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Program Description

Full Description

The Addictions Counseling graduate 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 first course in the certificate provides all necessary training hours for certification as a chemical dependency counselor assistant in Ohio. Course content includes the following:

• 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 in the classroom) and culminates in a practicum in the field at an approved counseling facility under the supervision of an approved licensed behavioral health 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.

*Note

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

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).

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus