College of Health Sciences and Education
For information contact Susan McDonald, PhD
The addictions counseling certificate is designed to prepare graduates to work with the myriad of problems associated with chemical addictions. Substance abuse and addictions are among America’s most devastating and pervasive social ills. Addiction respects neither age nor socioeconomic status and impacts on individuals, employers, families, and friends as well as the interrelationships of our most basic societal institutions. Its effects are also visible within many other social problems including crime, delinquency, and family violence.
A certificate in addictions counseling requires completion of a total of 16 credits in addictions coursework. Graduates of the program will find the certificate beneficial in marketing themselves to potential employers in settings serving the chemically addicted. Completion of the certificate requirements alone, however, does not make one a certified addictions counselor (CAC).
All courses are CAC-approved for 25 hours of required instruction for certified addictions counselors who are seeking re-certification. In addition, courses may be applied toward fulfillment of instructional requirements for the initial CAC certification. As of January 1, 1997, anyone applying for counseling or prevention certification in Pennsylvania must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Completion of this certificate program does not equate to certification.
Students seeking a certificate must notify the director by April 1 or November 1 of the semester in which all course requirements will be completed.
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