A career in counseling can be incredibly fulfilling, helping people to navigate the challenges they face in life. It requires a special blend of empathy, active listening skills, and the ability to build trust. Of course, it also requires an in-depth understanding of the human psyche and the latest therapeutic techniques.
If you’re considering such a career, one of the first questions you may ask is whether it’s worth getting a degree. Fortunately, if you start a search online today, you can explore the benefits of having a counseling degree. Plus, you can learn which schools offer the best online programs!
Support Mental Health In Your Community
Looking to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives and contribute to the overall well-being of society? There are few better occupations to choose than a counselor. By providing a supportive environment, you empower your clients to process their emotions and work through their problems. This not only benefits them, but also strengthens their relationships and contributes to the overall health of society.
As a counselor, you have the power to help build resilience and empower individuals to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. While taking an online program can facilitate this dream, a counseling degree offers many other perks as well.
Greater Career Opportunities
A counseling degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities. If you’re interested in counseling in schools, prisons, or mental health clinics, a degree may be a requirement for employment.
Additionally, having a degree in counseling makes you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs. This gives you a marked advantage at the resume stage, not to mention a better chance of landing your dream job. So, let’s take a look at some of the top online degree programs for counseling.
Walden University
Walden University offers a CACREP-accredited online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that prepares students for a variety of counseling careers. The program can be completed in as few as 48 months and includes a clinical practicum and internship experience.
The online format of the program allows students to complete coursework on their own schedule, and from anywhere! This provides students with the flexibility they need to balance their education with their other responsibilities.
Capella University
Capella University’s CACREP-accredited online Master’s program also provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as a professional counselor.
This Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling features a blend of online coursework, a clinical practicum, and an internship. Specialties include Child and Adolescent Counseling, Trauma and Crisis Counseling, and Substance Abuse Counseling.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers an online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that is designed to be small and intimate. This provides students with individualized attention from faculty members and opportunities for one-on-one interaction with their peers.
The university also offers students a range of career services to help them succeed in the job market. These services include job search assistance, resume and cover letter reviews, and interview preparation.
Counselors Are In-Demand
Opportunities are flourishing, especially in the education system and medical industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, counseling jobs will grow steadily over the next decade.
From now until 2030, school counselors are projected to grow by 10 percent, while the employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow 22 percent. Given the need for these roles in society, it’s all the more important to take an online program and increase your earning potential.
Higher Earning Potential
Needless to say, counselors with a degree typically earn higher salaries than those without one. This is because a degree demonstrates a commitment to the field and a level of expertise that is valued by employers.
Although income earned through counseling varies depending on industry and location, you can expect to make an average salary of $49,730 per year (or $25.85 per hour). Having said that, mental health counselors can earn upwards of $60,450 ($31.42 per hour), while school counselors can earn about $63,460 annually ($32.74 per hour).
Additionally, counselors with a degree may have more opportunities for career advancement and specialization. This can also lead to higher earnings over time.
A Career That Pays Off In More Ways Than One
A degree in counseling offers numerous benefits to individuals and society as a whole. Whether you’re looking to make a difference in the world or build a rewarding career, a degree in counseling is a smart investment that pays off in many ways.
With the demand for qualified counselors growing, graduates of these online counseling programs have excellent job prospects and earning potential. Additionally, a degree in counseling prepares them for a variety of counseling careers and equips them with the skills and knowledge to succeed. So, why not take the next step in your career development today?
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