There isn’t a day that goes by in a substance abuse counseling career where you don’t lean on your training. And that means there will never be a moment where you second guess your decision to get the very best training available to you.
The importance of getting a strong foundation in the essential skills needed to treat people with complex, multi-drug addictions, co-occuring disorders, and challenging life circumstances starts right at the beginning of your education. While you may eventually work your way up to more advanced degrees and more powerful licenses, everything you learn later will rest on what you learned first.
For many addiction counselors across the country, that comes through either a basic certificate program or two-year Associate of Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling.
How We Went About Selecting the Very Best Addiction Counseling Certificate and Associate Degrees in the Country
From coast-to-coast, every single state-level licensing body or professional certification board offers addiction counseling credentials that either outright require the kind of undergraduate education you get from a certificate or associate degree, or at the very least, builds on it. So you had better believe there are a lot of schools out there offering these program— almost 290 of them, in fact.
We looked at every last one of them.
Along the way, we developed a pretty good idea of what makes substance abuse counseling education great. No matter where they are, we noticed a few things about the ones that consistently come out on top:
The Best Schools Always Have the Best Instructors
When it comes to education, how much you learn often comes back to who you are learning it from. Instructors need to care about you and your progress. And they need to have a strong personal command of the material.
That’s exactly what you will find in these schools. With teachers who have often been through the gritty reality of substance abuse counseling themselves, you can tell two things:
- They are people who care enough to keep going, and to ensure every single one of their students masters the material they are teaching
- They have seen first-hand how to apply that knowledge and skill in the real-world
The Best Substance Abuse Counseling Programs Invest in Student Success
For a school to make our list, something similar has to happen at the organizational level, too. Any school that goes the extra mile to make sure you have the academic and advisory resources you need to make the grade got our attention.
That is illustrated through low student-to-faculty ratios, dedicated Student Success Labs, and academic counselors who take a personal interest in your class schedule and achievements. These are schools that have a strong academic legacy and give students the resources necessary to keep it going.
The Best Programs Have Great Connections at Both the Academic and Community Level
An associate degree could very well be the last stop you take in higher education. But just as often, it’s the first step on a longer path to bachelor’s or even graduate-level education. For you, that decision might simply come down to the credentialing requirements and hierarchy in your state. But if you’re going on to a bachelor or higher degree, that process can be made easier with an associate program at a schools that has seamless transfer agreements in place with four-year universities in the state. Though these kinds of transfer agreements are less common in states that don’t have bachelor’s-level credentials, they are not unheard of.
But having strong connections doesn’t come down to transfer agreements alone. And even at the certificate level, relationships are important. So we also gave attention to schools that have ties to addiction counseling organizations in the local communities. Your ability to gain some real-world experience through meaningful field-work placements during the program, and the potential for networking and job recommendations as graduation approaches will set the stage for future success.
The Best Programs Produce Graduates Who Go On to Become Leaders in the Field
Okay, it might seem a bit circular, but the fact is that the number one indicator of a quality substance abuse education can be seen in the success of its graduates. That’s not something that goes unnoticed in the addiction treatment community. So it’s a good sign for these schools that their post-graduation employment rates are high, and that their students have a strong reputation in the industry for effective therapy and commitment to their clients.
High graduation rates are also a good sign, since they show that the schools is making every effort to provide students the support and resources they need to meet their high educational standards.
Your Own Pick For the Right Substance Abuse Associate or Certificate Program Will Be Based on the Details
As many excellent schools as we identified here, the reality is that some will be a better fit than others for any given student. Every student comes in with their own strengths, their own interests, their own motivations. The truth is that the perfect fit for you may be sub-optimal for someone else.
So we have also gone the extra mile to give you enough information to identify which of these schools genuinely has that perfect fit for your goals.
For starters, because each state has unique criteria for their certification or licensing process for substance abuse counselors, it only makes sense to organize our list state-by-state. So you can find something that is in your area and is most likely to meet certification standards in your state. Not every state has a school that made the cut.
