How to Become a School Counselor

How to Become a School Counselor

The K-12 education system has an immense effect on students’ lives. Whether you’re a student, teacher or counselor, your role is critical in ensuring children receive the guidance they need to reach their full potential.

Are you thinking, “How do I break into a career as a school counselor?” To achieve success in this rewarding field, you need an advanced degree and extensive experience working in counseling settings. Fortunately, there are multiple paths to take in order to begin your journey towards this rewarding profession.

Begin your career in counseling by earning a bachelor’s degree in either psychology or education. This will provide you with the foundational knowledge to pursue a master’s degree in counseling, such as GMercyU’s online master’s in school counseling program.

At the graduate level, you’ll spend two to three years completing coursework and internship or practicum experiences. Upon graduation, you must take the required exams in your state’s certification exam to become certified.

Once your certification is obtained, you’ll collaborate with your employer to find an ideal position within a local school district. Most schools provide job search resources to help locate openings near you and many programs provide career counseling to prepare you for the job market.

Maintain your credentials by taking continuing education courses and maintaining active certification with your state’s education board. Check for any licensure requirements in place, then adhere to them accordingly.