Career Description
Substance Abuse Counselors work in a variety of settings such as inpatient drug rehabilitation programs within hospitals and clinics, residential therapeutic communities, halfway houses, correctional institutions, methadone maintenance programs, drug detoxification centers, partial hospitalization or day programs, and employee assistance programs. Counselors typically work as part of a team of caregivers that needs to be available around-the-clock to patients.
Education
Substance Abuse Counselors may receive bachelor and graduate degree education. However, the Addiction Counselor Education (ACE) program is a one year certificate program. Completion of the ACE program and successful completion of the State exam for the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification are required. The Substance Abuse Counselor can pursue additional training to become Certified Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CADAC).
Pre-requisites
Prior to approval for a clinical experience, an interview may be required, as well as a cover letter and resume. Clinical experiences are arranged through the academic advisor from programs that are affiliated with BMC.
Length of Clinical Experience
Approximately 300 hours supervised practical training, usually completed in the spring semester.
Clinical Tracks at BMC
The following are clinical sites at BMC where Addiction Counselor Education students may obtain internship opportunities. For more information, please speak with your academic advisor.
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Carlson Recovery Center
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My Sister’s House
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Opportunity House
Institutional Affiliations
BMC is affiliated with the Addiction Counselor Education program at the following institution/s:
Professional Associations and Other Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, is an excellent resource for information on Substance Abuse Counselors.