Beyond the criteria we use to evaluate each school, we also go into detail about what helped each one stand out from the pack. Whether that’s a particularly low student-to-teacher ratio, transfer agreements with stand-out four-year universities, or a pattern of excellence in a particular instructional format, you will get why they grabbed our attention.
We round all that out with a little thumbnail about the program and other notable accomplishments, relationships, or advantages. If you want a sense of what you will get out of a first-rate certificate or associate program, you’ll see it here.
Editor’s Choice for the Very Best Associate and Certificate Programs in Substance Abuse Counseling in the Nation
Whether you plan to make a career out of addiction counseling in the first tier of treatment options, or hope to eventually move up with more education and more advanced therapy skills, any one of these programs will give you the best shot—and give your patients the best chance of a full and lasting recovery.
California
San Bernardino Valley College
Division of Social Sciences Human Development, Kinesiology and Health, Department of Human Services
San Bernardino, CA
Website
Certificate of Achievement in Addiction Studies (on-campus)
- Outstanding student resources and services available through the Academic Success center – academic support, tutoring, and supplemental instruction available
- Streamlined pathway – meets the educational requirements necessary for CAADE certification in California
Are you ready to become part of the rewarding helping professions? Then San Bernardino Valley College’s Certificate of Achievement in Addiction Studies is the program for you! This vocational certificate prepares students to become competent professionals in the field of substance abuse intervention and counseling. Accredited by the CAADE, this smooth, direct pathway to a career in SUD counseling provides students with the educational requirements necessary to pursue state certification.
Palo Verde College
Blythe, CA
Website
Certificate of Achievement in Alcohol and Drug Studies (on-campus)
Career Preparation Certificate-Alcohol and Drug Studies Specialist I (on-campus)
Career Preparation Certificate-Alcohol and Drug Studies Specialist II (on-campus)
- Streamlined pathway – Certificate of Achievement meets the educational requirements necessary for CAADE certification in California
- Outstanding student resources and services available through the Student Success Lab – peer and professional tutoring available
Palo Verde College offers three programs in Alcohol and Drug Studies that are designed to prepare you to enter or advance in the rewarding SUD counseling field. The college’s Alcohol & Drug Studies Program offers both a Certificate of Achievement and two Career Preparation Certificates that prepare students to assume entry-level roles in a variety of agencies and organizations focused on the treatment of alcohol and drug use disorders. Choose the Certificate of Achievement in Alcohol and Drug Studies and you’ll meet the educational qualifications necessary for CAADE certification in California. Just some of the courses offered in this exciting course of study include Crisis Intervention, Substance Abuse in Special Populations, Counseling and Interviewing, and Co-occurring Disorders and Chemical Dependency.
Galaxy Medical College
North Hollywood, CA
Website
Associate of Occupational Science in Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (on-campus)
- Superb, student-centered learning environment boasts a low, 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Excellent career counseling and planning services available
- Outstanding graduate job placement rate of 85 percent
The Galaxy Medical College Associate of Occupational Science in Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling is brand new and ready to help you succeed in the exciting and fulfilling SUD counseling profession. This program’s dynamic curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive exploration of individual and group counseling. It also fulfills the educational requirements necessary to become certified through CCAPP. Whether your career goals include working in a treatment center, hospital, outpatient clinic, or residential care facility, Galaxy Medical College’s Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling associate degree is designed with your future in mind. You are sure to love this program’s student-centered learning environment that boasts a low, 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Louisiana
Southern University at New Orleans
College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Social Sciences
New Orleans, LA
Website
AA in Addictive Behaviors Counseling and Prevention (on-campus)
- Also offers: BS in Addictive Behaviors Counseling and Prevention
- College is ranked among the top 10 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
- Provides the ideal foundation to future bachelor’s study
Southern University at New Orleans offers an AA in Addictive Behaviors Counseling and Prevention that meets the educational requirements necessary for counselor in training (CIT) certification with ADRA in Louisiana. With the CIT, you’ll be able to begin working with clients in a variety of inpatient and outpatient agencies and organizations focused on the treatment of substance use disorders. It also serves as an outstanding foundation for future study at the bachelor’s level, including Southern University’s BS in Addictive Behaviors Counseling and Prevention!
