Nov 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Alcohol & Drug Counseling Certificate


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Total Credits: 30

Major Code: 8800

Program Description

The Alcohol and Drug Counseling certificate program is designed for students interested in the field of alcohol and drug counseling. The program prepares graduates for the written test which is required for Minnesota state licensure. Earning the 30-credit certificate may be stacked to an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies, allowing the student to practice under a temporary ADC licensure en route to earning a Bachelor’s degree within five years. The written test and application must be satisfied as defined by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy).

The certificate may also be added to a Bachelor’s degree, thereby allowing the graduate to practice upon successful completion of the state licensure exam and approval from the board.

Program Note

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school or educational program is required for licensure. Eighteen semester credits of alcohol and drug counseling academic course work; 880 clock hours of supervised alcohol and drug counseling practicum, and written examina­tion that demonstrates competence in the core functions must also be successfully completed for licensure.

For more information, reach out to the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.

Program Information


Program Goals


Upon completion of the Alcohol and Drug Counseling certificate, graduates will demonstrate achievement of program outcomes by being able to:

  1. Apply and demonstrate competency of counseling services to people with substance abuse disorders, as defined by the 12 core functions;
  2. Apply the established diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder and describe treatment modalities and placement criteria within the continuum of care;
  3. Apply a variety of models and theories of addiction and other problems related to substance abuse;
  4. Demonstrate clinical writing skills for professional documentation;
  5. Apply laws, rules, and ethical guidelines related to the State of Minnesota and the addiction counseling profession; and
  6. Execute two practica (internships) over two academic semesters performing the 12 core functions for a total of 880 hours in clinical practice.

Developmental Courses


Successful entry into this program requires a specific level of skill in the areas of English and Reading. Admission requires an ability to do college level reading and writing as demonstrated by meeting enrollment requirements for ENGL 1121 .

Program Admission & Related Requirements


Clinical/practicum facilities require students to maintain specific requirements to ensure student and client health and safety. Proof that these requirements are met must be furnished by the student and include but are not limited to:

  • A cleared Background Study is required from the State of Minnesota.
  • The college cannot guarantee placement in practicums for students who do not have a clear criminal background check. If you have questions about your eligibility or for more information about the background study process and disqualifying crimes, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services at 651-296-3802.
  • Vaccines and other health and safety related requirements as defined by the practicum sites.

Completion Requirements


  • A minimum of 12 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC.
  • A minimum grade of C must be earned in all program requirements.
  • All course requirements must be complete before a certificate will be awarded.
  • To complete your program, please submit the appropriate application found here.
  • The requirements of this program are subject to change without

Program Sequence


The sequence that follows is suggested for full-time students. Part-time students will need more time to complete this program; many courses are offered in the evening.

Note


This information is subject to change. Changes and updates are posted on anokaramsey.edu.

You are encouraged to contact an academic advisor at 763-433-1230 for course planning assistance, information about transfer credit evaluation, and transfer options.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator and a member of Minnesota State. Disclaimer, Non-Discrimination Statement, and Student Consumer Information, such as graduation rates and median debt, can be found here: AnokaRamsey.edu/disclosures.

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling the Minnesota Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-627-3529.

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