required elective credits or dual enroll to complete the full certificate program.

Learn More

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. 

Hear from a Former Student

Check out our course descriptions below and register to take a course today! 

  • NRTC 6303 Rehabilitation of Persons Who are Visually Impaired (spring term) 
    • 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 (summer term)
    • 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 (fall term) 
    • 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 (Fall term - only available for students enrolled in the full certificate program.)
    • 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.