Maine
University of Maine at Augusta
Mental Health and Human Services Department
Augusta, ME
Website
Certificate-Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Technician (online)
- Also offers: BS in Mental Health and Human Services-Addiction Counseling concentration, Minor in Addiction Studies, Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders
- Flexible and convenient online format
- Outstanding, 30-plus-year history of providing top-notch online programs
The University of Maine at Augusta offers a Certificate in Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Technician that boasts the flexibility of online study. This exciting program was designed as a collaborative training initiative between the university’s Mental Health & Human Services Program and the University of Maine at Farmington’s Rehabilitation and Human Services Program and is funded through a training grant funded by the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan. Consisting of just ten courses, all of which are delivered through a convenient, online format, this exciting course of study meets the educational requirements necessary for Maine’s Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor designation.
Maryland
Frederick Community College
Frederick, MD
Website
AAS in Addictions Counseling (on-campus)
Addictions Counseling Certificate (on-campus)
- Superb, student-centered learning environment boasts a low, 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Seamless transfer opportunities available – FCC has transfer articulation agreements with many four-year colleges and universities
- Outstanding academic legacy – nearly 30,000 graduates since 1957
Frederick Community College’s programs in Addiction Studies are designed to provide students with the education necessary to pursue state certification and careers in the rewarding SUD counseling field. The AAS in Addictions Counseling meets the educational requirements for Maryland’s Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT) designation, while the Addictions Counseling Certificate is the ideal addition to an associate degree in a human services field. You’re sure to love earning your SUD counseling education through a school that boasts a personalized learning experience via a low, 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio!
Massachusetts
Holyoke Community College
Social Sciences and Integrative Learning
Holyoke, MA
Website
AS in Human Services with an Addiction Studies Certificate included (on-campus, hybrid)
Addiction Studies Certificate (on-campus, online)
AAS program provides seamless transfer opportunities through the Mass Transfer A2B pathway
- Superb, student-Credit for prior learning available for students who have earned two-plus years of professional experience in the human services field learning environment boasts a low, 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Superb, student-centered learning environment boasts a low, 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and plenty of personal attention
- Designated Hispanic Serving Institution
Holyoke Community College offers two programs in Addiction Studies that boast the flexibility of online or on-campus study. The AS in Human Services features an embedded Addiction Studies Certificate that includes the coursework necessary for certification in Maryland as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC). And when you’re ready to move on and earn your bachelor’s degree, you’ll be glad to know that Holyoke has an outstanding track record for transfers to four-year colleges and universities like UMass, Westfield State, Elms, AIC, Mount Holyoke, Amherst, and more.
Michigan
Lake Superior State University
School of Kinesiology and Behavioral Sciences
Marie, MI
Website
Associate in Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (on-campus)
- Also offers: Minor in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Ranked among the top colleges in the nation for veterans by U.S. News & World Report
- Low, student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1 ensures a personalized learning experience
- Outstanding career services and resources available
Lake Superior State University’s Associate in Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment offers a dynamic exploration of the social, psychological, and biological bases of substance abuse, while also arming students with the practical skills needed to become competent substance use disorder counselors. This optimal blend of classroom theory and practical experiences allows students to gain valuable, hands-on training in a variety of settings, including rehab centers, detox programs, halfway houses, correctional facilities, and more. Graduates of this program are prepared to continue their studies at the bachelor’s level, with transfer opportunities to programs in psychology, sociology, or other helping fields.
