Undergraduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling (California)
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Program Overview
Degree:
Undergraduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling (California)
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
The Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling is designed to meet California state standards for certification of alcohol and drug abuse counselors. This program is approved by CADAC’s education foundation, the California Foundation for Advancement of Addiction Professionals (CFAAP). This program may not meet the requirements for certification in other states.
For complete information on the CADAC certification, or to order a CADAC Handbook visit, www.ccapp.us.
Degree Requirements
To receive the certificate, students must complete at least 45 quarter units, 31.5 of which must be taken in residence at National University and complete a 255 hour practicum experience working with clients at an approved practicum site. Refer to the section on undergraduate admission requirements for specific information regarding application, placement evaluation and matriculation.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
Upon application students must sign the ADC Student Agreement before beginning their coursework. Students must obtain malpractice insurance prior to beginning their work with clients. Students attend live practicum classes one Saturday a month during the seven month clinical practicum at a National University campus. Students must attend live internet class sessions. Students will have their choice of attending either the live internet session or reviewing the recording of the session afterwards. Students must have a headset with a microphone that plugs into the USB port on the computer.
Prerequisites for the Certificate
1 Course
TEVERA Orientation
0.0 Quarter Units
This course identifies the goals of behavioral analysis as a science, explains the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis, describes and explains behavior from the perspective of radical behaviorism and the dimensions of ABA, and distinguishes among the four branches of ABA.
Core Requirements
10 Courses
Introduction to Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of the field of psychology that provides an overview of the scientific principles and theories in psychology. Topics include: biological psychology, abnormal behavior, motivation, emotion, sexuality and gender, and personality theory.
Intro to Substance Abuse
4.5 Quarter Units
Focus on the definitions and diagnostic criteria for substance abuse and dependence, theories of etiology, medical and social model approaches, and the use of 12-step programs as adjuncts to treatment. It introduces the twelve core functions of chemical dependency counseling.
Physiology of Substance Abuse
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSYC 100
A survey of drug classifications and medical complications of their use, and the basic mechanisms of drug absorption, metabolism, distribution and elimination. Mechanisms of tolerance, dependence and withdrawal are emphasized. Also covered is an overview of brain systems involved in drug use, abuse and dependence.
Law and Ethics
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSYC 100
This course explores the ethical and legal issues related to substance abuse counseling. Topics include laws related to confidentiality, mandated reporting, scope of practice, informed consent, and record keeping as well as ethical systems and standards. Students will practice the application of standards in a case study format.
Case Management
4.5 Quarter Units
The 12 Core Functions related to the assessment and management of client progress while in chemical dependency treatment are covered. Skills related to intake assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and developing effective referrals will be taught and practiced. Concepts related to psychoeducation, special populations, prevention, and community outreach will be discussed.
Individual Counseling I
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ADC 205
Focus on the major theories and techniques of substance abuse counseling. Emphasis will be on strategies related to assisting clients in accepting the diagnosis of substance abuse and the early stages of recovery. Considerations for working with special populations will be discussed. Students will use case studies to apply techniques.
Individual Counseling II
4.5 Quarter Units
This course focuses on the application of the counseling techniques learned in ADC 245. Students will be expected to role-play techniques with volunteer(s) in their professional/social environment and submit videos of those sessions for discussion. Discussion of assessment techniques for clients with other psychiatric disorders will be covered.
Group & Family Counseling
4.5 Quarter Units
This course examines group counseling and family systems theories related to working with substance abuse clients and their families. Students will learn the application of these theories through the use of video sessions and case studies.
Personal & Professional Growth
4.5 Quarter Units
This course examines two inter-related concepts of counseling: personal awareness and growth with professional growth. This course is designed to assist students to begin the process of becoming aware of their personal issues and how those may impact their work with clients.
Practicum in Substance Abuse
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: Satisfactorily complete 5 courses in the major and Program lead faculty approval
A two-part field practicum in which students work in an approved practicum site doing 255 hours of substance abuse counseling. They also participate in an academic seminar where they discuss their field work. This course is a minimum of 6 months in length.
Career Outlook
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- $57,239 avg. salary (USA)
- 13,292 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Mental Health
- Social Work
- Behavioral Health
- Psychology
- Treatment Planning
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Elevance Health
- Telecare
- Center For Social Dynamics
- Kaiser Permanente
- Wellpath
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
- Centene
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Establish professional relationships with diverse clients with alcohol and drug abuse and/or dependence issues.
- Demonstrate entry level counseling skills in working with individuals, groups, and families relative to alcohol and drug abuse and/or dependence issues.
- Assess and diagnose clients using DSM IV-TR alcohol and drug abuse and dependence criteria.
- Develop a treatment plan based on a biopsychosocial assessment of the individual’s strengths, weaknesses, problems, and needs.
- Develop case management plans for clients that bring services, agencies, resources, or people together with a planned framework of action.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment approaches.
- Provide client education to individuals, groups, and families on alcohol and drug abuse and dependence.
- Interact with counselors and other professionals in regard to client treatment and services.
- Adhere to established professional codes of ethics and standards of practice.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
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Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
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Class of 2016
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Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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