Make a difference in lives: Become a certified alcohol and drug counselor
Clackamas Community College's Alcohol and Drug Counselor Career Pathway Certificate equips you to launch a fulfilling career helping individuals overcome addiction and heal. This program prepares you for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC I) exam and provides the foundation for a rewarding career in addiction treatment.
This program is ideal for those seeking to enter the field of addiction counseling or looking to advance their careers in human services.
Read to make a change?
Visit CCC’s Catalog to learn more about the CADC I certificate, cooperative work experience and the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO).
Required classes for the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Career Pathway Certificate
Begin your career in addiction counseling to help those in need
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth in substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors between 2020 and 2030. This growth is due to several factors, including:
- Increasing awareness of mental health and substance abuse issues.
- An aging population that is more likely to need mental health and substance abuse services.
- Expansion of health insurance coverage, which has made mental health and substance abuse services more affordable.
For more information on career opportunities for this program, view the course catalog.
Change lives and communities by gaining the skills needed to be a successful alcohol and drug counselor
This program equips you with the core skills to prepare you for a career in drug and alcohol counseling. You should gain proficiency in:
- Effective Interviewing: Learn to conduct comprehensive assessments through evidence-based interviewing techniques, fostering trust and gathering crucial information.
- Ethical practice: Develop a strong foundation in the ethical principles that guide professional conduct in the field of substance use disorders.
- Substance abuse recognition: Learn to identify the signs and symptoms of common addiction disorders, ensuring accurate assessments and intervention strategies.
- Societal impact of addiction: Gain in-depth knowledge of the far-reaching effects of drug use and misuse on individuals, families, communities and public health systems.
By focusing on these core areas, you could to make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.
For more information on expected outcomes of successfully completing this program, view the course catalog.Investing in your future
Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. To begin building the cost for your program, you can start with the base estimate below.
This estimate includes the cost of tuition and the general fees applied per class and per academic term. This estimate does not include additional fees required for many courses or the cost of course materials. Contact the program to learn more about additional costs that may apply.
You can also find more information about the costs of attending CCC on the Tuition and Fees page.
Get help paying for college
Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab.