The training usually combines classroom instruction, research, and hands-on learning experiences. Licensure requirements differ by state, but states generally require a bachelor’s or a master’s degree to become an addiction counselor. Most states require a license and a master’s to work with clients independently. Substance use counseling programs in Pennsylvania look closely at addiction behavior and how professional counselors assist clients on the road to recovery.
- Keep in mind that you also need a license to practice independently as an addiction counselor, and many programs work with state boards to help you complete licensure requirements during your studies.
- While substance abuse counseling is niche, some programs may provide concentrations or specializations to help you align your studies with specific career goals.
- By earning your online substance abuse counseling degree, you’ll put yourself in a great position to provide entry-level services.
- The BLS notes that human service assistants with high school diplomas, for instance, tend to do more menial work, like helping clients complete paperwork.
- According to the same government data, the lowest 10% of earners in this field made less than $34,580, while the top 10% earned more than $82,710.
Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees
This certificate also meets the educational content requirements for most states in the U.S. Please visit our professional licensure page for the most up-to-date information on requirements for licensure in your state. Substance abuse counselors must be good listeners with strong empathy and the ability to set boundaries.
Select a Program
Almost all programs include internship requirements to provide aspiring addiction counselors with supervised practicum experiences in agencies, hospitals, and rehabilitation clinics. You must graduate from an accredited program to apply for state licensure or professional certifications. The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) is the primary accreditation organization for bachelor’s programs in addiction recovery. NASAC accreditation demonstrates that your program meets academic and industry standards.
College can be more affordable than you think
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents. View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home. Some of the top-paying states for substance use counselors include Alaska, Utah, District of Colombia, New Jersey, and New York, according to the BLS. You can help people achieve their goals and improve their lives with a bachelor’s in counseling. You’ll learn to compare psychological theories, solve problems, analyze psychological research, and understand human behaviors.
Students explore treatment plans, patient advocacy, pharmacology, and foundational principles of psychology and sociology. Armed with a passion for helping others and a non-judgmental approach, substance abuse counselors are a vital resource in addressing the epidemic of addiction and overdose deaths in the United States. Alternatively, you might pursue clinical licensure through an addictions or counseling master’s degree program. People with addictions and substance use disorders need the help of trained professionals to overcome their reliance on drugs or alcohol. You may use a master’s in psychology degree to work one-on-one with people with addictions and their families in non-licensure settings. You might also supervise case managers or social workers in a mental health or rehabilitation facility.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Counseling Program
Students who want to focus on helping people with drug and alcohol addictions can enroll in UC’s online BS in substance abuse counseling. The degree offers a research-oriented program that students can enroll in either full- or part-time. Graduates may qualify for licensure as an addictions counselor in Ohio and some other states. With a large deficit in education and training in the field of addiction substance abuse counseling psychology, less than 20% of those in need receive any treatment. Aiming to create more qualified professionals in the field, the online master’s degree in addiction studies gives you the education and training needed to treat addiction. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of addiction counselors is expected to grow 23% from 2020 to 2030, which is a much quicker rate than other occupations.
What program are you interested in?
Research schools and programs
Required Documents
- With this training, you can go on to work as a licensed addiction counselor where you can treat clients in private practice.
- UC and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- You’ll usually apply to online programs between November and February for the following year’s autumn term.
- Northwestern State University is a private university in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
- Many bachelor’s degrees in substance abuse counseling don’t leave room for specialization, so you might use your master’s degree as an opportunity to focus on a specialty.
- Work-study programs can help students earn money while gaining valuable experience on campus.
