The National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (NRCA) was founded in 1958 as an organization to represent the unique concerns of practicing rehabilitation counselors. Membership then consisted of primarily state/federal vocational rehabilitation employees. Since that time, NRCA has continued to broaden its membership base, and expand benefits to members. Today, NRCA is the largest national organization representing rehabilitation counselors practicing in a variety of work settings: private non-profit agencies, hospital-medical settings, educational programs, private-for-profit businesses, state/federal agencies, private practice, unions, and others.

Purpose

NRCA advances rehabilitation counseling as a profession and dedicates itself to the pursuit of self fulfillment for all persons with disabilities.

Benefits

Affiliation -- Become a member of the largest national organization representing the profession of rehabilitation counseling.

Training -- Numerous training opportunities provided through NRCA's annual Professional Development Symposium, regional and state branches.

Certification Maintenance -- Assistance in a variety of methods for CRC, CIRS, and NCC certification maintenance including pre-approval of programs and assistance with individual applications for attaining credits.

Publications -- Subscriptions to the Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling (published quarterly), and the With One Voice (a quarterly newsletter) to keep you current on issues, approaches to practice, legislation, techniques, and innovations in the field.

Opportunity to Participate -- A flexible national constitution and bylaws allows state and regional branches to meet local needs. NRCA provides opportunities for members to serve as elected officers in their national, regional, and state branches.

Insurance -- Opportunity to enroll in competitively priced programs (e.g., professional liability) available to rehabilitation counselors at low-cost group rates.

Legislative Updates -- A permanent presence in Washington, DC to propose, track, and testify on legislation affecting the profession of rehabilitation counseling. NRCA is active, working with Congress, the Executive Branch, and in the courts on vital issues. Membership dues help with financing this legislative effort, as well as to inform you on how and when to make our opinion count.