(1) For the purpose of 37-23-202, MCA, a planned graduate program of study is one which requires 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours), primarily counseling in nature, six semester hours (nine quarter hours) of which were earned in an advanced counseling practicum which resulted in a graduate degree from an institution accredited to offer a graduate program in counseling. An institution accredited to offer such a degree program is a college or university accredited by various associations of colleges and secondary schools. The planned graduate program shall be recognized by the department chairman or an equivalent position. The applicant's planned graduate program shall meet the following minimum board requirements:

(a) an identifiable starting date evidenced by a letter of admission to the program, or other similar document;

(b) completion of Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) core courses as evidenced by submission of a summary sheet on education on a form prescribed by the board;

(c) acceptance of a maximum of 12 post-baccalaureate graduate semester (18 quarter) credits or up to 20 semester (30 quarter) credits of a completed graduate counseling degree transferred from other institutions or programs; and

(d) acceptance of credits granted six years or less from the applicant's date of graduation from the planned graduate program.

(2) "Advanced counseling practicum" shall include:

(a) supervision by licensed program faculty to include:

(i) a minimum of 30 hours individual face-to-face consultation and review with supervisor;

(ii) a minimum of 45 hours small group supervisory consultation with supervisor and peers in practicum program;

(b) a minimum of 200 clock hours of service to clients which includes:

(i) a minimum of 80 hours offering face-to-face direct service to individual, family, and group clients;

(ii) an additional 45 hours which may include any of the above plus audio and videotape review, two-way mirror observations, research, writing case notes, collateral contacts, and any other nonspecified activities deemed appropriate by the practicum supervisor to enhance the student's expertise in providing services to the client population.

(3) Notwithstanding the above 60 semester hour requirement, an applicant otherwise qualified for licensure, may apply for licensure if they possess a minimum 45 semester hour graduate degree that is primarily related to counseling and is from an institution accredited to offer a graduate program in counseling, if they complete such additional graduate hours approved by this board as necessary to fulfill the requirements of (1)(a) within five years from the date of review by this board.