Chemical Dependency Counseling

Semester Sequence

This is a suggested full-time schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits. Refer to the College catalog for specific requirements in selecting General Education courses .

General Education Requirements and Electives - 22-23 Credits

Program Requirements and Electives - 38 Credits

Total Number of Credits Required for Degree: 60*

Notes

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed college coursework at other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101  in the first semester at CCBC. This is a 1-credit class, and it does not count towards the number of credits required for a degree or certificate. Students are required to provide an official transcript(s) to document successful completion of college coursework at another institution(s) for this requirement to be waived.

**See CMDP Program Coordinator to discuss CMDP 233  (3 credits) option.

Program Description

The A.A.S. degree program in Chemical Dependency Counseling is designed to prepare students to function as chemical dependency counselors in a broad range of treatment settings such as residential and outpatient programs, detoxification units, and halfway houses. Program graduates may also broaden their area of study to psychology, counseling or social work at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. Through the A.A.S. degree program, students will complete a core of courses in chemical dependency counseling, and general college courses in writing, science, math and communications. Students in the A.A.S. degree program will also complete two internships in facilities providing chemical dependency counseling services. This experiential counseling opportunity greatly enhances the student’s knowledge and skills.

Certification for chemical dependency counselors is required by the State of Maryland. The credentialing process includes a combination of a college degree in a health or human services counseling field; course work specific to chemical dependency counseling; hours of supervised counseling experience; and passing a state-approved examination. Both the degree requirement and specific alcohol and drug course work are met by the completion of this degree.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, students will be able to:

1. utilize a variety of counseling skills and abilities to function effectively as chemical dependency counselors in a variety of settings;
2. understand addiction and the characteristics and treatment demands of chemically dependent/substance abusing clients;
3. know the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs;
4. apply appropriate diagnostics criteria for substance related disorders, and criteria for other mental health disorders that commonly co-occur with addictive disorders;
5. express themselves professionally, both verbally and in writing, to a variety of audiences including clients, other professionals and external monitoring agencies; and
6. conduct themselves professionally and ethically as chemical dependency counselors.