Substance Abuse Education
Technical Diploma
24 Credits | 1 Year
Financial Aid-Eligible
Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior
Hybrid instruction
Career Cluster: Human Services
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The Substance Abuse Education technical diploma will provide you with the coursework required to pursue a career in the field of substance abuse counseling within the state of Wisconsin. You will acquire the education and related skills necessary to work with individuals, families and groups in need of substance abuse assessment, treatment and counseling.
Program Overview
Help to address substance abuse challenges within our communities. The Substance Abuse Education technical diploma is pre-approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services to meet the six content areas (360 hours) of educational requirements for Substance Abuse Counselors. This program will provide you with the foundational coursework necessary to begin working with individuals, families and groups in need of substance abuse assessment, treatment, and counseling.
Upon completion, graduates pursuing various levels of Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor certification will also need to pass the required state examination and obtain supervised counseling hours, as designated by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services. This technical diploma is also fully embedded within the Human Services Associate program, creating a direct pathway for graduates to continue their education and obtain their Human Services Associate of Applied Science degree.
Program Outcomes
Substance Abuse Education graduates will be able to:
- Apply case management skills
- Identify professional SUDC documentation requirements
- Apply the client SUDC evaluation process
- Analyze professional conduct in the clinical setting
- Counsel clients
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
Earn credentials each step of the way through Career Pathways. Upon completion of the Substance Abuse Education program, you can continue your education to earn an associate degree in Human Services Associate.
Enhance your career.
Make a difference.
Follow your calling.
Academics
Full program course offerings are available at Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake and Superior. Take courses via hybrid instruction.
High Future Demand
Meet the emerging need for substance abuse counselors within the state of Wisconsin.
Accessible Delivery
This program blends in person, online and hybrid experiential learning, ideal for pursuing or enhancing your career.
Pursue Certification
Graduates will meet the 360-hour educational requirements needed for Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor certification, as pre-approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services. Certification also requires state application, examination and supervised counseling experience outside of this program.
Required Courses
Coursework meets the 360-hour educational requirements needed for Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor certification, as pre-approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services and includes the six content areas of assessment, case management, counseling, education, professional responsibility and electives within domains.
Featured Substance Abuse Education Courses
Substance Abuse Education is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Substance Abuse Education student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
*Career qualifications vary based on licensure application, examination and supervised practice/employment hours as specified and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
You could take this first and get a credential.
You could continue your education to earn your associate degree.
Transfer your credits to earn your bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships.
Learn More About Paying for College
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Substance Abuse Education
24 Credits | 1 Year
$3,861
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech Substance Abuse Education Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Substance Abuse Education technical diploma. Continue your education at Northwood Tech in the Human Services Associate program.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Professional Licensure and/or Certification Information
Northwood Tech’s Substance Abuse Education program is designed to meet the State of Wisconsin’s 360-hour educational requirements needed for Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor certification, as preapproved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services. (Certification also requires state application, examination, and supervised counseling experience outside of this program). Northwood Tech does not guarantee its required courses meet the requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure for other states/territories. For determination whether this program meets licensure requirements in states/territories other than Wisconsin, please refer to the licensure and certification disclosure webpage. Students who may be seeking professional licensure or certification in states other than Wisconsin should contact the appropriate licensing board in that state/territory to verify that the Northwood Tech program meets licensure or certification requirements. To be eligible for testing and/or licensing in the state of Wisconsin, you may be required to obtain a social security number.
Out-of-State applicants sign a Professional Licensure Disclosure Form.
For more information, visit:
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
