Addiction Studies Program Certificate

Overview:

Over 1 million people in North Carolina suffer from addiction. However, there are less than 500 active Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCAS) in North Carolina. One of the major challenges North Carolina faces in providing quality care for individuals with chemical and behavioral addiction centers on the lack of quality addiction specific training needed to become a LCAS. The North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) requires LCAS applicants complete 180 units (12 semester hours) of addiction specific coursework as part of the licensure process. Currently, only 8 universities in North Carolina are accredited by NCSAPPB as Criteria C Substance Abuse Schools which signifies the gold standard in addiction training in North Carolina. North Carolina Central University became the 8th university to receive the Criteria C Substance Abuse School in February 4, 2016. As such, NCCU’s Counselor Education Program’s Addiction Studies Program is authorized to offer addiction specific training and an Addiction Studies Program Certificate leading to licensure as a LCAS.

The NCSAPPB requires LCAS applicants possess a Master’s Degree in a human service field with a clinical application (i.e., counseling, social work, psychology, etc.). Therefore, applicants for the Addiction Studies Program Certificate must either be: 1) currently enrolled in a regionally accredited Graduate Counselor Education program or related human service program with a clinical application; or 2) hold a Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution in Counselor Education program or a related human service field with a clinical application.

Licensure as a LCAS will provide individuals the opportunity to apply for certification as an International Certified Advance Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICAADC). This credential has reciprocity in 48 states and over 25 countries. As such, the ASPC Program has national and international appeal. Additionally, since the inception of the Addiction Studies Course curriculum in May 2015 over 10 students enrolled in the ASP addiction courses have received national-level addiction fellowships of $11,000 sponsored by the National Board for Certified Counselors and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration. This has increased NCCU’s prominence, national and international visibility, and recruitment potential.

I. Admission Requirements

Applicants must either be: 1) currently enrolled in a regionally accredited Graduate Counselor Education program or related human service program with a clinical application; or 2) hold a Master’s Degree in a human service program with a clinical application (i.e., counseling, social work, psychology, etc.). Licensure as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist requires a Master’s Degree in a human services program with a clinical application.

Prospective students must submit a complete application packet to the North Carolina Central University Alternative Licensure Office before the application/transcript evaluation request will be processed. Failure to submit all documents together will result in a delayed admission. Official transcripts should not be forwarded directly to our office. If you received your bachelor’s degree from NCCU you must still request a transcript through the University Registrar.

A complete application packet includes:

A.	Application (Please go to http://www.nccu.edu/futurestudents/applynow.cfm to complete the application process
B.	Official (sealed) transcript(s). An official transcript is required from all institutions from which you have taken courses. Your application is not complete and ready to be reviewed by faculty until all transcripts are received.
C.	$40 Application Fee
D.	A copy of all current related certifications and licenses.

Send all required materials to:

NCCU School of Education

Graduate Admission

Counselor Education Program/Addiction Studies Program Certificate

Attn: Vonda Belle

II. Program Requirements - 12 Hours

CON 5306 - Introduction to Substance Abuse (3)
CON 5326 - Traditional and Contemporary Issues in Addictions (3)
CON 5327 - Prevention, Treatment, & Intervention of Alcohol, Drug & Behavioral Addictions (3)
CON 5328 - Alcohol, Drug & Behavioral Addictions: Family & Crisis Intervention (3)

III. Exit Requirements

Successful completion of the Addiction Studies Program Certificate requires achieving a letter grade of “B” or higher in each of the four (4) substance abuse courses.

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