Drug and Alcohol Counselor Training
Certificate
You have compassion for individuals struggling with addiction and you want to better the quality of life in your communities. Use that compassion to train for entry-level positions in the field of drug and alcohol treatment.
700
Scholarships available – and one might have your name on it
Professional social workers and counselors can complete this certificate to add drug and alcohol abuse treatment services to their areas of practice.
Admissions Office
Students completing this certificate program will be prepared to sit for the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA) certification exam.
Connect with peers who have a shared interest in improving the lives of people in their communities.
Substance Abuse Counselor, Behavioral Disorder Counselor, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist
COMPLETION TIME
24 Months
if Full Time
4 Semesters27 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$4,320
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
15 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
Students not only get classroom instruction, but they complete an internship seminar in an agency setting to apply the theories and skills acquired in the classroom.
Daniel Kelts, Professor, Arts & Behavioral Health
How Do I Get Into the Drug and Alcohol Counselor Training Program?
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 700 scholarships.
- English, science, and health classes are helpful for this program.
- Compassion, patience, and people skills are necessities when working in this field.
What Can I Expect As a Drug and Alcohol Counselor Training – Certificate Student?
- You will learn the appropriate treatment plan for clients and their needs.
- Gain the knowledge to get employed as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor.
- Gain hands-on experience in an internship seminar.
- Complete training for employment opportunities in a variety of community mental health programs.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.