Program Highlights:
The program is designed for students who want to learn more about chemical dependency issues and/or whom desire a career working with chemically dependent people. The curriculum provides students with 19 credits of specific alcohol and drug counseling coursework in at least 12-core competency areas including: screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling skills, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, record keeping, and consultation. Foundational addiction counseling theory, pharmacology, ethics, multicultural aspects, and co-occurring disorders are also taught. Furthermore, the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Program provides students with the required 880 hours of practicum experience needed to apply for licensure as a temporary or fully licensed alcohol and drug counselor with the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.
Upon successful completion of the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Program at RCTC, students are eligible to sit for the IC & RC national exam and can apply for at least a temporary licensure with the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health & Therapy. For those individuals who currently hold an associate degree or higher in a related field, completion of RCTC’s Alcohol & Drug certificate degree will allow you to apply for full licensure status with the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.
RCTC’s program does not license a student as an alcohol and drug counselor. However, it does provide the minimum college coursework and practicum opportunities needed to apply for licensure in the State of Minnesota.
Qualities and Characteristics Needed of Students:
- Good spoken and written communication skills
- Good listening skills
- Openness to new ideas & diversity
- Good time management skills
- Ability to multitask
- Good problem-solving skills
- Good crisis intervention and negotiation skills
- Ability to think analytically and critically
- Ability to read
- Enjoy learning
- Ability to facilitate and motivate individuals and groups
- Ability to educate, teach and train
- Ability to display empathy and genuineness,
- Knowledge in addictions and mental illness
- Knowledge in group dynamics
- Knowledge in family dynamics/therapy
- Knowledge of psychology, sociological, and spiritual concepts
- Knowledge of judicial system and psychopharmacology
- Ability to display good ethical decisions
- Openness to new ideas
- Optimism