Alcohol and Drug Counseling - Program Overview
Our program prepares students to become alcohol and drug counselors or prevention specialists. We help students meet the educational requirements for Oregon’s certification exams: the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling Examination (CADC) and the Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS).
- Before entry into the program, students must:
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- Have a working knowledge and/or background of basic computer skills including windows, keyboarding, internet and email.
- Demonstrate readiness to successfully complete Writing 121, determined by placement scores (waived with previous relevant coursework).
- Complete AD 101 with a grade of “C” or above.
- Provide documentation of non-abuse of alcohol or drugs for the past 18 months.
- Attend an advising session with a program advisor.
- While in the program, students must:
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- Agree not to abuse alcohol or other drugs during enrollment.
If you are a recovering student, you must agree to abstain from any alcohol or illicit drug use.
Practicum
An essential element of the
Obtaining work experience in a addiction treatment or prevention facility is an essential element of our program. It is this work that translates most directly to skill acquisition and actual employment. The major addiction treatment facilities in the Portland metro area utilize our practicum students. Practicum students duties includes but is not limited to:
- group facilitation
- record keeping
- intakes
- individual counseling
- staff meetings
- clinical supervision
Our program also helps the student amass hours toward the work experience component of the ACCBO certification requirement.
Transferring to a 4-Year College
In addition to offering these degrees and certificates, PCC also has agreements with Warner Pacific College and Concordia University that allow graduates to be accepted as juniors, working toward a baccalaureate degree. In addition, Portland State University and Marylhurst University may also accept some program credits toward a Bachelor’s degree.