Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Post Master's Certificate
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Addiction Counseling Post Master’s Certificate Overview
Purdue University Northwest’s 18-credit hour addiction counseling certificate provides a broad foundation in current research and practices relevant to working in substance abuse treatment settings and with clients with substance abuse diagnoses. Coursework for this certificate allows you to hone, refresh, and upgrade your existing knowledge and skills.
As an ICAADA approved program, all core functions are covered within the certificate program.
The program provides training that will inform and drive your professional goals. It is both theoretical and practical, offering depth and breadth of learning, experiential growth and community engagement. You’ll explore the psychological and physiological intricacies of addictions as well as the best practices for counseling individuals who seek help.
Addiction Counseling Certificate Curriculum
Our comprehensive curriculum includes an introduction to addictions and pharmacology as well as classes that examine relapse and recovery, HIV/AIDS, diversity issues, dual diagnosis, ethics, criminal justice, social systems and counseling techniques.
This program is theoretical and experiential. You’ll complete a practicum to gain hands-on knowledge. Plus, we invite expert guest speakers into the classroom to help you further understand addiction topics.
Sample Courses
- EDPS 51600 – Addictions Seminar I: HIV/AIDS And Dual Diagnosis
- EDPS 51700 – Addictions Seminar II: Ethics, Criminal Justice, And Social Systems
- EDPS 52900 – Techniques Of Addictions Counseling: Counseling Skills, Groups, And Processes
Addiction Counseling Post Master's Certificate Highlights
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 31 percent increase in counseling jobs in 2020 and beyond. The experiential components of this program give you opportunities to partner with community agencies under the supervision of licensed clinical addictions counselors. In the last five years, the employment rate among our graduates has been 100 percent.
Addiction Counseling Post Master's Certificate Outcomes
Certification will prepare you to sit for licensing examinations that measure competencies in:
- The biopsychosocial model of addictions
- Physiology and psychology of addictions
- Therapeutic theories, techniques, strategies, interventions, preventions and practices
Licensing/certifications in particular subsets of addictions counseling are dependent on expertise in those areas.
Addiction Counseling Certificate Career Paths
This degree prepares you for a number of careers in the field, including:
- Addictions counselor
- Drug and alcohol counselor
- Drug and alcohol education specialist
Addiction Counseling Certificate Beyond the Classroom
Chi Sigma Iota is the international honor society for counseling students and counseling professionals. You’ll become eligible after six credit hours of B-or-better work and appropriate comportment.
Addiction Counseling Certificate Employers
Graduates of this program are employed in organizations like:
- Crown Counseling Services
- Regional Mental Health Agency
- Lake Co. Jail Behavioral Unit
Addiction Counseling Certificate Accreditation
This program is accredited through the Indiana Credentialing Association on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ICAADA).
Take advantage of all the opportunities on campus. Get to know your professors and classmates. Put yourself out there, I promise it will pay off!
This program gives students great opportunities to learn addiction counseling in a supportive environment. The small class sizes lead to a stronger focus on each student and one-on-one attention.
Meet the Faculty
Associate Professor of Education
Mary J. Didelot, Ph.D., is an associate professor of education, School of Education and Counseling. Her teaching and research centers on the implementation of counseling techniques in addictions and art.
Associate Professor of Education
Lisa Hollingsworth is the program coordinator for the graduate counseling programs. She teaches courses in all of the program areas and researches in the area of existential approaches to counseling.
Earn an Addiction Counseling Post Master's Certificate at PNW
Whether you just completed your master’s degree or are looking to take the next step to advance your career, Purdue University Northwest’s addiction counseling post master’s certificate allows you to level up your skills and directly manage many aspects of addiction.
Our graduate studies staff is ready to help you take the next step! Contact us at (219) 989-2257 or grad@pnw.edu to see how PNW can meet your needs.
