Chemical Dependency Specialist
Certificate
52 Units
The Addiction Studies Certificate provides training for students interested in working with those affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs. The program meets Washington State educational requirements for Chemical Dependency Professional certification. State requirements include a minimum A.A.S. degree and 45 units of chemical dependency specific curriculum (WAC 246-811-030). Additional Washington State Department of Health requirements must be satisfied to obtain certification. Consult the division counselor and/or the Washington State Department of Health before enrolling.
Students with a higher level of formal education may also obtain the 45 credits of chemical dependency curriculum through the Chemical Dependency Specialist Program. A Washington State background check may be required for Field Practicum. A 2.0 grade is required in all Chemical Dependency certificate courses.
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Get Started
College Application Steps
Visit our Enroll Now page to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).
Additional Program Specific Steps
- Attend an Information Session or contact the department for more information (optional).
- Complete the 5-Step Enrollment Process for Seattle Central College, which includes placement testing and transcript evaluations to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
- After admission to Seattle Central, make an appointment with the Division Counselor to determine eligibility to enter the program. Bring a copy of your placement test results and/or college transcripts with you when you meet with the Counselor.
Entrance into the program is on a first-come, first-served basis after prerequisites have been met.
Want to learn more about the Education and Human Services programs at Seattle Central College? Join us for an information session and campus tour.
College Tuition
Learn more about the tuition and fees to attend college.
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Financial Aid
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
Workforce Funding
This academic plan may be eligible for additional funding through Workforce Education. Students in this program may be eligible for:
- Basic Food Employment And Training
- Work First
- Worker Retraining
- Opportunity Grant
- Online Scheduled
- Online Scheduled Asynchronous
- In-person
- Hybrid
This is a cohort-based program and typically begins in Fall Quarter
Program Information
The Chemical Dependency Specialist pathway can lead to various career opportunities.
Examples include:
Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.
A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.
This certificate is for students focused on learning a skill or technology for immediate employment. Most students pursuing this certificate have already earned an associate degree or higher.
Few courses in the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree programs will transfer to four-year colleges or universities. Students interested in further education should consider the Associate in Applied Sciences-Transfer (AAS-T) degree. Consult a program advisor or transfer institution concerning course transferability prior to enrollment.
There are no entry requirements for this program.
52 Units
General Education Requirements
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC& 200 | Lifespan Psychology | 5 |
Core Requirements
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SHS 108 | Group Dynamics & Counseling | 5 |
| SHS 150 | HIV/AIDS Brief Risk Intervention | 1 |
| SHS 210 | Intro to Diversity In Human Services Practice | 3 |
| SHS 230 | Suicide Risk Assessment | 3 |
| SHS 231 | Pharmacology of Addictions | 5 |
| SHS 232 | Addiction, Adolescents and Family Systems | 5 |
| SHS 233 | Addictions Counseling | 5 |
| SHS 235 | Drug Addiction and Society | 5 |
| SHS 255 | Mental Health and Co-Occuring Disorders | 5 |
| SHS 270 | Ethics in Human Services and Addiction Studies | 5 |
| SHS 280 | Case Management in SHS and Addiction Studies | 3 |
Units
The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.
Before you begin:
- Please visit the Enroll Now page for everything you need to do.
- Review the Academic Calendar for key enrollment dates.
- If you need help with the Steps to Enroll, please contact the Academic Advising Center.
- Research and apply for grants and scholarships.
Quarter 1, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SHS 231 | Pharmacology of Addictions | 5 |
| SHS 235 | Drug Addiction and Society | 5 |
| PSYC& 200 | Lifespan Psychology | 5 |
Quarter 2, 12 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SHS 280 | Case Management in SHS and Addiction Studies | 3 |
| SHS 270 | Ethics in Human Services and Addiction Studies | 5 |
| SHS 230 | Suicide Risk Assessment | 3 |
| SHS 150 | HIV/AIDS Brief Risk Intervention | 1 |
Quarter 3, 13 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SHS 108 | Group Dynamics & Counseling | 5 |
| SHS 210 | Intro to Diversity In Human Services Practice | 3 |
| SHS 232 | Addiction, Adolescents and Family Systems | 5 |
Quarter 4, 10 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SHS 233 | Addictions Counseling | 5 |
| SHS 255 | Mental Health and Co-Occuring Disorders | 5 |
- Explain the history and development of the human services profession.
- Compare, contrast and apply current models and theoretical frameworks within individual, group, organizational, community and cultural systems.
- Demonstrate acquired advocacy and networking skills through effective oral and written communication.
- Examine, analyze and articulate the values, attitudes and codes of ethics that regulate the human services professions.
- Recognize and integrate the inherent values of diverse cultures through practical application.
Program data from ctcLink:
- Academic Plan: SAACIC45
- Degree: CERT
- Plan Transcript Description: Certificate - Chemical Dependency Specialist
- Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
- Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 51.1501
Social and Human Services
Melissa Martinez, MSW
Melissa.Martinez@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-3101
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