Trumbull Campus launched the Addictions Counseling Certificate Program (ACCP) in Fall 2020. This summer, five students are completing the program with a practicum where they will engage in real-world experience. The program consists of five courses and should be completed in one calendar year.
"We are excited to offer this program," said Barb Ozimek, Kent State Trumbull’s full-time mental health counselor, and certificate program coordinator. "The need for addiction professionals was great before the pandemic and I think it's become more critical because of the pandemic."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, projections indicate a 22.3 percent increase in demand for Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor positions between 2014 and 2024.
By completing just the first course in the program, students can apply to become a chemical dependency counselor assistant (CDCA) with credentials from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board.
The certificate program 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 certificate supplements existing Kent State Degree Programs such as Psychology and Justice Studies. The certificate also allows in-career professionals to specialize in addictions counseling (e.g., nurses, clergy, rehabilitation counselors, mental health therapists) or it can be a stand-alone certificate.
For more information about the Addictions Counseling Certificate Program, visit Trumbull's website. For Kent Campus's program, visit the Counselor Education and Supervision website.