Program Overview
Mental health and substance abuse disorders frequently occur together, and counselors need specialized education to help those who struggle with addiction. The the George Williams School of Social Work at Aurora University’s online Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification program gives students the skills to become licensed and advance as certified alcohol and drug counselors, case workers, children’s services personnel, policy advocates, program managers, specialized social workers, and more. Graduates can take the Illinois Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) exam for state licensure.
The ICB-accredited certification in alcohol and drug counseling can be completed as a standalone program, or students can apply their coursework and field hours to AU’s CSWE-accredited online MSW degree.
Curriculum Overview
The Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification includes three online courses, and faculty members teach each class with real-world experience.
Required field placement allows students to gain hands-on experience that prepares them for professional addictions and counseling careers. Most students complete their field hours at their current workplace or at a local facility that is convenient for them.
Get StartedProgram Details
- Next Start Date:May 8, 2023
- Est. Program Length:varies
- Credit Hours:15
- Course Length:8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$618
- SWK5420 Addictions Counseling I – 3 hours
- SWK6340 Psychopharmacology of Substance Abuse Disorders – 3 hours
- SWK6400 Addictions Counseling II – 3 hours
- SWK 6675 Advanced Field Instruction Addictions I – 3 hours
- SWK 6676 Advanced Field Instruction Addictions II – 3 hours
Course details are based on information available at the time of publication. Specific program requirements are subject to change.
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board and other rates.
- A completed application for admission.
- Official transcripts. Students must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student’s professional and/or academic abilities.
- A curriculum vitae or detailed résumé that includes work experience, educational background, professional experience, professional activities, honors, publications and/or presentations, and other relevant information relating to the applicant’s leadership background.
- A completed background check. (The applicant must pay for this).
Information About State Licensure
All AU Online students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU Online uses Moodle to host its online classes.
The certified alcohol and drug addiction counselor online program does not accept transfer credits.
Online Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification Career Outcomes
- Certified alcohol and drug addiction counselor
- Executive director of social services
- Forensic social worker
- Hospice social worker
- International social worker
- Mental health social worker
- Occupational social worker
- Policy analyst
- Private practice therapist
- Program manager
- School social worker
- Substance abuse counselor
Next Steps
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