CADC Degree Program Overviews
Certified alcohol and drug counselors (CADCs) work in hospitals, health clinics, private practices and treatment centers treating individuals who have problems with drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Those interested in a career as a CADC can pursue degrees in addiction or substance abuse counseling. Programs are commonly offered at the associate's and bachelor's degree level.
Associate's Degrees in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
These 2-year undergraduate degree programs, sometimes referred to as substance abuse or addiction counseling programs, are often offered through a school's human services department. They are typically designed to meet state licensing requirements for alcohol and drug counselors. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required for admission.
Program Coursework
Students are required to complete 60-65 credit-hours of coursework between general education requirements as well as courses in alcohol and drug counseling. Most programs include an internship or fieldwork. Course topics might include:
- Psychology
- Theories of addiction
- Counseling strategies
- Family intervention
Licensing and Certification
State licensing and certification requirements for alcohol and drug counselors vary by state. They may be regulated through a state's Department of Health, Department of Licensing or through special departments focusing on the regulation of substance abuse professionals. Some states have adopted the Association for Addiction Professionals certification (www.naadac.org). Basic certification requires three years of work experience, a minimum number of contact hours and passing the certification exam.
Bachelor's Degrees in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
These 4-year programs provide a solid educational foundation for those interested in a career treating and preventing alcoholism and substance abuse. Bachelor's degree programs at least a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission. In most states, those who earn a bachelor's degree in this field meet state licensing requirements.
Program Coursework
Students complete approximately 122 credit hours of coursework in addiction studies and general education. Many schools provide students with opportunities for hands-on experience through internships or clinical experiences. Topics of study include:
- Chemical dependency
- Psychopharmacology
- Prevention strategies
- Ethical issues in counseling
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Alcohol and drug counselors earned a median salary of $37,030 in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Most alcohol and drug counselors were employed by outpatient care centers, substance abuse treatment facilities and other family service organizations. The BLS expects employment to grow by 21% between 2008 and 2018 as more individuals seek addiction treatment.
Certification and Continuing Education
The Association for Addiction Professionals offers certification for Substance Abuse Professionals and Adolescent Specialists as well as special focuses in spiritual care-giving and resolution in recovery. Annual conferences and additional continuing education opportunities are also available.
Related to Cadc Degree
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Online CADC Training and Education Programs
Individuals who want to be Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselors (CADC) must meet educational and work experience...
Can You Handle Earning Your College Degree in Four Years?
Earning a bachelor's degree in four years is no big deal for some students. But for others, it's not so easy. And...
Alternative Ways to Earn Your Degree: Discussing OER University with Rory McGreal
Imagine you're out learning 'in the wild' - picking up skills from the multitude of free, online resources available...
Does Everyone Really Need a College Degree?
The economic crisis is causing U.S. citizens and politicians to cast about for solutions. Many are turning to...
How Much Is Your Degree Worth?
- If You Have a Degree Will He Want to Put a Ring on It?
- What's the Value of an Honorary Degree?
- What Is the Difference Between a Certificate, Diploma and Degree?
- Best Degree Programs in Business Marketing - Jersey City, NJ
- Top Retail Management and Merchandising Degree Programs - Bakersfield, CA
- Top Ranked Business Marketing Degree Program - Houston, TX
- Top School for a Degree in Business Administration - Charlotte, NC
7 Popular Schools
-
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Alabama (3 campuses)
- Arkansas (1)
- Arizona (3)
- California (14)
- Colorado (2)
- Florida (12)
- Georgia (3)
- Iowa (2)
- Idaho (1)
- Illinois (3)
- Indiana (5)
- Kansas (2)
- Kentucky (2)
- Louisiana (2)
- Massachusetts (2)
- Maryland (1)
- Michigan (6)
- Minnesota (2)
- Missouri (4)
- Mississippi (1)
- North Carolina (4)
- Nebraska (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- Nevada (2)
- New York (3)
- Ohio (9)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (2)
- Pennsylvania (7)
- South Carolina (4)
- Tennessee (5)
- Texas (8)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (5)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (4)
- West Virginia (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
-
Bachelor
-
- Bachelor in Construction
-
- Bachelor in Construction Management
-
-
Associate
-
- Associate in Computer Drafting and Design
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (1 campus)
- Florida (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Washington (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
- Associate
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
-
Non-Degree
-
- AS in Engineering Technology
- Career Diploma: Drafting with AutoCAD
-
-
School locations:
- Nevada (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Associate
-
- Associate in Drafting Technology & Design
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Non-Degree
-
- Career Diploma - AutoCAD
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
Other Schools:
-
School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
-
- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
- Surveying
-
School locations:
- New York (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Rochester Institute of Technology include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Mechanical Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
-
School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Eastern Michigan University include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Mechanical Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Physics
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
