Purpose:
The career studies certificate in Substance Abuse is for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree, typically in a Human Services or related field and wish to add the substance abuse counseling credential to their academic record in pursuit of becoming a certified substance abuse counselor or an entry-level position in a substance use treatment program. See additional requirements for certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor on your state’s Department of Health and Human Services website. This certificate does not make you a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. You must fulfill additional criteria for your state.
Occupational Objectives:
Expansion of career opportunities into positions as human service workers in the following settings:
Alcohol Treatment Programs, Residential and No-Residential Treatment facilities for Substance Use, Domestic and Sexual Violence Shelters, Correctional Institutions, Group homes and Clubhouses, and Juvenile Treatment Centers.
Admission Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree. Submit transcripts to Admissions@sw.edu or to the college’s mailing address for evaluation to determine the courses needed to complete this certification.
*Please note that aside from these courses, the state of Virginia has additional requirements to obtain certification.*
Virginia Department of Health Professions Requirements for CSAC and CSAC-A Credentials
CSAC Supervisee applications are now accepted through our online system. Click here to begin the CSAC Supervisee Initial or Add/Change Registration of Supervision License Application.
*Developmental coursework may be required prior to or along with the course. Please complete the Direct Enrollment Survey at https://desurvey.vccs.edu/ to determine your eligibility.