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How to become a Guidance Counselor?
Share your journey & guide aspiring Guidance Counselors on their path!
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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4 answers
Tracy Reynolds, MS, ASCA
School counselor
2
Answers
Krum, Texas
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
In Texas, a school guidance counselor requires at least two years of teaching. It is under a Master’s program which generally requires a minimum of 60 hours.
To be honest, it is a very rewarding job but extremely hectic. You will not only be responsible for guidance lessons, one on one counseling, and group counseling, you will also be over many other programs which can include MTSS, 504, and testing. This is not discussed in graduate school. You will wear many hats so organization is essential and you need to be prepared to work long hours. There is a lot of computer work so you have to equipped to read data and interpret student needs.
You will also work with CPS and local authorities as well as community members to ensure all students are kept safe and are well informed with life skills.
You have to multitask, make decisions, and problem solve each and every day. Teachers lean and you and depend on you daily for support.
The real world of a school counselor is much bigger than any graduate school program. So multiply your experience by 10 and you will have a good understanding of the load a school counselor carries daily in the school setting.
To be honest, it is a very rewarding job but extremely hectic. You will not only be responsible for guidance lessons, one on one counseling, and group counseling, you will also be over many other programs which can include MTSS, 504, and testing. This is not discussed in graduate school. You will wear many hats so organization is essential and you need to be prepared to work long hours. There is a lot of computer work so you have to equipped to read data and interpret student needs.
You will also work with CPS and local authorities as well as community members to ensure all students are kept safe and are well informed with life skills.
You have to multitask, make decisions, and problem solve each and every day. Teachers lean and you and depend on you daily for support.
The real world of a school counselor is much bigger than any graduate school program. So multiply your experience by 10 and you will have a good understanding of the load a school counselor carries daily in the school setting.
Radha Kanuparthy
quality Analyst
2
Answers
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
Radha’s Answer
Becoming a guidance counselor, also known as a school counselor, typically involves several key steps.
Please note that the exact requirements may vary depending on the state and the level of the school (elementary, middle, high school, or college).
1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree -
The first step towards becoming a guidance counselor is to earn a bachelor's degree. While the specific degree can vary, majors in psychology, education, or a related field can provide a strong foundation.
2. Gain Relevant Experience -
Some graduate programs require prospective students to have experience in a related field. Working in an educational setting or in a role that involves counseling can be beneficial.
3. Earn a Master's Degree -
Most states require school counselors to have a master's degree in school counseling or a related field. These programs often cover topics such as career development, academic advisement, group counseling, and the use of research and program evaluation.
4. Complete a Internship or Practicum-
Many master's programs require students to gain practical experience through an internship or practicum. This allows students to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
5. Obtain Certification or Licensure -
After completing their education, prospective school counselors often need to become certified or licensed to practice in their state. This usually involves passing a state-approved examination.
6. Pursue Continuing Education and Career Development-
Like many other professions, school counselors are often required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure.
Additionally, joining professional organizations and attending conferences can provide opportunities for networking and professional development.
Above all, remember that requirements may vary, so it's important to check the specific licensure requirements in your state.
Please note that the exact requirements may vary depending on the state and the level of the school (elementary, middle, high school, or college).
1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree -
The first step towards becoming a guidance counselor is to earn a bachelor's degree. While the specific degree can vary, majors in psychology, education, or a related field can provide a strong foundation.
2. Gain Relevant Experience -
Some graduate programs require prospective students to have experience in a related field. Working in an educational setting or in a role that involves counseling can be beneficial.
3. Earn a Master's Degree -
Most states require school counselors to have a master's degree in school counseling or a related field. These programs often cover topics such as career development, academic advisement, group counseling, and the use of research and program evaluation.
4. Complete a Internship or Practicum-
Many master's programs require students to gain practical experience through an internship or practicum. This allows students to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
5. Obtain Certification or Licensure -
After completing their education, prospective school counselors often need to become certified or licensed to practice in their state. This usually involves passing a state-approved examination.
6. Pursue Continuing Education and Career Development-
Like many other professions, school counselors are often required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure.
Additionally, joining professional organizations and attending conferences can provide opportunities for networking and professional development.
Above all, remember that requirements may vary, so it's important to check the specific licensure requirements in your state.
Salonda Ezell
Consultant
6
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Salonda’s Answer
For California,
1. You must first achieve your baccalaureate degree (or higher) from a regionally-accredited college or university;
2. You must enroll in a graduate program that culminates in a Pupil Personnel Services, School Counseling Specialization credential; this program must be offered by a CCTC-accredited institution of higher learning;
3. Complete a basic skills requirement; This is typically achieved by passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST);
4. Complete the LiveScan fingerprint process;
5. You will need to successfully complete a practicum with school-aged children (typically volunteer).
Good luck on the journey ahead...
1. You must first achieve your baccalaureate degree (or higher) from a regionally-accredited college or university;
2. You must enroll in a graduate program that culminates in a Pupil Personnel Services, School Counseling Specialization credential; this program must be offered by a CCTC-accredited institution of higher learning;
3. Complete a basic skills requirement; This is typically achieved by passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST);
4. Complete the LiveScan fingerprint process;
5. You will need to successfully complete a practicum with school-aged children (typically volunteer).
Good luck on the journey ahead...
Kyra Weisel
Financial and Advisory Crisis & Resilience Consulting
2
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Kyra’s Answer
Hello! This is a great question. In order to become a college guidance counselor, you must first go through some form of schooling whether that be a bachelor degree or a master's degree. Additionally, a college guidance counselor must be prepared to be able to assist students in the following ways:
- Responding to inquiries from prospective students about the college or university you represent
- Offering therapeutic sessions for students grappling with personal issues or giving them outside options / resources
- Facilitating support groups for students dealing with similar problems
- Guiding students in formulating and realizing their personal, academic, and career objectives
- Organizing community outreach initiatives
- Handling pertinent paperwork and other administrative tasks
- Referring students to social services or supplementary resources
The specifics may vary depending on the kind of college guidance counselor role you aspire to. However, the most crucial aspect to be ready for as a guidance counselor is the ability to help students navigate their educational and career paths, as well as guiding them in planning their post-college life.
- Responding to inquiries from prospective students about the college or university you represent
- Offering therapeutic sessions for students grappling with personal issues or giving them outside options / resources
- Facilitating support groups for students dealing with similar problems
- Guiding students in formulating and realizing their personal, academic, and career objectives
- Organizing community outreach initiatives
- Handling pertinent paperwork and other administrative tasks
- Referring students to social services or supplementary resources
The specifics may vary depending on the kind of college guidance counselor role you aspire to. However, the most crucial aspect to be ready for as a guidance counselor is the ability to help students navigate their educational and career paths, as well as guiding them in planning their post-college life.