Substance Abuse Counselor, Certificate of Completion

School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)

The Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate is a 20-credit hour academic Certificate of Completion that teaches important entry-level to mid-range skills, knowledge, and attitudes required of service providers in the field of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling.

The Certificate can be embedded in the Human Services associate degree, allowing students to earn both the Substance Abuse Counseling certificate and the Human Services degree by selecting the appropriate Approved Program Electives. When embedded in the Human Services Associate degree, the certificate and degree combination may meet the education requirements required for the Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) credential. Currently New Mexico regulations require any applicant seeking the LSAA credential to have at least an associate degree with coursework in substance abuse counseling. For specific requirements regarding eligibility, internship hours, procedures and licensing in New Mexico, contact the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board (NMCTPB).

Professionals in the fields of Social Work and Counseling may be interested in applying the Certificate of Completion coursework toward a credential in Substance Abuse Counseling or using it as Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their professional licenses.

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

• Cost of Attendance
• Tuition
• Books
• Program and Course Fees

Financial Aid Considerations

• This is a financial aid eligible program.
  • Direct Subsidized Loans: 150 percent rule
  • Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.

Career Opportunities

Human Services careers are expected to continue to grow in the areas of substance abuse counseling, case management, and mental health. Students completing the Human Services associate degree with the embedded Substance Abuse Counseling certificate often enter the workforce as para-professional case managers, outreach workers, residential staff, intake workers, or a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA).

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses

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.