Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies is a Certificate program (Hybrid) offered by InterCoast Colleges in Riverside, CA. The program takes 44 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $24,600.
Program Overview
This program provides the necessary knowledge, skill and attitude development needed to be effective in the treatment of alcohol and other drug dependency and abuse. The program is designed to provide students that do not have prior experience in the field of Alcohol and Drug Counseling with a competency based educational program that meets certification standards in California. Offered online or on ground. Upon completion of all requirements the student will be awarded a Certificate.
Occupational Objectives: The objective is to meet the requirement and demand for certified counselors, secure employment, and provide the student with possible advancement opportunities. This program will provide the needed education and training for those seeking a new and fulfilling career as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor.
What Sets This Program Apart
Although field experience is required before becoming certified, this course exceeds the didactic and supervised fieldwork internship requirement standards of CADTP, CAADE and CCAPP for future certification.
Students enrolled in AOD courses are required to achieve a minimum course grade of 70% or higher ("C") in order to be eligible to apply for counselor certification with CCAPP in the future. Credits earned upon graduating from this certificate program are 100% transferrable to the AAS Degree in Substance Use Disorder Counseling at InterCoast Colleges. This program prepares graduates to be an Alcohol & Drug Counselor.
Admission Requirements & Process
To enhance the success of its graduates and to ensure that only qualified applicants are accepted, InterCoast Colleges carefully considers each applicant's prior educational background, career interests, motivation and availability of time prior to acceptance. All applicants participate in an interview with an admissions representative and successfully complete all other admissions requirements before being accepted into the training program.
General Requirements
- High School Diploma or GEDA high school diploma or GED is required for enrollment. Students must provide written proof of graduation, which must include a copy of a high school diploma or a GED, a high…
- Ability-to-Benefit AlternativeStudents who do not hold a diploma or GED may qualify under the Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) alternative by passing an independently administered, nationally standardized test…
- English Language ProficiencyAll courses are taught in English, and the institution does not provide English-as-a-Second Language instruction. The level of language proficiency is the 12th grade level,…
- Admissions InterviewAll applicants will participate in an interview with an admissions representative and successfully complete all other admissions requirements before being accepted into the…
- Interest, Motivation and TimeOf prime importance is the student's desire to succeed, along with the availability of time to actively participate in classes and additional time to complete projects,…
- Computer and Internet AccessOnline and Hybrid students must have access to a computer or tablet and internet in order to effectively participate in courses. Cell phone apps may not facilitate all required…
- Clinical Internship ClearancesRequirements that may apply include CPR/First Aid certification, a drug screen, a TB test, Live Scan, a criminal background check, registration with CCAPP or equivalent with…
- California Certification OnlyThese programs prepare students for certification with CCAPP, CAADE, and CADTP, and employment opportunities are limited to California. Students who enroll in this program at…
- Veterans Waiting PeriodVeterans, eligible spouses, or dependent applicants must wait at least 24 hours from their initial inquiry to sign an enrollment agreement.
Application Process
- 1Contact AdmissionsComplete a short form and the InterCoast admissions team will contact you within one business day to help you find the right program and campus.
- 2Interview with an Admissions RepresentativeMeet with an admissions representative for an interview that usually lasts approximately one hour. The representative will discuss the various aspects of training, programs offered, tuition, and entrance requirements.
- 3Tour the CampusApplicants are encouraged to take a tour of the facility virtually or in person and may observe classes if they desire.
- 4Complete the FAFSAComplete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, and the financial aid team will help you through the process.FAFSA Code for Riverside: 025594Fill Out the FAFSA
- 5Review the Catalog and Fact SheetReview the school catalog and the School Performance Fact Sheet for your program, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.
- 6Complete Your Application and Enrollment AgreementIf qualified, contact admissions to fill out application forms and complete the enrollment agreement, or return to enroll at a later date. Enrollment Agreements require the final approval by the authorized school official.
Program Schedule
Offered online or on ground. 905 Hours. 44 Weeks to Complete. Maximum Student/Teacher Ratio: Lecture 45:1, Lab 24:1. CIP Code: 51.1501. SOC - O*NET: 21-1011.
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
InterCoast Colleges is an eligible institution under the Pell Grant, SEOG, Direct Loans, Subsidized Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Programs. Students may also qualify for various alternative loan programs. For more information regarding eligibility for any of the programs, contact the InterCoast Financial Aid Office. Students will be asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applications for all available loan programs, including alternative and institutional loans will be discussed. The student will be notified of his/her financial award.
InterCoast participates in various tuition assistance programs, including but not limited to Veteran's Educational Benefits (VA), WIOA, TRA, Vocational and State Rehabilitation, tribal programs, alternative loan programs, and employer-sponsored programs, and such programs must be approved by the providing agency. Financial Aid is also available through the Title IV Programs under the U.S. Department of Education for those who qualify. Per ACCET standard, students are not financially obligated for greater than a one-year period at any time.
