Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies
100% Online Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies Certificate Program
Program Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
Because the Appalachian region has been significantly affected by substance misuse and addiction, the focus of the program is to prepare students to become clinical practitioners, advocates, and leaders in respect to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders and addiction in the Appalachian region. Improving the quality of life for all individuals, families, and communities in our region is the overarching goal for the certificate program.
Program
The Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies Certificate is a 12 credit program of study designed to provide the learner with specific knowledge and skills to help mitigate the consequences and risks associated with substance use disorders and addiction. The certificate is designed for learners interested in pursuing state licensure or certification as clinical addiction specialists or alcohol and drug abuse counselors.
A student may simultaneously pursue both the certificate and an ETSU graduate degree if duly admitted to both programs. Admission to a degree program and successfully completing coursework typically required for the graduate certificate does not automatically qualify a student for the certificate.
Additionally, a student who completes the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies and later wishes to pursue the Master of Social Work degree may transfer the certificate credits into the master’s degree with approval of the degree graduate coordinator and the School of Graduate Studies. All transfer credit, however, must meet GPA requirements and must be within the six-year matriculation limits.
Curriculum information and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Catalog Entry for Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies Graduate Certificate program.
Cost
Credits to complete this program: 12 credit hours
| TN Residents | eRate (Out of State, 100% online) | Out of State |
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| $601 per credit hour | $751 per credit hour | $1442 per credit hour |
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*Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. |
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Read more about cost, paying for courses, scholarship options and financial aid.
Steps to Apply
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Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account
Step 1 Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option
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Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal
Step 2 Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"
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Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields
Step 3 Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Certificate," term, then choose Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies and complete the remainder of the form.
Program Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should a student pursue this certificate at ETSU? What makes it unique?
Most state licensure/certification boards accept the certificate as 180 hours (45 hours per course) of substance use/addiction specific education required for licensure or certification as alcohol and drug counselors and/or licensure as clinical addiction specialist (LADAC, CAADC, LCAS, etc.). Additionally, the job outlook for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors is projected to increase much faster than average(25% between 2019 and 2029 (BLS, 2021)). -
What is the one thing that excites you about this certificate?
Training behavioral health providers to become addiction counseling specialists has the potential to increase the well-being of children, families, and communities, and the education can potentially help save lives! -
What accreditations apply to this certificate program?
East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. -
What are the job prospects with this certificate?
Behavioral health clinicians who have an addiction specialty can be found in a wide variety of settings: community mental health, criminal justice system, healthcare, addiction treatment, private practice, college counseling centers, juvenile justice, child welfare, etc.
Additional information can be found on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors website.
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Is a master’s degree required for admission? If not, does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field?
While a master's degree is not required for admission to the program, the program does require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a behavioral health field (such as social work, counseling, or psychology).
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Are there any prerequisites?
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, at least a 2.5 GPA, and meet the ETSU Graduate School admission requirements listed here.
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Does this certificate require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?
No, neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required for admission to this program.
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Are the courses for this certificate asynchronous or synchronous?
Both. Classes are mainly asynchronous, with synchronous meetings being required for only one course (SOWK 5368). Other courses may offer optional synchronous meetings as well, but they do not require them.
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Are there any on-campus requirements, meetings, orientations, etc.?
No, there are no on-campus requirements.
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Does this certificate require a dissertation, field work, internship, and/or thesis?
No.
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Is this certificate designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?
Yes! Because of the mostly-asynchronous format of this program's classes, it is ideal for those with existing professional and/or familial obligations.
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What is the time to completion for full-time students?
Full-time students typically complete this program in 1 year.
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What is the time to completion for part-time students?
The part-time completion timeline varies between students as it depends on their course load, semester preferences, and other factors. Students have up to six years to complete the program.
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Does your college/department offer scholarships?
The department does not offer any scholarships for the certificate. However, students are encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU scholarships and other financial resources.