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With an online alcohol & drug counseling certificate, you'll gain the practical skills and expertise to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing substance use disorders.
Certificate
100% Online
18
1-2 years
Widener's online graduate-level alcohol and drug counseling certificate program empowers you to increase your knowledge in addiction, human development, and ethical behavior to pursue a rewarding career in substance abuse counseling. Designed for those working in the human services, health promotion, and addictions fields, as well as counselors and social workers, this certificate opens the doors to additional therapeutic credentials across industries.
You'll learn how to assess client condition and circumstances, stage interventions, and lead ongoing individual and group therapy sessions to help people overcome addiction and substance abuse. Plus, as a 100% online certificate program, you'll get the convenience and flexibility of completing coursework when you want, where you want.
This credit-bearing program provides the foundation for successful completion of practicum hours and certification, along with the option to easily transfer credits into one of our master's degree programs. Supportive faculty will mentor you and help customize your education to your unique needs and goals.
Join the rapidly-growing field of substance abuse counselors and help put clients on a path toward recovery.
NOTE: This certificate program is also offered to students with a high school diploma who do not have a college degree or are in the process of earning an associate's or bachelor's degree. Please see our Adult & Continuing Studies academic offerings for details about the alcohol & drug counseling certificate program for continuing studies students.
In our alcohol & drug counseling certificate program, you'll grow in your expertise and empathy as you study:
When you graduate, you'll have the comprehensive knowledge necessary to pursue certification as an alcohol and drug counselor.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey laws and requirements that regulate this profession are based on your education level, so the path toward becoming an alcohol and drug counselor will look different for everyone.
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You can pursue certification as an alcohol and drug counselor with a high school degree, but many professionals with an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in a related area seek out certification to expand their employment opportunities.
The eligibility requirements* to become a Certified Associate Addiction/Drug Counselor typically include:
[*The number of hours varies by state, desired certification, and student's level of education.]
Please note that completion of the courses in this certificate program does not meet the full requirements for Pennsylvania and New Jersey certifications. Please visit the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) and the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey websites to view the most up-to-date information for becoming a certified alcohol and drug counselor.
It is the responsibility of the student to check the requirements for the specific state certification they are interested in. Depending on the state, classes taken online may be subject to additional certification restrictions by state and eligibility should be confirmed prior to enrollment.
Ready to continue your education and earn a master's degree? It's easy to transfer credits from this alcohol & drug counseling certificate to the allied health education or counselor education master's degree.
After completing a short application, all your certificate courses will be applied towards your degree program. Completing a master's degree this way will afford you significant savings, as certificate courses are offered at a discounted price from the master's courses.
Employment of substance abuse counselors is expected to grow 18% by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the overdose crisis, so demand for trained addiction professionals is high and recruitment of new workers to the field is crucial. The need for well-prepared, empathetic, and culturally diverse professionals is at crisis levels in schools, hospitals, and community agencies.
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors rank in the top 5 on the list of best social services jobs.
Pursuing an alcohol & drug counseling certificate can introduce you to new skills while you decide if a master's degree is right for you. Complete your certificate completely online and then seamlessly transition credits into the counselor education or allied health master's degree.
You'll save money on discounted certificate courses that don't require a commute! It's never been easier to get started on the next leg of your educational journey.
Your education will stretch beyond the online classroom as you build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, engaged alumni, and faculty who infuse their teaching with the latest trends, technology, and thinking. As you get to know these industry insiders, you'll create a meaningful network of connections that will follow you long after graduation.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Personal Statement
Please explain why you wish to do graduate work in the field you have selected with particular emphasis on your proposed area of specialization. Please limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page. The admissions committee will assess the personal statement for content and quality of writing.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey.
Learn more about applying as a international graduate student
Visa & financial aid assistance not available for online graduate programs including this one.
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
NOTE: This certificate program does not qualify for federal financial aid if taken alone. Submit your FAFSA to be eligible for aid directly from Widener, and see below for other paths to savings including Widener scholarships, employer partnerships, and an alumni discount.
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Additional costs to students include required textbooks, educational materials, and the examination fee for the IC&RC Examination for Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Students may also incur expenses related to clinical supervision, but many will be able to use current employment sites for supervision at no cost, if they work in the recovery field.
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
To visit Widener is, often, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.
We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.
Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
Visit our online application system to complete your app and share supplemental materials. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.
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