Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content

Program Overview

Certificate of Achievement - Substance Abuse Counselor Training

Student Learning Outcomes
The substance abuse counselor training certificate program is designed to prepare students for employment in social services agencies, mental health centers, correctional institutions, rehabilitation facilities, community health education organizations, and other settings which involve substance abuse/addiction education, prevention, and/ or intervention and treatment. Coursework may be used as electives or for continuing education by students or professionals in education, corrections, law enforcement and the justice system, addictions counseling and treatment, social work, nursing, radiology, or emergency medical care.
 
Each of the human services programs shares a common core, so that students may easily complete the AAS Degree in Human Services. Entry-level courses have no prerequisites. Students may begin at any time by registering for courses. However, academic advising prior to beginning any course of study is highly encouraged. Most coursework may be completed online, through interactive video, and/or by independent study on a case-by-case basis.
 
Upon successful completion of the degree program students will:
  • Perform client-centered social services assessments and interventions.
  • Provide client services that reflect cultural competence, respect for social diversity and the application of the principles of the human services code of ethics, and standards of practice for substance abuse counselors.
  • Demonstrate problem-solving skills.
  • Apply the principles of human services and addiction treatment based on knowledge of human development and functioning throughout the lifespan.
  • Engage in personal reflection as related to skills, professional effectiveness, and stress management.

General Education requirements

English/Communications (one course required)
Course # Course Title Credits
ENG 100 Composition-Enhanced 5 Credits
ENG 101 Composition I 3 Credits
 

Mathematics (one course required): Choose from the courses listed below or any higher-level math course.  Excludes MATH 389   

Course # Course Title Credits
MATH 116 Technical Mathematics I 3 Credits
MATH 116E Technical Mathematics Expanded 3-5 Credits
MATH 120 Fund of College Math 3 Credits
MATH 120E Fund of College Math Expanded 3 Credits
MATH 126 Precalculus I 3 Credits
MATH 126E Precalculus I Expanded 3 Credits
STAT 152 Intro to Statistics 3 Credits

*MATH 120 is recommended, as it is required for social work, nursing, and other degree programs.
*MATH 126 recommended if you plan on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human services.
 
Human Relations
Course # Course Title Credits
HMS 200 Ethics in Human Services 3 Credits
 
Technology
Course # Course Title Credits
IS 101 Intro Information Systems 3 Credits
 
Program Requirements
Course # Course Title Credits
CPD 116 Subs Abuse-Fund Facts 3 Credits
HMS 101 Intro Human Services 3 Credits
HMS 102 Intro to Counseling 3 Credits
HMS 104 Sm Group Interact Technq 3 Credits
HMS 105 Substance Abuse Counsel 3 Credits
PSY 101 Gen Psychology 3 Credits
 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please check with the Nevada Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors or counselor licensing/certificate boards in Nevada, or in other states, if applicable, about the acceptability of academic courses prior to beginning any course, as individual or state licensing and/or certification requirements may vary.

 
Suggested Course Sequence

Course Credits
CPT 116 3
ENG 100 or 101 3-5
HMS 101 3
HMS 102 3
Mathematics* 3-6
TOTAL 15-20

*Choose with advisor

Course Credits
HMS 105 3
HMS 104 3
HMS 200 3
IS 101 3
PSY 101 3
TOTAL 15