Closure rates and counselor education: An exploration of why counselors with MRC degrees do not have better client outcomes than other master\u27s-level counselors

Background: Research shows counselors with a master\u27s degree in rehabilitation counseling (MRC) do not have different closure rates than counselors with other master\u27s (OM) degrees that are in rehabilitation-related disciplines. Objective: To explore reasons for the lack of differences by comparing MRC and OM counselors on amount of pre-service training in job-related areas (Aim 1), perceptions of preparedness for work (Aim 2), time spent performing job-related activities (Aim 3), and through open-ended responses regarding education and work environment (Aim 4). Methods: Counselors (53 MRC, 27 OM) completed an online survey assessing pre-service training, perceptions of preparedness, and time spent preforming job-related activities. Results: Aim 1: MRC counselors reported more training in five areas (p-values\u3c0.001), but not in nine others. Aim 2: MRC counselors felt more prepared for their jobs (p = 0.001). Aim 3: No differences were found regarding time spent performing job-related activities. Aim 4: Responses suggested similar closure rates might stem from high administrative work strain, low client motivation, unavailability of jobs, impact of on-the-job experience, and closure quota demands. CONCLUSIONS: MRC-OM closure rate similarities are not due to inadequate MRC training, low feelings of preparedness for work, or MRC-OM differences in job-related activities; in fact, they may be due to factors unrelated to a counselor\u27s education