Counseling Cert/Dip/Assoc/Bachelors..

Hey Gang!

My wife is scratching her plans to pursue her RN's due to Nova Scotia / Atlantic Canada's unwillingness to progress into the 21st Century ( they will _not_ accept any DL degree, not Associates or otherwise to let her sit for the RN's and she doesn't want to spend 4 years at a B&M school to get it ), but I won't go into that topic...

She is thinking about pursuing a Career in counseling instead - perhaps she can use this in conjunction of being an RNC ( Reg'd Nutritional Consultant ).

Would anyone have recommendations on what school to attend and wether to pursue a Certificate, Diploma or Associates Degree which leads into a Bachelors (RA schools only please - it may make selecting a grad school easier down the road) ?

Any and all hints/tips/recommendations appreciated.

BM

 

The only regionally accredited distance learning associate's in counseling I am aware of is Southwest Assemblies of God University www.sagu.edu/sde .

 

Hi - Since you live in Canada, why not check out Athabasca University? http://www.athabascau.ca

Athabasca recently received RA from Middle States.

They offer a three and four year Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program. Both programs are available through online or distance learning.

Three Year BA Psychology program
http://www.athabascau.ca/programs/outcomes.php?program=ba3psyc

AND

http://www.athabascau.ca/calendar/page03_04_09.html

Four Year BA Psychology program
http://www.athabascau.ca/programs/outcomes.php?program=ba4psyc

AND

http://www.athabascau.ca/calendar/page03_05_10.html

I'm not sure what kind of educational background is required to become a counselor in Canada, but Athabasca does list this occupation as a possibility under "Possible Career Options".

Note: Both programs offer Counseling electives.

Good luck!

- Tom

 

Re: Re: Counseling Cert/Dip/Assoc/Bachelors..

The SAGU counseling programs have a decidedly biblical approach, context, viewpoint and perspective. Biblical/Christian/Pastoral counseling is not the same thing as the kind of usually-secular counseling -- be it psychological or otherwise -- that most people think of or expect when they seek counseling services. It's just my opinion, but trying to pass off Christian/Biblical/Pastoral counseling as true psychological counseling is both irresponsible and potentially dangerous. But, again... that's just my opinion.

As Ted correctly points out, BlueMason, tegionally-accredited, distance learning (DL) associates degrees, certificates or diplomas in counseling are difficult to find. What she's looking for, I think, is something like this program. You should inquire of Dr. Wolfe and see if any or all of it may be done via distance learning.

An associates in "human services" (not to be confused with "human resources") or "social services" would also make some sense for her. I believe that at least one of the so-call "big three" in distance learning -- TESC (which is regionally-accredited -- offers such degrees.

The University of Alaska Southeast used to have a fully DL "Associate of Applied Science in Human Services Technology" (or something like that) which, despite having "technology" in its title, indeed prepared the student for a variety of helping services employment and additional degree work. You might want to see if they still offer it. I think they also offer a "Bachelors in Social Work" or something like that... also fully DL. I'm just going from memory, though. Those program may or may not still exist. Check it out.

And, of course, there's a DL associates program in human services at one of my old favorites, St. Joseph's College of Maine that you should definitely take look at.

I'm hot on the trail of some others, but I have an appointment right now. Maybe I'll circle back and find more later.

 

In my own opinion, if your wife fully intends on ontaining a grad degree then it is more important that she gain a good balance in her earlier educational pursuits. An Associates degree in Liberal Studies/General Studies would do her well. A Bachelors degree in Psychology is at least as useful as one in Counseling if the goal is a Masters program in Counseling or somesuch. Overall, it's more important to get good grades than it is to have a specific degree. She should study what is of interest to her and not adhere to some alleged formula for success. Good luck.
Jack