University of Detroit Mercy
College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Detroit, MI
Website
Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Addiction Studies (on-campus)
- Also offers: Minor in Addiction Studies, Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies, MA in Addiction Counseling, BS in Addiction Studies
- Ranked among the top schools in the nation and second in the state by U.S. News & World Report
- Outstanding, post-graduate success rate of 98 percent
- Superb, student-centered learning environment features a low, 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
The University of Detroit Mercy offers a Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Addiction Studies that serves as the ideal addition to a bachelor’s degree in a related field like psychology, social work, or human services. Consisting of 18 credits, this exciting course of study meets the educational requirements to become a CADC Michigan and prepares students for a variety of jobs in the rewarding SUD counseling field. You’re sure to love studying at a college that’s ranked among the Best Colleges in the country by U.S. News & World Report!
Minnesota
Bemidji State University
Social Work Department
Bemidji, MN
Website
Addictions Certificate (on-campus, online)
- Also offers: Minor in Addiction, BS in Social Work with an Addictions Certificate included
- Flexible design boasts your choice of on-campus or online study
- Small class sizes ensure a quality learning experience – boasts a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Bemidji State University offers an Addictions Certificate – the ideal addition to any degree program that’s offered in a flexible format that includes your choice of on-campus or online study! When combined with a bachelor’s degree, this certificate program meets the educational requirements necessary for LADC licensure in Minnesota. Featuring an ideal blend of classroom theory and practical experiences, including an internship, this program prepares students for immediate entry into the exciting and rewarding SUD counseling field. It also includes licensure preparation to ensure success on the licensure exam. Whether you have a bachelor’s in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a similar human services field, Bemidji’s Addictions Certificate is designed to complement your current education and build upon your skills in addictions counseling.
Metropolitan State University
College of Community Studies and Public Affairs
Saint Paul, MN
Website
Certificate in Substance Use Disorders Counseling (on-campus)
- Also offers: BS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
- Designated Minority-, Asian-, and Native American Pacific-Islander Serving Institution
- Flexible and convenient – most classes are offered in the evening
Metropolitan State University’s Certificate in Substance Use Disorders Counseling is the perfect addition to your current bachelor’s degree and is designed to provide a clear and direct pathway to LADC licensure in Minnesota. You’re sure to love this program’s flexible format that includes courses that are offered primarily in the evening. Metropolitan State’s transfer and articulation agreements with many Minnesota State Colleges and universities ensure that you’ll receive credit for any prior education.
Montana
Salish Kootenai College
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Division
Pablo, MT
Website
AA in Chemical Dependency Counseling (on-campus)
- Serves students from more than 53 North American tribes
- Outstanding, student-centered learning environment boasts a low, 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Prepare to become a SUD counselor on or off the Flathead Indian Reservation
Montana’s Salish Kootenai College is home to an AA in Chemical Dependency Counseling, a two-year course of study that’s designed to prepare students for exciting and fulfilling careers in chemical dependency counseling, whether on or off the Flathead Indian Reservation. This comprehensive program features study in the professional, legal, ethical, and cultural aspects of chemical dependency counseling, which includes clinical evaluation, treatment planning, documentation, referral, service coordination, counseling, client and community education, and more. Choose Salish Kootenai College for your SUD counseling education and you’ll be part of an institution that serves students from more than 53 North American tribes.
Dawson Community College
Glendive, MT
Website
AA in Chemical Dependency Counseling (online)
- Outstanding student resources and services available through the office of Academic and Student Affairs
- Excellent online support available
- Online course delivery boasts superb convenience and flexibility
Dawson Community College’s AA in Chemical Dependency Counseling provides the ideal pathway to becoming a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Montana! This fully online program provides students with outstanding convenience and flexibility. Students can easily transfer to a four-year college or university upon graduation. Whether your goals include earning a bachelor’s degree or immediately entering the field and serving as a competent and compassionate SUD counselor, Dawson Community College’s AA in Chemical Dependency Counseling has what you need to succeed!
