It’s Not Too Late to Start Fresh.
Whether you’ve worked in HR, healthcare, education, or something totally different, school counseling is a meaningful career that values your life experience. You don’t need to be a teacher first. You can go back to school (even part-time or online). And yes, there’s a clear path you can follow to become a counselor.
In fact, many successful counselors started in entirely different fields. What they had in common wasn’t a background in education- it was a desire to help others, strong communication skills, and the courage to start over. With flexible programs, financial aid options, and growing demand in schools and communities, now is a great time to turn that “what if” into a real plan.
How to Become a School Counselor
Remember, everyone has their own journey and path, so there’s no one single answer on how to do this. However, based on previous experiences and real life stories, we summarized a quick roadmap for career changers looking ot make a transition to counseling.
Get your Bachelor’s Degree – Any major works! Psychology, Education, or Social Work are helpful, but not required. Your experience and the next steps are the most important part of your new journey.
Explore Entry-Level Jobs – You can try roles like teacher’s aide or crisis hotline worker. You can also try jobs where you work closely with children or teens. These positions offer valuable experience and insight into the educational environment, which can be advantageous when transitioning into school counseling.
Get a CACREP-Accredited Master’s in Counseling.
Get Licensed or Certified
Online & Flexible Programs for Career Changers
Online counseling programs have become an increasingly popular and practical option for adult learners, especially those balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. These programs offer flexibility that allows students to complete coursework on their own schedule, often with asynchronous classes, meaning you can study when it’s most convenient. Many online programs are designed with career changers in mind, providing accelerated tracks, internship placement support, and curriculum that builds on prior life and work experience. Reputable institutions now offer fully accredited online counseling degrees—some even with CACREP accreditation—which means students receive the same high-quality education as traditional in-person programs. Additionally, online learning often opens up access to schools that may not be physically nearby, giving students more options to find a program that fits their goals and budget.
We’ve researched programs that are online, flexible, and accredited, perfect for working adults.
Check out these options.
Western Governors University
WGU offers 100% online and competency-based programs, making it an ideal option for self-motivated learners who want to move at their own pace.
Arizona State University
ASU Online is one of the top-ranked online universities in the U.S., ASU offers graduate programs in education and behavioral health that can serve as a stepping stone to counseling careers.
University of Southern California
The USC Rossier School of Education offers an online Master of Education in School Counseling that is CACREP-accredited and designed for working professionals.
Find a program today
💡 Insider Tips & Resources
We’ve got you covered with advice and resources to guide you on your journey.
🎓 “Grow Your Own” Scholarship Programs
Some school districts offer “grow your own” programs to recruit and fund local talent for school counseling roles. These often cover tuition costs and are designed to boost diversity and meet staffing shortages.
👉 Pro tip: Contact your local education service center or school district to ask if they offer one.
💻 Online & Flexible Master’s Programs
If you’re working or caring for a family, look for CACREP-accredited online programs that allow you to complete your practicum hours locally.
🧰 Tools to Plan Your Journey
- State-by-State Licensure Map: Check requirements in your state through ASCA’s list of credentialing authorities.
- Job Boards:
- SchoolSpring
- EdJoin (especially helpful for California-based positions)
You’re Not Starting Over. You’re Building on Everything You’ve Done.
Your life experience, empathy, and work skills make you a strong candidate for school counseling. Whether you’ve worked in another field, raised a family, or supported others in your community, you bring a unique perspective that can make a real difference in people’s lives. The path to becoming a counselor is open to you, and we’re here to help you take the next step with clear guidance, trusted resources, and encouragement along the way.