Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling (A.A.S.)

The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling program is for students pursuing a career as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor in the field of addiction treatment. Students participating in this program will be provided with the 350 hours of education and training required by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), in order to receive a credential as an alcoholism and substance abuse counselor. Upon completion of this program, the student will receive a certificate, provided by OASAS, to attach to their Credential Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor application. The student will be sent, after the application is received and processed, their certification as a Credential Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor - Trainee (CASAC-T). Students receiving this certification as a CASAC-T can work at alcohol and substance abuse agencies throughout New York State.

A personal interview may be required before being admitted to the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling program. Your academic and professional competence will be periodically reviewed by the faculty. Enrollment and continuation in the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling program are subject to faculty approval. You must earn a grade of C or better in ASA, HUM, and/or EDU courses and have a GPA of 2.0 to continue in the program, take fieldwork couress, or graduate from the program.

If you choose to transfer to the Alcohol and Substance Abuse program from another Onondaga curriculum, you must have at least a 2.0 cumulative average. Special program costs may include transportation to and from fieldwork sites. Prior to being accepted for fieldwork, you may be required to have a medical exam, a tuberculin test, and a background check.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of theory specific to the alcohol/substance abuse discipline.
2. Students will apply knowledge of theory to practice.
3. Students will apply the code of ethical conduct in various professional interactions.
4. Students will demonstrate cultural diversity awareness and sensitivity to social justice.