Chemical Dependency Specialist

AAS-T, Certificate

The Chemical Dependency Specialist Program is a non-sequential certificate program designed to prepare students for a career as a specialist in the field of chemical dependency. The program includes an integrated curriculum approach of classroom instruction and field-based clinical experience. Students will acquire competencies in the areas of interviewing, group dynamics, case management, physiology of chemical dependency, pharmacology related to chemical dependency, the impact of chemical dependency on family members, and specific counseling interventions for working with chemical dependent clients. Washington State law requires completion of specific credits in chemical dependency, plus an HIV/AIDS course (SHS 150) to practice as a chemical dependency counselor. Additional course work is designed to further enhance student skills and employability. Courses meet the State of Washington Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, and the Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification Board requirements for chemical dependency qualification. Students may enter the program fall, winter or spring quarters. Courses are offered day and evening. Completion of the certificate takes approximately four-five quarters.

Career Opportunities

Students successfully completing this program will be eligible to practice in direct service positions in licensed chemical dependency facilities in the State of Washington. Opportunities exist in outpatient, intensive outpatient, residential, institutional, detoxification and treatment facilities.

Professional careers in chemical dependency also include opportunities in community education, public schools, corrections, and other public facilities.

Entrance Requirements

  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent in the U.S.

  • Test requirements: Writing and reading comprehension components of the college admissions test (must be eligible for ENG 101) and the math placement test (must be eligible for MAT 084).
  • Entrance into chemical dependency specialist courses is on a first-come, first-served basis after prerequisite testing has been completed.

    • How To Get Started

    • Complete the Standard Procedure for Admission to the College

    • After matriculation by Admissions, call 206 587-4186 for an appointment/interview with the division counselor to determine eligibility to enter the program. Bring a copy of your test results and college transcripts with you when you meet with the counselor.
      Counselor: Kimberly McRae, KMcRae@sccd.ctc.edu
    Once admission requirements have been met, students are accepted into the program on a first-come, first-served basis until maximum enrollment is reached.

    Estimated Training Costs

    Curriculum

    Core CoursesCredits
    SHS 106 PRINCIPLES OF INTERVIEWING AND COUNSELING 5
    SHS 108 * GROUP DYNAMICS & COUNSELING 5
    Technical Specialty Courses (31-35 Credits)Credits
    SHS 150 * HIV/AIDS WORKSHOP 1
    SHS 210 * MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING 3
    SHS 215 * ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT AND TREATMENT 5
    SHS 231 * PHYSIOLOGY ALCOHOLISM 3
    SHS 232 * CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY AND THE FAMILY 3
    SHS 233 * CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY COUNSELING 5
    SHS 235 * INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY 5
    SHS 270 * LAW AND ETHICS IN CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY 3
    SHS 280 * CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY CASE MANAGEMENT 3
    SHS 296 ** HUMAN SERVICES WORKSHOP 1
    SHS 297 HUMAN SERVICES WORKSHOP 2
    SHS 298 HUMAN SERVICES WORKSHOP 3
    Field Placement Courses (10 Credits)Credits
    CDS 197 FIELD PLACEMENT: CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY 5
    CDS 198 FIELD PLACEMENT: CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY 5
    CDS 199 FIELD PLACEMENT: CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY 5
    Related Instruction (15 Credits)Credits
    ENGL&101 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 5
    PSYC&100 * GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 5
    PSYC&200 * OR LIFESPAN PSYCHOLOGY 5
    PSYC 207 * DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 5

    * These courses meet current minimum state requirements for registration as chemical dependency counselors with the Department of Health. In addition, an associate degree or its academic equivalent in any area, and 2,000 clock hours of supervised clinical work are required to become a fully state-qualified chemical dependency counselor.

    ** Multicultural Counseling, Adolescent Treatment, as well as Relapse Prevention, can be taken as a SHS 296 Human Services workshop

    Total Program Credits: 66-71

    Note: In order to complete the certificate, a 2.0 grade or above is required in all courses.

    For Further Information:

    Chemical Dependency Specialist Program
    Seattle Central Community College
    1701 Broadway, Room 2BE3212A
    Seattle, WA 98122
    PHONE: 206) 587-6900
    FAX: (206) 344-4390

    Program Contact:
     hssrequests@sccd.ctc.edu 206.587.4165