Online Drug and Alcohol Counseling Classes and Training Programs

<p>Both undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs may be offered online. Often times, completion of an internship is required for online programs. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Addiction prevention, ethics in counseling, alcohol and drug education, rehabilitation assessment methods, fundamentals of chemical dependency</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online</b></td><td> Online degree programs in drug and alcohol counseling are rare</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Career Outlook</b></td><td> Career opportunities are expected to grow at a rate of 22% between 2021-2031*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhyShouldIEnrollInADrugAndAlcoholCounselingTrainingProgram">Why Should I Enroll in a Drug and Alcohol Counseling Training Program?</h3> <p>If you're looking for a career in a growing industry and want to make a difference in people's lives, consider becoming trained as a drug and alcohol counselor. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that the number of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling jobs would increase much faster than average from 2021-2031 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). According to the BLS, this growth is the result of more and more people seeking treatment for chemical dependency; courts increasingly favor rehabilitative measures over prison sentences. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfOnlineProgramsAreAvailable">What Types of Online Programs Are Available?</h3> <p>Web certificate courses can be applied towards licensing requirements, transferred to degree programs or used as professional development credits towards license renewal. State certification and licensing regulations differ, so make sure that your state board accepts online continuing education classes before enrolling. You may need to complete a background check prior to program enrollment. </p> <p>It's possible to earn an associate's degree in alcohol and drug counseling or a bachelor's degree in alcohol and drug studies. Related online programs include a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatClassesAreOfferedOnline">What Classes Are Offered Online?</h3> <p>Web courses are delivered via streaming video and interactive discussion. You'll learn how to provide individual and group counseling for patients of different ages, genders and cultures. Additional coursework might include: </p> <ul><li>Substance abuse treatment services </li><li>Rehabilitation assessment methods </li><li>Methods of alcohol and drug education </li><li>Impact of addiction on society </li><li>Fundamentals of chemical dependency </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatElseWillBeIncludedInMyProgram">What Else Will Be Included in My Program?</h3> <p>Online degree and certificate programs often require completion of a practicum or field-based internship. Some schools provide internship placement opportunities; others may allow you to choose a nearby facility. A certain number of practicum hours are typically required for state licensure.</p>