Orientation and Mobility Specialist Certification

The visual impairment/orientation and mobility programs use a cohort training model. Candidates typically are admitted one time each year. Applications are accepted from September through March, and students begin their training in the first summer session. A limited number of candidates may be approved for admission out of sequence on a case-by-case basis upon review by the program faculty members. In order to be admitted to the vision impairment program, a prospective student must complete the following steps:

Complete an SFA Office of Research and Graduate Studies application indicating intention to pursue a graduate degree. Apply online at applytexas.org/adappc/gen/c_start.WBX.
Complete the visual impairment/orientation and mobility program application, available at sfasu.edu/visual-impairment.
Provide three letters of recommendation, one from a direct supervisor in applicant’s current position.
Submit a three-to-five page paper distinctly describing: the applicant’s philosophy of education, understanding of the role of the teacher of the visually impaired or certified orientation and mobility specialist, and reasons for pursuing the field of visual impairment as a degree and/or career change.
Have an overall GPA of 2.75 or better, or a 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of work completed.
GRE is not required.

Requirements

Certification as an orientation and mobility specialist by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals requires:

completion of all program courses: SPE 500 (six hours), SPE 515 , SPE 516 , SPE 518 , SPE 519 , SPE 552 , SPE 593 , SPE 594 , SPE 595 (six hours)
and passage of the ACVREP national certification exam.
No teaching credential is required for COMS certification.

Note: In most cases, candidates cannot begin working as an orientation and mobility specialist until they have completed all program and practicum courses and passed the national certification exam through ACVREP.

Advising

Additional information about the program can be found at http://www2.sfasu.edu/visual-impairment/ and http://www.sfasu.edu/humanservices/123.asp.

Program applicants are encouraged to consult with an adviser in the visual impairment/orientation and mobility program as early as possible in the application process. For information or assistance, please contact our visual impairment/orientation and mobility office at 936-468-1145.