Flathead Valley Community College
Social Science Division
Kalispell, MT
Website
AA in Substance Abuse Counseling (on-campus)
- Top-notch career services and resources available by phone, email, or in-person
- Outstanding history of academic excellence – educating the region’s students for nearly 60 years
- Home to small class sizes and a dedicated faculty
Flathead Valley Community College’s AA in Substance Abuse Counseling is where you’ll find a contemporary examination of the field of addictions counseling and a clear pathway to Montana’s LAC designation. This program is ideally designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the SUD counseling profession and in agencies and organizations like inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, detox centers, halfway houses, correctional facilities, and more. The Flathead Valley Community College AA in Substance Abuse Counseling comes complete with everything you need for success in this rewarding and exciting field!
University of Providence
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Great Falls, MT
Website
AA in Addictions Counseling (online)
Post-Bac Addictions Counseling Certificate (online)
- Also offers: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Addiction Counseling concentration, Minor in Addiction Counseling, Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- Fully online program offers unmatched convenience and flexibility
- Superb, student-centered learning environment features a low, 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Esteemed faculty of experienced practitioners bring real-world learning to the classroom
The University of Providence offers two Addictions Counseling programs that are delivered in a convenient, online format and designed for success in Montana’s exciting SUD counseling field. Choose the AA in Addictions Counseling and you’ll earn the education necessary to qualify for LAC licensure in Montana. Or, if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a human services field, the Post-Bac Addictions Counseling Certificate will prepare you with the addictions counseling coursework necessary for licensure. Both are offered as online programs, which make them a fantastic option for busy, working professionals.
New Jersey
Warren County Community College
Professional Studies
Washington, NJ
Website
AS in Addiction Counseling (on-campus)
Certificate in Addiction Counseling (on-campus)
- Seamless transfer opportunities to NJ’s four-year colleges and universities
- Outstanding carer services and resources available – resume help, job searches, career exploration, and more
- Study at the Washington or Phillipsburg location
Warren County Community College’s Addictions Counseling programs provide students with the theory and practical skills necessary to meet the educational requirements for state certification and begin helping people in this richly rewarding field. The Certificate in Addiction Counseling is ideally designed for those who have earned an associate degree or higher in the human services field, while the AS in Addiction Counseling comes complete with the education needed for state certification. And when you’re ready to move on to a four-year college or university, you’ll enjoy a seamless transfer, thanks to the college’s comprehensive transfer services.
Raritan Valley Community College
Humanities, Social Science and Education
Branchburg, NJ
Website
Chemical Dependency Certificate (on-campus)
- Seamless transfer opportunities available to top colleges and universities in New Jersey and across the country – RVCC has more than 90 transfer agreements in place
- Designed Hispanic Serving Institution
- Exciting opportunities to get involved with your peers and community – home to more than 40 cultural, academic, and special interest clubs and organizations
Raritan Valley Community College’s Chemical Dependency Certificate offers a direct pathway to the exciting SUD counseling field. Designed to suit students with or without prior academic experience, this program provides students with a solid, first step toward a profession in addictions counseling as well as future study. Featuring a blend of coursework and practical experiences, graduates of this program can begin working as a counselor intern as they complete an associate degree or higher in the human services field. Students with a master’s degree may also pursue this program to satisfy the educational requirements necessary to become a Licensed Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor in New Jersey.
New York
Suffolk County Community College SUNY
Selden, NY
Website
AAS in Addiction Studies (on-campus)
- Small class sizes (average class size of just 21) ensure a personalized learning experience
- Exciting transfer opportunities to Long Island University and Adelphi University
- Superb, hands-on learning opportunities with a variety of Long Island agencies and organizations
Suffolk County Community College’s AAS in Addiction Studies is your pathway to New York’s CASAC credential and the rewarding field of addictions counseling. Offering an optimal blend of coursework and practical experiences that fulfill the requirements for certification, this exciting course of study is the only one of its kind in Long Island and is ideally designed for transfer to a four-year college or university. Seamless transfer opportunities are available to both Long Island University and Adelphi University! As part of this program, you’ll have access to outstanding, hands-on learning opportunities at agencies and organizations like Bridge Back to Life, Catholic Charities of Long Island, Center for Rapid Recovery, and the County of Suffolk’s Department of Health Services.
