Admission to the Alcohol & Drug Counseling Program
Cascade JH 210 | Admissions: 971-722-5667 | Fax: 971-722-5257 | healthca@pcc.edu
Application Process
Program Admission Requirements
A competitive process will be used to determine which students to accept if more students apply then the program can accept. Students must complete AD 101, LIB 101 and WR 121 as prerequisites. The following classes are recommended to enhance your chances of getting into the program. For information on other class you can take prior to entry into the program see the AAS Degree Prerequisite Worksheet.
Contact Karen Henry, program advisor, for questions regarding the general education and math competency courses.
The Alcohol and Drug Program will be accepting students for entry in to the Winter 2013 program. Please check back in Summer 2012 for Application Deadlines and for links to the application.
Step 1: Attend an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Program Orientation
This orientation is for students interested in applying to the Alcohol and Drug (AD) Counseling program. 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 summer 2012 information sessions.
Questions? If you have any questions that simply won’t wait for the next scheduled orientation, please feel free to contact 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: Request official transcripts
Request official transcripts from all colleges you have attended other than PCC. Depending on the time of year, 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. Have your official transcripts mailed to:
Portland Community College
Allied Health Admissions, CA SSB 313
705 N. Killingsworth St.
Portland, OR 97217
Important Note: Once you have been accepted into the program your official transcripts will be sent to Student Records. To have them evaluated you must:
- Log into MyPCC
- Click on the College Business Tab
- Go to the "Don’t Wait in Line" Channel
- Choose "Transfer Credit Evaluation"
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
Application materials will be posted as soon as available.
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.