FAQs | MS in Mental Health Counseling Program | PCOM
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Frequently Asked Questions 
MS in Mental Health Counseling

For additional information, review the School of Professional and Applied Psychology FAQs, or visit the Admissions FAQ section.

What makes PCOM's MS in Mental Health Counseling program different from other programs?

Our Mental Health Counseling program stands out both locally and nationally in that we are one of a few MS Counseling programs embedded in a medical school. This connection is evident through our Interprofessional Education (IPE) experiences. You will engage in at least four IPEs over the course of your years with us. These IPE experiences involve you having a three hour encounter in which you work collaboratively with a PsyD, PA and DO student.

We also have the opportunity for you to engage in a Standardized Patient (SP) experience.

Mentorship is also something the faculty do above and beyond just advising you. We also assign you a student mentor who is a second year student who meets with you to help you navigate our program.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Usually two years if attending full time, three years if attending part time.

What time of day are classes generally held?

Most classes are scheduled from 5:15-8:45 p.m., and meet once a week in the fall, winter and spring terms. A few courses meet on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer courses meet from 5:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. two times per week for six or seven weeks. We also offer a few hybrid and online courses.

What is the success rate of the programs’ graduates on professional licensure examinations?

Over the past five years, our graduates have achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE).

What do students say they like about the programs?

Here are a few comments from our students:

  • “I appreciated the support and mentoring shown by my professors.”
  • “My practicum experience made me marketable to reputable and clinically relevant mental health agencies.”
  • “My training at PCOM (specifically through STEPPS, the Standardized Training and Evaluation of Psychologists and Psychotherapists program) helped me to achieve my dream job in the field of child trauma years earlier than I ever thought possible.”

How do I complete the Pennsylvania licensure requirements after I complete the MS degree?

Any student who wants to be licensed in the state of Pennsylvania must complete a 60 credit-hour M.S. degree, pass a licensure examination and complete at least two years of 3,000 hours of supervised work experience (i.e., a paid position). Licensure requirements often differ by state. For more information on licensure requirements for professional counseling in all 50 states, visit Counseling.org - American Counseling Association.

Do I have to take the MAT or GRE?

Neither MAT or GRE scores are required for admission.

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