Certified Addiction Counselor Certificate

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Flexible scheduling

You can complete this certificate online in as few as three semesters full time.

Help others in seeking recovery

Addiction disorders can impact all aspects of a person’s life.

Learn from experts in the field

Goodwin’s faculty consists of clinical mental health counselors, addictions professionals, social workers, and psychologists.

Prepare for a career helping others by becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor

The need for compassionate professionals dedicated to helping those struggling with addictive behaviors is growing. Certified Addiction Counselors work with individuals, couples, families, and others affected by addiction — providing critical coping skills, education, and support. By earning this certificate, you’ll develop the skills and hands-on experience needed to address the unique effects of addiction disorders, which can impact all aspects of a person’s life.

Combine online classes with hands-on fieldwork

At Goodwin, our CAC program can be completed in three semesters full time. The curriculum is comprised of six three-credit courses, including online classes, on-site internships, and a capstone experience. As a student in the CAC program, you’ll identify your own fieldwork site — allowing you to tailor your internship experience to your specific career goals.

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Become a sought-after addiction counselor

Goodwin University’s CAC program is a pathway to earning your legal certification through the Connecticut Certification Board (CCB). Beyond the 300 hours of fieldwork required to complete your studies, non-degree holding students must complete 6,000 hours of substance abuse counseling work experience. Note that fewer hours are required if you hold a college degree.

Associate degree holders can earn CAC certification after completing 5,000 hours of substance abuse counseling work experience.
Bachelor’s degree holders can earn CAC certification after completing 4,000 hours of substance abuse counseling work experience.
Master’s degree holders can earn CAC certification after completing 3,000 hours of substance abuse counseling work experience.

Financing your education

At Goodwin, there are many kinds of financial aid available to students, including grants and scholarships that don’t have to be paid back, student loans that will have to be repaid, and work study opportunities that provide a regular paycheck. Dedicated financial aid advisors will work with you to create a financial aid package that works for you and your budget.

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Curriculum

To earn your Goodwin CAC certificate, you must complete the six required classes in the following order. Each course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Coursework includes:

HSR 222	Foundations of Helping and Service Delivery
HSR 297	Human Services Internship I
HSR 235	Introduction to Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders

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Career options

Certified Addiction Counselor graduates can find careers they love in these industry settings:

Community health facilities
Governmental agencies
Hospitals
Methadone maintenance facilities
Non-profit organizations
Outpatient clinics
Private medical clinics
Residential treatment facilities

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Ready to get started?

We’re ready when you are. Let’s do this.

Request Enrollment Information

800-889-3282

Start classes this fall.