The Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate is a 20-credit hour certificate that helps prepare individuals with an associate degree or higher to pursue credentialing in the field of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling. For specific requirements regarding licensing in New Mexico, contact the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board (NMCTPB) at www.rld.state.nm.us or (505) 476-4610. They will be able to provide current information on eligibility requirements, completing internship hours, procedures for taking the licensing exam, and will be aware of any changes to the credentialing process.
This certificate can also be embedded in the Human Services associate degree as program electives allowing students to earn a certificate in substance abuse counseling within their degree.
Professionals in the fields of Social Work and Counseling may be interested in applying the certificate coursework toward a credential in substance abuse counseling or using it as Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their professional licenses.
Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.
Career Opportunities
Many students pursuing the Human Services degree are interested in working in the fields of substance abuse counseling, social work and case management. Human Services careers are expected to continue to grow in the areas of counseling, mental health and substance abuse counseling.
Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.
