The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is an autonomous organization established under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It was formed in 1986 to regulate and monitor services given to persons with disability, to standardize syllabi, and to maintain a Central Rehabilitation Register of all qualified professionals and personnel working in the field of Rehabilitation and Special Education.
The Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992
The Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992 is a significant piece of legislation that governs the functioning and operations of the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Enacted by the Parliament of India, the RCI Act aims to regulate and promote the rehabilitation and welfare of persons with disabilities in the country. The Act was amended by Parliament in 2000 to make it more broad-based.
The RCI Act provides a legal framework for the establishment and functioning of the Rehabilitation Council of India as an autonomous body. The RCI Act mandates the registration and certification of rehabilitation professionals, ensuring that they meet the prescribed qualifications and standards of competence. It also empowers the council to undertake inspections, inquiries, and disciplinary actions to maintain the integrity and quality of rehabilitation services provided by professionals in the country.
Purpose
The Rehabilitation Council of India maintains a Central Rehabilitation Register of all licensed professionals engaged in the practice of Rehabilitation and Special Education and standardizes curricula.
One of the Council’s primary duties is to standardize the training courses for different categories of professionals and personnel to guarantee the provision of high-quality services to those with disabilities, disadvantaged, and special education requirement communities.
Objectives
- To regulate the training policies and programs in the field of rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
- To bring about standardization of training courses for professionals dealing with persons with disabilities and special education.
- To prescribe minimum standards of education and training for various categories of professionals/ personnel dealing with people with disabilities.
- To maintain the Central Rehabilitation Register for the registration of professionals/ personnel.
- To register personnel working in national institutes and apex institutions on disability under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
- To promote research in Rehabilitation and Special Education.
- To collect information on a regular basis on education and training in the field of rehabilitation of people with disabilities from institutions in India and abroad.
Types of Courses Regulated are:
They recognize institutions/ organizations/ universities running courses in the field of rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
• Bachelor's degree
• Master’s degree
• P.G. Diploma
• Diploma
• Certificate courses
Registration and Licensing of Professionals:
The following fields of professional categories are eligible to apply for RCI’s accreditation program.
- clinical psychology
- rehabilitation psychology
- prosthetics and orthotics
- speech and hearing
- hearing impairment
- visual impairment
- intellectual and developmental disability
- locomotor and cerebral palsy
- autism spectrum & disorder
- learning disability
- rehabilitation therapy, and career counseling
Role of RCI in Clinical Psychology in India
Clinical psychologists in India are required to obtain registration and licensing from the RCI to practice professionally. This registration process involves meeting the educational qualifications and training requirements as specified by the RCI.
The RCI is responsible for accrediting educational institutions that offer clinical psychology programs in India. These programs need to meet specific criteria and standards set by the RCI to ensure quality education and training in the field.
The RCI provides guidelines for the development of the curriculum and syllabus for clinical psychology programs. It ensures that clinical psychology programs in India offer comprehensive and standardized education that aligns with the professional standards and expectations of the field.
Become an RCI Licensed Clinical Psychologist in India
The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is the governing body for the recognition of rehabilitation professionals, including psychologists. To become an RCI-licensed psychologist, you need to meet their requirements. These requirements may include specific educational qualifications, practical experience, and passing the RCI licensing examination.
Firstly, one must have a master’s in psychology degree, and then here is a list of courses mentioned below that are approved by RCI, after completion of the any of below courses you will get a license from RCI, and you can start your practice as a Clinical psychologist in India.
- Phil in Clinical Psychology
- D. in Clinical Psychology
- Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology
Only RCI-accredited institutions are acceptable for applications from candidates interested in pursuing any course in the field of clinical psychology. Any degree or certificate obtained after finishing a course or training at an institution not recognized by the RCI is invalid for practice or employment. A list of authorized colleges and courses is released in the press each year by RCI.
Lastly, you can also visit the RCI website (www.rehabcouncil.nic.in) for the most up-to-date information on the licensing process and eligibility criteria.
Source: Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
Blog By : DEEBHA SITHTA
