Courses and Requirements
This one-year certificate program is designed to prepare graduates for positions as substance abuse counselors. The curriculum content includes knowledge of the Human Service/Substance Abuse delivery systems, community networking and referrals, drugs of abuse, counseling techniques and professional ethics. Supervised clinical experiences in substance abuse and dual diagnosis settings are an integral part of the program. The program is based on the National Addiction Counselor Competencies and the National Community Support Skill Standards. The 32 required credits meet educational requirements licensing in Massachusetts and may all be applied toward the Associate Degree in Human Services, which is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education.
Courses with an “HUS” prefix are generally restricted to students enrolled in the Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate, the Community Support Human Service Practitioner Certificate or the Human Service Associate Degree. HUS 101, the introductory course, is open to any NECC student who meets the proficiency requirements. HUS 171, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, is open to students with a major in criminal justice, as well as those students in the human services programs. Any requests for exceptions to this policy need to be addressed to the course instructor or Program Coordinator.
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all HUS courses in order to graduate.
Additional Admissions Criteria:
Enrollment Services will provide additional admissions criteria for this program. The Admission criteria packet can be found on Forms.
CORI/CHRI/SORI:
Students interested in participation in this academic program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.
Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/CHRI/SORI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for their careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.
Requirements:
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HUS101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
| HUS103 | Community Resources and Client Populations | 3 |
| HUS170 | Modalities of Treatment | 3 |
| HUS171 | Alcohol & Drug Abuse | 3 |
| HUS172 | Counseling Techniques with Substance Abuse | 3 |
| HUS191 | HUS Practicum I in Alcohol/Drug Abuse Services | 4 |
| HUS192 | HUS Practicum II in Alcohol/Drug Abuse Services | 4 |
| HUS201 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
Courses with Prerequisites and Co-requisites: HUS103, HUS191, HUS192
Courses with Prerequisites: HUS170, HUS171, HUS172, HUS201
CORI/CHRI/SORI courses: HUS191, HUS192
Electives:
Program Notes
Students are prepared with the skills and knowledge to work as beginning professionals with clients along the spectrum from active abuse to later stages of recovery. Practicum courses give students the opportunity to gain experience in the field and to integrate that work experience with their academic learning. All college credits earned within this certificate may also be transferred towards the Associate Degree in Human Services.
Helpful Hints
Students are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator with any questions or concerns about the CORI/SORI/CHRI process. Those with legal issues in their background will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records.
In order to insure the maximum transfer of credits, students who wish to pursue a four-year degree are strongly recommended to consult with the Program Coordinator before selecting any electives.
Recommended Course Sequence Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate
Year 1
Fall
| HUS101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
| HUS103 | Community Resources and Client Populations | 3 |
| HUS171 | Alcohol & Drug Abuse | 3 |
| HUS191 | HUS Practicum I in Alcohol/Drug Abuse Services | 4 |
| HUS201 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
Spring
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HUS170 | Modalities of Treatment | 3 |
| HUS172 | Counseling Techniques with Substance Abuse | 3 |
| HUS192 | HUS Practicum II in Alcohol/Drug Abuse Services | 4 |
| ANT/PSY/SOC | Behavioral Science Elective (PSY101 is recommended) | 3 |
Students who successfully complete this certificate may choose to directly enter the workforce as a beginning professional or may transfer directly into the Human Services Associate Degree program.
Students who complete the program have met the educational requirements for subsequent licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as substance abuse counselors.
Graduates are also eligible to apply for the credential of Human Services Board Certified Practitioner offered by the National Organization for Human Services.