Hilbert College
Behavioral Sciences Department
Hamburg, NY
Website
AA in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling (on-campus, online)
- Also offers: BS in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse-Chemical Dependency; option to combine the BS in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse-Chemical Dependency with a Master of Public Administration degree
- Superb record of student success – about 91 percent of all grads are employed or continuing their education
- College is ranked among the top schools in the nation for social mobility by The New York Times
The Hilbert College AA in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling offers a flexible pathway to New York’s CASAC credential and to a fulfilling career in any number of agencies and organizations that offer substance abuse disorder prevention and treatment services. We love this program’s flexible format that features your choice of on-campus or online study, and the esteemed faculty dedicated to your success. You’re also sure to appreciate Hilbert’s intimate learning environment – it’s home to just 800 students! – and its outstanding record of graduate success.
St. Joseph's University, New York
Department of Human Services
Patchogue, NY
Website
Alcoholism and Addictions Counseling Certificate (on-campus, online)
- Can be combined with the school’s BS in Human Services, Health Administration, or Organizational Management
- Flexible format features your choice of on-campus or online study
- Consistently ranked among America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
- Superb, student-centered learning environment boasts a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 12:1
The St. Joseph’s University Alcoholism and Addictions Counseling Certificate boasts a flexible format that includes your choice of on-campus or online study and a comprehensive course of study that prepares graduates for New York’s CASAC certification. We love that this program can be combined with the school’s BS in Human Services, Health Administration, or Organizational Management. In addition to offering a prime, student-centered learning environment that features a low, 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, St. Joseph’s University has long been heralded for its academic excellence by esteemed publications like U.S. News & World Report.
Ohio
Kent State University
College of Education Health and Human Services
Kent, OH
Website
Undergraduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling (on-campus, hybrid, online)
- Also offers: Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling,
- Can be combined with bachelor’s degree programs in fields like Psychology, Health Education and Human Development, Family Studies
- Ranked a Top Public University in the country by U.S. News & World Report
- Flexible format includes your choice of on-campus, online, or partially online study
SUD counseling education doesn’t get any better than this! Kent State University’s Undergraduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling is offered through a nationally ranked university and delivered in a convenient format that features your choice of online, on-campus, or hybrid study. This comprehensive course of study equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to become competent and compassionate licensed addictions counselors. Its design makes it the ideal addition to a variety of Kent State’s health and behavioral health bachelor’s degree programs and also allows career professionals like mental health nurses, rehabilitation counselors, and nurses to specialize in addictions counseling. Choose Kent State and you’ll have the opportunity to study on-site at the Kent or Trumbull campus or through a partially or fully online format.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Humanities and Sciences Division
Cincinnati, OH
Website
Addiction Studies Certificate (on-campus)
- Addiction Studies Certificate can be combined with associate degrees in Human and Social Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Nursing
- Average class size of just 13 ensures a personalized learning experience
- Flexible and convenient – study at the Clifton, Harrison, Evendale, or Middletown campus
If you’re ready for the program that will prepare you for the rewarding SUD counseling field, then look no further than Cincinnati State Technical and Community College’s Addiction Studies Certificate! Ideally designed to prepare students for certification as an Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA), this program offers a clear pathway to an entry-level job in a variety of agencies and organizations aimed at addiction prevention and treatment. Combine this certificate program with an associate degree in an area like human and social services, social work, criminal justice, psychology, or nursing and you’ll fulfill the educational requirements for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDC II) credential!
