Certificate of Completion

About the Program

The Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate is a three-term certificate program. It is designed for individuals to complete the educational requirements needed to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). In addition to coursework, CADC certification requires 1,000 hours in the field and a passing score on the CADC exam. CADC status is a basic requirement for employment in the addictions field.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate of Completion are:

Apply ethical principles and demonstrate professional behavior in interactions with clients and colleagues.

Establish therapeutic rapport and practice active listening.

Function effectively to provide coordinated and client-centered care.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math and writing. As part of their training, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process.

The Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate is a professional development curriculum requiring attendance at an Information Session and completion of an online application. For more details on Information Sessions, visit the Human Services website at www.roguecc.edu/humanservices.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the Human Services Department Coordinator’s approval. In order to ensure that coursework is current, program courses over 10 years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate department chair before being accepted toward core requirements. 

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete courses with at least a “C-” or better grade and they must have at least a 2.0 program GPA. Certain courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade. Students completing the required credits in this program and passing the counseling skills competency requirement as demonstrated through a series of videotaped counseling interviews, will receive their certificates. Seven credits (231 hours) of documented practicum experience in an alcohol and drug treatment agency setting, supervised by a professional, is required. For admission to the SOU Human Services program, RCC students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in Human Services, Psychology and other core courses. This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement. Note: some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.