Admission to the Alcohol & Drug Counseling Program
Application Process
Program Admission Requirements
Students must complete AD 101, LIB 101 and WR 121 as prerequisites. Applications for Fall 2013 will be accepted from July 1 through July 26, 2013 for students who have completed or concurrently enrolled in all prerequisite coursework. Applications will be accepted September 30 through October 25 for winter 2014 admission.
The program will accept 18 students, and students will be selected based on a competitive point system. For information on other classes you can take prior to entry into the program and those that receive admission points see the Pre-Admission Worksheet.
The Alcohol and Drug Counseling program will be accepting 16-18 students each term beginning Winter term 2013 as part of a Cohort group. Applications will be accepted for students entering Spring term 2013 will be accepted from January 7 through February 1, 2013. Applications for students entering Summer term 2013 from April 1 through April 26, 2013.
All prerequisites must be taken either concurrently or completed upon application. Students who receive the most points (see the Pre-Admission Worksheet) will be invited to a mandatory New Student Orientation. Students with the same points will be accepted in order that their completed application was received for admission.
Step 1: Attend an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Information Session
This Information Session is for students interested in applying to the Alcohol and Drug (AD) Counseling program as well as other Allied Health programs. A variety of issues are covered including, application process, acceptance requirements, program requirements, criminal background check, sobriety requirements, transferability of credits and practicum.
View the information session schedule.
Questions? If you have any questions that simply won’t wait for the next scheduled information session, please feel free to contact the division’s admissions specialist Karen Henry.
Step 2: Take College Placement Test
See the College Placement Tests web page for testing dates.
In order to be accepted into the program, you must complete WR 121. In order to take psychology courses (required as part of the Alcohol and Drug counseling program), you need placed into Math 20 or higher.
Step 3: Transcripts
Include unofficial transcripts from all colleges you have attended other than PCC. If you need to order transcripts, it may take more than 4 weeks to process your request, so place your requests as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to ensure that transcripts are in our office by the deadline. Include your unofficial transcripts with your Cascade Campus Allied Health Application and Alcohol and Drug Counseling Packet.
If you need prior coursework approved to complete your certificate or degree, you may need to send official transcripts to Student Records once you have been admitted into the program. Follow these steps to have your transcripts officially evaluated.
Step 4: Make an advising appointment
Students are highly encouraged (but not required) to make an advising appointment with program advisor Karen Henry. You are also highly encouraged to use Grad Plan as a component in your academic planning. Grad Plan is a tool in MyPCC that helps you track progress toward your degree and plan your coursework - it's very handy!
Step 5: Complete the following classes
AD 101 Alcohol Use and Addiction, WR 121 English Composition, and LIB 101 Library Research and Beyond, with a grade 'C' or above. See the class schedule to find out when these classes are offered.
Step 6: Complete the Application
- Complete the Cascade Campus Allied Health Application. Students who have applied in the past must complete a new application in order to be considered for admission.
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Complete the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Packet which includes the "Statements of Understanding", and "Verification Letters", to verify that you have not abused substances for the past 18 months. The Verifications letters must be completed by 3 people who have known you for at least the preceding 18 months.
Students who have applied within the past year will need to complete the Statement of Understanding, but do not need new Verification Forms. If you have applied prior to Fall 2011 you must complete the full Alcohol and Drug packet including the Verification Forms.
- Include unofficial transcripts from colleges/universities you have attended other than Portland Community College
Please note: Counselors already working in the field of Alcohol and Drug Counseling who wish to take selected AD courses may request admission to individual courses on a space available basis without applying to the AD Counselor Program. Contact the Department Chair, Jonny Gieber, to obtain permission.
Recommendation
We strongly recommend that all students have recently received or are currently receiving personal counseling. There are several reasons for a potential counselor to undergo counseling. It is important to consider one’s motives when entering any type of counseling program; a professional counselor can help you examine your motivations, resolve issues that may be negatively impacting your decision and reinforce your positive motivations. The most powerful tool you have as a counselor is your own self-awareness and psychological health. Participating in counseling as a client facilitates the development of empathy for those who seek counseling services. In other words, it helps you to understand what it feels like to be a client.
PCC's Counseling Services provides free, professional counseling services. Services are open to both currently attending and potential students. PCC Counseling Services and the Alcohol and Drug Counseling can recommend other low and no-cost counseling services in the Portland metro area.