InterCoast is approved for training Veterans utilizing Veteran Administration Education benefits. InterCoast Colleges complies with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 and will not assess or implement any late fees for covered individuals who are using Chapter 33 or Chapter 31 VA Educational Benefits.
The catalog states the same amount as tuition and total program charges.
Curriculum
- AOD222X Intro & Overview of AOD
- AOD223X Law & Ethics for SUD Counselors
- AOD224 Physiological Effects of AOD
- AOD225 Pharmacology
- AOD226 Counseling Competencies
- AOD227 Case Management
- AOD228 Personal Counseling Skills
- AOD229R Group Counseling
- AOD231 Family Dynamics
- AOD235R SUD Internship Readiness
- AOD236R Professional & Personal Growth
- AOD237 Special Populations and Cultural Diversity in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
- AOD238 Clinical Internship w/Supervision (34 hours per week for 8 weeks)
- AOD240 Supervision Practicum (concurrent with Internship)
The required courses below are from InterCoast Colleges's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AOD222X | Intro & Overview of AOD | 3 |
| AOD223X | Law & Ethics | 3 |
| AOD224 | Physiological Effects of AOD | 3 |
| AOD225 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| AOD226 | Counseling Competencies | 3 |
| AOD227 | Case Management | 3 |
| AOD228X | Personal Counseling Skills | 1 |
| AOD229X | Group Counseling | 3 |
| AOD231 | Family Dynamics | 3 |
| AOD235X | Internship Readiness | 4 |
| AOD236X | Professional & Personal Growth | 1 |
| AOD237 | Special Populations and Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| AOD238 | Clinical Internship w/Supervision (34 hours per week for 8 weeks) | 5 |
| AOD240 | Supervision Practicum (concurrent with Internship) | 3 |
| Totals | 41 |
Career Outcomes
Graduate Employment Assistance Services
InterCoast Colleges offers job placement assistance for all students upon graduation at no additional charge; however, no guarantee of job placement, level of anticipated income, or wage rate is made or implied by the institution or any of its employees or representatives. InterCoast employs a Career Services Coordinator to assist graduates in contacting companies in order to secure employment. The Career Services Coordinator acts as a liaison between students and the employment community. Employment assistance efforts require both the graduate and institution to work hand in hand in the efforts. The graduate is expected to work diligently to secure employment, utilizing the career development training, soft skills training, and technical skills training received.
Graduates are encouraged to begin their employment search activities during externship and/or clinical internship training or within the last six weeks of schooling if applicable. Many students obtain employment without the assistance of the Career Services staff; however, the institution is available to assist eligible graduates at any time. All graduates will be provided placement assistance unless they are not eligible and/or if the graduate has submitted a valid student waiver of placement assistance.
What to Expect as a Student at InterCoast Colleges
Interactive Distance Learning (Fully Online or Hybrid)
Of equal importance to the student's success is the availability of time to participate in online classes, and additional time to complete classroom projects or homework as assigned. The more time spent on preparation and studying, the better the opportunity for achieving success. Students are required to log in and participate in forums, submit assignments, and/or take quizzes in any given week. Additionally, students will spend a significant time offline reading and studying. The student must manage their time carefully in order to succeed.
Online and Hybrid students must have access to a computer or tablet and internet in order to effectively participate in courses. Cell phone apps may not facilitate all required participation and cannot be relied upon for completing assignments. In addition, prior computer experience, including word processing knowledge, is helpful for success. The online LIRN Library can also serve as an access site to the many referenceable resources to complete all assignments. All online courses are delivered on-demand with weekly participation requirements.
InterCoast conducts classes throughout the year. These classes consist of structured modules, courses, or sections of instruction. Some classes may be offered online and/or in a hybrid format. The institution's system of scheduling modules allows participants to commence training at the beginning of most modules or terms.
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Accreditation
InterCoast Colleges is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). InterCoast Colleges has been accredited by ACCET since 1988. Accreditation is the process whereby an association or agency, recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, grants public recognition to a school, institute, college, or university, which meets certain qualifications and educational standards, as determined through initial and periodic evaluations. The essential purpose of the accreditation process is to provide a professional peer reviewed conclusion as to the quality of the educational institution or programs offered.
Please note: InterCoast Colleges is offering a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Addiction Studies with approval from its accreditor, ACCET. This Bachelor's Degree is not currently approved for Title IV funding. Final approval of this program is contingent upon the success of the accreditor's application to expand its scope with the U.S. Education Department. In the unlikely event that the accreditor does not gain Education Department approval, InterCoast will work with its enrolled students for their continued studies.
Approvals
InterCoast Colleges is a private institution that is approved to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. That approval to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in the CEC §94909(a)(2) and 5, CCR.
InterCoast locations are approved for training through WIOA, VA, TRA, EDD, State and Private Vocational Rehabilitation.