Addictions Studies—About the Program

Addictions Studies Certificate Program
(40 credit hours)
Curriculum code 1321

The use of alcohol and other drugs continues to be a social problem touching all elements of society: loss of work proficiency, functional relationships, appropriate parenting and, ultimately, human life. Moraine Valley Community College's Addictions Studies Program recognizes that the treatment of addictions must be comprehensive―treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.

You will be taught by professionals with years of experience in alcoholism and other addictions counseling. The program includes an internship that will allow you to gain valuable on-the-job experience and apply what you have learned in your courses.

The primary goal of this program is to give students sufficient knowledge and competency in addiction counseling in order to meet counselor certification training requirements of the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association. There are two levels of education in Addictions Studies provided: an Associate in Applied Science degree and a certificate.

Addictions Studies Associate in Applied Science Degree
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Addiction Studies is designed to give students an opporutnity to develop the skills necessary to become a certified addictions counselor in Illinois through the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Profesisonal Certification Association (IAODAPCA) and related certification entities. The Illinois Division ofAlcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA), under the Department of Human Services, requires all clinical staff working in a licensed addictions treatment program to be certified as an Addictions Counselor throgh IAODAPCA. Students who complete the Associate in Applied Science degree are eligibile to take the credentialing exam for the Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC). Upon completion of this degree, the two-year work experience requirement for eligibility to challenge the CADC exam is waived.

Addictions Studies Advanced Certificate Program
(40 credit hours)
Curriculum code 1321
The primary goal of this program is to give students who already possess a degree in Human Services an opportunity to become certified alcohol counselors in Illinois through the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA). Students who to complete the Addictions Studies Advenced Certificate Program and who have a degree in Human Services, will be eligible to challenge the CADC exam and will not be required to acquire two additional years of work experience.
 

Certification—Once you complete this program, the coordinator will provide you with information about professional certification organizations and procedures for becoming certified.

Moraine Valley's Addictions Studies Program is intended to lead to employment. If you are considering transferring to a four-year college or university to obtain a bachelor's degree using the courses from this program, make an appointment with an academic advisor to review your options.