Oregon
Chemeketa Community College
Human Services
Salem, OR
Website
Addiction Counselor Certification Preparation (on-campus)
- Designed to complement a previously earned bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Designated Hispanic Serving Institution
- Certificate program takes just one year to complete
Chemeketa Community College’s Addiction Counselor Certification Preparation program is an exciting, post-baccalaureate program offered at the college’s Salem campus. This program, which makes a perfect addition to a bachelor’s or master’s degree, comes complete with the coursework and practical experiences necessary to qualify for the Oregon Level I Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) exam. Choose Chemeketa CC for your SUD counseling education and you’ll be ready to make your mark on the rewarding addictions field in just one year!
Pennsylvania
Reading Area Community College
Social Sciences and Human Services Division
Reading, PA
Website
AA in Addictions Studies/Human Services (on-campus, online)
- Partnerships in place for seamless transfer to a four-year college or university
- Convenient and flexible – available as both an on-campus and online program
- Outstanding student support and guidance available through the Career Services office
The Reading Area Community College AA in Addiction Studies/Human Services is your convenient and flexible pathway to a career in the rewarding field of human services and addiction treatment. Available as both an on-campus or online course of study, this program is designed to accommodate the schedules of today’s busy, working professionals. In addition to providing the education necessary to begin working in the SUD counseling field, it serves as the ideal precursor to a bachelor’s degree in the human services field and Pennsylvania’s CADC certification.
Pennsylvania State University
Penn State Abington, Penn State Lehigh Valley
Abington, PA
Website
Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS) Chemical Dependency and Prevention Counseling Certificate (online)
- Also offers: Minor in Addictions and Recovery
- Offered in a convenient and flexible online format
- Ranked among the nation’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
Penn State Abington offers a Rehabilitation and Human Services Chemical Dependency and Prevention Counseling Certificate that serves as an outstanding addition to your degree program or career in mental health, social work, criminal justice, and more. When added to your bachelor’s degree, it also meets the educational requirements necessary for CADC certification in Pennsylvania. This exciting course of study is delivered in a convenient and flexible online format that won’t interfere with your personal and professional obligations. Study at Penn State University and you’ll be part of a renowned university that’s long been ranked among the top in the country.
Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, PA
Website
Addiction Specialist Training Certificate (on-campus)
- Outstanding record of student success – 97 percent of all graduates from the Class of 2023 are either employed or in grad school
- Ranked among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges (first tier) by U.S. News & World Report
- Outstanding, student-centered learning environment boasts a low, 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
The Saint Vincent College Addiction Specialist Training Certificate offers a comprehensive and dynamic examination of the addictions counseling field. Covering topics like counseling theories, the legal rights of clients, and treatment skills like intake, orientation, treatment planning, and case management, this exciting course of study prepares students to become effective, entry-level professionals in a variety of settings like addiction treatment centers, hospitals, outpatient treatment facilities, rehab centers, halfway houses, and more. Combine it with a degree in the human services field and you’ll be ready to pursue the CADC credential in Pennsylvania. You’re sure to enjoy studying at a college that’s known for its personal attention and student-centered learning environment!
South Dakota
University of South Dakota
School of Health Sciences
Vermillion, SD
Website
Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention (online)
- Also offers: Minor in Addiction Counseling and Prevention, BS in Addiction Counseling and Prevention (Treatment Specialization, Prevention Specialization), MA in Addiction Counseling and Prevention (option for Co-Occurring specialization), Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- Esteemed faculty brings 200+ years of combined experience to the classroom
- Home to more than 170 student organizations, including The Coalition of Addiction Students and Professionals Pursuing Advocacy (CASPPA)
- Delivered through a convenient, online format
The University of South Dakota’s Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention is delivered in a convenient, online format and led by a dedicated faculty of practitioners who are committed to your success. Whether your career goals include working in detox units, inpatient and outpatient rehab centers, transitional living centers, or correctional facilities, you’ll be well on your way to a deeply fulfilling career in SUD counseling through the Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention. Graduates of this program can easily apply their credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
Texas
Texas State Technical College
Allied Health
Waco, TX
Website
AAS in Chemical Dependency Counseling (online)
Certificate of Completion in Chemical Dependency Counseling CER1 (online)
Certificate of Completion in Chemical Dependency Counseling CER2 (online)
- Outstanding record of graduate success – 83 percent job placement rate
- Ranked among the top community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute
The Texas State Technical College Chemical Dependency Counseling programs boast the online format that ensures unparalleled convenience and flexibility. Offering a robust course of study that meets the educational requirements for LCDC licensure in Texas, the AAS in Chemical Dependency Counseling is your direct pathway to the exciting and rewarding SUD counseling profession. The certificate programs are also ideally designed to prepare you for counselor intern registration in Texas as you work toward meeting the requirements for licensure. Choose Texas State Technical College and you’ll be part of an institution that’s long been ranked among the top community colleges in the nation!
Del Mar College
Public Service pathway
Corpus Christi, TX
Website
AAS in Addiction Studies in Human Services (on-campus)
- Outstanding record of graduate success – 90 percent of grads are employed or continuing their education
- Ranked among the nation's top 50 higher education institutions granting associate degrees to Hispanic students
- Superb, student-centered learning environment boasts an average class size of just 15 students
The Del Mar College AAS in Addiction Studies in Human Services serves as an outstanding pathway to LCDC licensure in Texas. This comprehensive course of study offers a blend of coursework and practical learning and is ideally designed to prepare students to assume entry-level jobs in the rewarding field of addictions counseling. It’s part of a successful academic legacy that boasts an outstanding graduate employment rate and a student-centered learning environment that includes small class sizes and individual attention from a dedicated faculty.
Saint Edward’s University
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Austin, TX
Website
Certificate in Evidence-Based Addiction Counseling (on-campus)
- Ranked a top university in the West by U.S. News & World Report
- Available to students majoring in psychology, behavioral neuroscience, social work, or sociology
- Home to an esteemed faculty of nationally renowned practitioners and scholars
The Saint Edward’s University Certificate in Evidence-Based Addiction Counseling serves as a clear and comprehensive pathway to Texas’ counselor intern registration and to entry-level positions in the SUD counseling field. As the only program of its kind offered in a four-year university, this certificate features an exploration of gold-standard, evidence-based treatments for addiction, which includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. This program is available to students majoring in psychology, behavioral neuroscience, social work, or sociology.
Washington
Grays Harbor College
Aberdeen, WA
Website
AAS in Human Services-Substance Use Disorder (on-campus)
Certificate of Completion in Substance Use Disorder (on-campus)
- Superb, student-centered learning environment boasts a low, 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Outstanding selection of academic, career, and personal counseling, support, and resources
Grays Harbor College’s Substance Use Disorder programs are designed to position you for success in the rewarding addictions counseling field. The AAS in Human Services – Substance Use Disorder satisfies the educational requirements for SUDP certification in Washington, while the Certificate of Completion in Substance Use Disorder serves as a comprehensive course of study which, when combined with an associate degree or higher, also meets the educational requirements for state certification. Just some of the courses you’ll explore in these programs include Substance Use Disorder in the Family, SUD Case Management and Record Keeping, Law/Ethics & Treatment of Substance Abuse, and Pharmacology of Alcohol/Drugs.
Wisconsin
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University
Human Services
Hayward, WI
Website
Certificate in AODA (Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse) (on-campus)
- Plentiful academic support available
- Study at any of the university’s four locations for maximum convenience and flexibility
- Tribal university serves both Native American and non-native students
The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse is expertly designed to meet the state certification requirements for substance abuse counselor certification in Wisconsin! This comprehensive exploration of the field of SUD counseling explores topics like assessment, professional responsibilities, education, case management and counseling and comes complete with supervised work experience to ensure a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Study at any one of the university’s four locations for maximum convenience and flexibility!