Addiction Studies, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree

Program Overview

The Addiction Studies AAS program equips students with competencies in counseling, case management, and addiction-related topics. Through coursework and internships, students gain the skills necessary for entry-level positions in chemical dependency agencies, including case manager, case worker, chemical dependency counselor, and intervention specialist. The program emphasizes ethical and legal considerations, as well as diverse work environments.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Addiction Studies, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program provides competencies through an extensive array of educational courses. It includes classes recommended for beginning internships in chemical dependency agencies within the public and private sectors and fulfilling chemical dependency professional status in accordance with current certification requirements. Course content encompasses counseling, case management, psychology, sociology, ethics, law, and physiology, as well as internships in diverse work environments. Students are encouraged to commence the program either in the fall or winter quarter.

Outline:

• Quarter 1 (Fall): Introduces addiction fundamentals, physiology of drugs, counseling techniques, HIV/AIDS education, and a first aid course.
• Quarter 2 (Winter): Covers case management, counseling strategies, cultural diversity, psychology, and first aid or healthcare provider certification.
• Quarter 3 (Spring): Explores family therapy, group counseling, youth counseling and assessment, and psychology through a lifespan perspective.
• Quarter 4 (Fall): Includes applied mathematics for technical programs, computer basics, intervention techniques, and ethics and counseling principles.
• Quarter 5 (Winter): Focuses on the legal aspects of chemical dependency, pathological gambling and addictions, counseling skills development, and peer counseling concepts.

Careers:

• Case manager at emergency shelter
• Case worker for state agencies (i.e., Department of Social and Health Service, mental health agencies, etc.)
• Chemical dependency counselor
• Intervention specialist