The Hartnell College Associate Degree in Addiction Studies provides students with the academic preparation needed for employment in the substance abuse field. The curriculum is designed to meet the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) requirements and pending legislative regulations requiring 350 hours of approved alcohol and drug classroom education, 45 hours of supervised practicum and 255 hours of supervised work experience.

Students who wish to continue their course of study to a 4-year setting are recommended to complete the Associate of Arts Degree program, which includes both the general education requirements and major courses in Addiction Studies. Completion of additional requirements for transfer may be required. It is recommended that students take AOD courses in numeric order.

AOD 1-6 and 11 must be completed before enrolling in AOD 10 (Chemical Dependency Practicum Seminar) and AOD 99 (Practicum in Chemical Dependency).

Career opportunities for certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors include: counselors in social model county residential treatment programs; counselors in pre-treatment, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare programs; counselors in hospital-based chemical dependency community prevention and education programs; recovery/relapse prevention counseling in the private sector; counselors in recovery home/sober living environments. California state laws require that individuals who are providing services in an alcohol or drug abuse setting be registered by an accredited agency that is recognized by the Department of Health Care Services. Students may obtain a registration manual, which contains information on academic requirements, procedures, forms, examination schedules, and fees by going to the CCAPP website (https://www.ccapp.us/) and clicking on "certification" where an order form and other information are provided.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

- Demonstrate proficiency in each of the core functions and performance domains of substance abuse counselors.

- Function as ethical and competent entry-level substance abuse.

Career Opportunities:

- Community Prevention & Education Counselor

- Mental Health Counselor

- Probation Officer

- Social Worker

- Substance Abuse Counselor in residential treatment programs, pre-treatment, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare programs

- Therapist