Addiction Counseling

Program description

Through MCTC’s Addiction Counseling Program, the oldest in the state of Minnesota, you will receive hands-on training and excellent training from experienced faculty that will ground you in the fundamentals of counseling. This program, which emphasizes the importance of interpersonal and cross-cultural communications, prepares you for Minnesota Alcohol and Drug Counselor licensure.

Program start and location

Classes are held on the MCTC campus. Students are accepted into this program fall and spring semesters only.

Degree options and requirements

Addiction Counseling A.S. Degree—68 credits

Click here for program and course information.

What you will learn

• MCTC’s Addiction Counseling program teaches the special counseling and interpersonal skills you need to work with individuals troubled by alcohol and drug abuse.
• Program coursework covers a range of topics including the history of alcohol and drug counseling, pharmacology, assessment, counseling theories and case management responsibilities.
• You will learn how to counsel individuals and groups, highlighting different techniques and emphasizing the importance of interpersonal and cross-cultural communications.
• You also will learn how to effectively assess and diagnose clients’ individual needs, manage their cases for the best results, keep accurate reports and records and determine when referral or intervention is necessary.

Points of pride

• Addiction Counseling at MCTC has a rich, 40-year history and is one of the country’s oldest counseling programs. It is the oldest program in Minnesota.
• The program touts diverse faculty members, all with years of experience in addiction counseling.
• The program enjoys a tremendous statewide reputation, with graduates now working in practically every treatment center in Minnesota.
• When you graduate, you will be ready for the addiction counseling field in entry-level positions or you can choose to transfer to a four-year program.

Where you could work

• You will be prepared to work at any Rule 31 Chemical Dependency Treatment provider in Minnesota.
• Potential workplaces include hospitals, clinics and residential and non-residential facilities.

Occupational outlook

Addiction counseling careers will grow at a much faster than average pace—by up to 21 percent nationally through 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Two factors behind the growth: new laws that send substance abusers to treatment programs rather than to jail, and a growing societal understanding about addiction, which is leading more people to seek treatment.

Beyond-the-classroom opportunities

• Students receive extensive hands-on training through numerous available internships at alcohol- and drug-specific agencies. The faculty will stay in close touch with you and your internship supervisors to monitor progress. As a student intern, you will receive performance-based evaluations so you can continually improve your counseling approach.
• The Addiction Counseling Club facilitates your growth as one of tomorrow’s counselors through networking, hands-on experience and advocacy in the chemical dependency field, as well as social functions.

Articulation Agreements, Common Course Outlines and Gainful Employment Information

Please contact the program dean for information about articulation agreements.

Click here for Common Course Outline information.

Click here for Gainful Employment information.