College of Education Health and Human Services
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes

About This Program

The Addictions Counseling undergraduate certificate program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a licensed addictions counselor. With hands-on experience and a comprehensive curriculum, students will be equipped to make a positive impact on individuals and communities dealing with addiction. Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Cynthia Osborn | cosborn@kent.edu | 330-672-0695
• Speak with an Advisor
  • Kent Campus
  • Trumbull Campus
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online
  • Mostly online
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus
  • Trumbull Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet specific exceptions. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum 16 credit hours of certificate requirements at Kent State University.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Articulate comprehension of a range of models or theories of addiction and evidence-based practices in addictions counseling.
2. Demonstrate at least minimal competence in addictions-related services, including assessment, treatment planning, counseling session facilitation and coordination of care.
3. Apply for licensure as chemical dependency counselors in Ohio.
4. Apply for the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) credential through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).

Full Description

The Addictions Counseling undergraduate certificate prepares students with all the requisite training hours for licensure eligibility as a chemical dependency counselor in Ohio, issued by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. The certificate supplements existing Kent State health and behavioral health degree programs, such as psychology, health education, and human development and family science. The certificate also allows in-career professionals to specialize in addictions counseling (e.g., nurses, clergy, rehabilitation counselors, mental health therapists). Successful completion of the first course in the certificate provides students the opportunity to apply for the chemical dependency counselor assistant (CDCA) credential from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board.

Course content includes theories and models of addiction and addictive behaviors; pharmacology (i.e., review of substances typically misused, as well as medications used to treat symptoms of substance use disorders); screening and diagnostic assessment of substance use and co-occurring disorders; case conceptualization and treatment planning using the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria; evidence-based practices in addictions (e.g., motivational interviewing, contingency management); and legal and ethical considerations in addictions counseling.

Experiential training is infused throughout the curriculum (e.g., use of simulated clients) and culminates in a practicum in the field at an approved behavioral healthcare facility offering addictions services under the supervision of an approved licensed behavioral healthcare provider.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.