How to Become a Nebraska School Counselor

Where are you on your quest to become a Nebraska School Counselor?

• I’m a High School Graduate…
• I have already earned a college degree…
• I’m a certified counselor from another state…

Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Nebraska. Some of the information below may be subject to change. In order to make sure you have the most current information, please feel free to contact your school counseling education program advisor or contact the Nebraska Department of Education licensing department at (402) 471-0739.

I’m a High School Graduate…

As a high school graduate already beginning research on the Nebraska school counselor career, you are way ahead of the game. However, you need to carry that motivation and maturity with you for the next few years. Presently you are in a great position to become intimately involved with the field of education before committing yourself to the particular Nebraska school counseling career.

The following are recommended steps to help you learn how to begin earning your post-secondary education as well as learn whether a career in education is right for you.

Step One:

Gather information from schools offering associate degree programs or bachelor degree programs in psychology, counseling or any type of program you are currently interested in. It is not imperative you enroll in a counseling program at this point. The only necessity is that you begin earning your associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.

Step Two:

A great way to find out if you are interested in a social service type of career, like school counseling, is to find volunteering organizations who work with children or young adults. The following are links to organizations who can place you in volunteering positions across the state of Nebraska:

• Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters – Lincoln, Nebraska
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Omaha, NE
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Island, NE
• Nebraska School Districts and Links to Schools
  • Click on the link associated with the ESU (or Educational Service Unit) closest to you. You will be taken to the district’s website where you will be able to find associated schools. Contact these schools or districts to find out if there are any opportunities for a high school graduate who is wishing to enter the field of education.

Roll with your current momentum. Contact volunteering organizations or local schools to find opportunities to learn more about the field of education and school counseling. Finally, make sure you learn more about associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree programs that are available to you.

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I have already earned a college degree…

The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in Nebraska:

Step One:

Fulfill educational requirements through the following avenue:

• • Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling
    
    
  • Or find more school counseling programs in Nebraska here.

Step Two:

Nebraska school counseling certification experience requirements state you must have two years of teaching experience, 100 clock hours of clinical experience and 450 clock hours of internship experience.

Step Three:

Follow the instructions on the following webpage and download the certification application. In the instructions, you will be told how to complete a background check, forward your transcripts and complete all examination requirements.

Nebraska School Counselor certification instructions and application.

Step Four:

Make sure you contact a Nebraska Department of Education representative to make sure you have or are on the path to acquiring the right qualifications for school counseling certification: (402) 471-0739

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I’m a certified counselor from another state…

Currently, Nebraska does not distribute school counseling certification purely through reciprocity agreements. Your credentials, experience, previous examinations, etc. must be evaluated and seen as comparable to Nebraska school counselor certification requirements.

For more information on this process, contact the Nebraska Department of Education at the following number: (402) 471-0739

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