Addictions Education (AE) Certificate

This interdisciplinary certificate program prepares students to provide counseling, education services, and/or support services to individuals experiencing addiction issues. Individuals who complete the program will be knowledgeable about the various components of addictions and gain skills related to their professional field such as prevention strategies, assessment procedures, intervention skills, treatment planning, and recovery support. This program is appropriate for both licensed eligible mental health professionals (i.e., Professional Counselors, Social Workers), as well as bachelor level employees (i.e., mental health support professionals, human resources administrators and staff).

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Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors

Those interested in becoming a credentialed and/or licensed alcohol and drug counselor in Kentucky or elsewhere, must meet state requirements. Those may differ from the course content offered in the Addictions Education Certificate. That is, the Addictions Education certificate does not imply license to practice. Students are encouraged to contact the KY Board directly if they are interested in becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Certificate Requirements/Curriculum

The 12 credit hour certificate program includes the following required courses. All required courses can be taken on-line; electives are offered on-line, web-enhanced, and in face-to-face formats.

• CNS 637 Theories of Addictions (3 credit hours) This course involves introduction to theoretical, philosophical and historical premises of addictions. Topics include professional ethics, diversity, family roles and relationships, and dual diagnosis. (Offered fall semester)
• CNS 647 Addictions: Assessment, Diagnosis, & Treatment Planning (3 credit hours) This course involves the selection, administration, and interpretation of assessment methods and techniques used to diagnose addiction disorders, as well as the development of appropriate treatment plans and issues involved in treatment planning. Admission to or completion of approved graduate program in a helping profession and Instructor permission. (Offered spring semester, even years)
• CNS 667 Counseling Substance and Process Addictions (3 credit hours) Counseling issues to substance abuse diagnosis, treatment and aftercare program. (Offered spring semester, odd years)
• One 3-credit course related to the program content and approved by certificate advisor.

Admission Criteria

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and meet minimum admission requirements to the Graduate School. Apply to the Addictions Education Certificate program directly through the Graduate School application. Admissions are on a rolling basis; students are accepted throughout the year into the certificate program. Classes can begin any semester; they are not required to be taken in sequence.