Substance Use Disorder Professional, AAS

Degree: Associate in Applied Science

Total Units: 95

Class Type: Lecture, Lab, Hybrid, Online

Purpose: The Associate in Applied Science in Substance Use Disorder is for students interested in focusing their studies on Substance Abuse Disorder Counseling. This program prepares the student for work as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor in various settings from withdrawal management facilities to inpatient treatment programs. Students entering the program will fulfill the education requirement for Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) certification through the Department of Health (DOH). Students take classes that directly fulfill Washington Administrative Code (WAC) requirements toward acquiring the Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) certification.

Program Outcomes: Upon successful completion, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of developmental psychology and psychopathology.
• Evaluate, assess, and treat addiction, substance abuse and chemical dependency in adolescents and adults.
• Recognize the pharmacological actions of alcohol and other drugs.
• Apply chemical dependency rules and regulations as well as professional and ethical responsibilities to patient care.
• Coordinate the use of services, referrals, and community resources.
• Recognize cultural diversity, including people with disabilities, and its implications for treatment.
• Plan and implement appropriate addiction placement, continuing care, and discharge criteria.
• Plan and provide effective counseling for chemical dependency, relapse prevention and continuing care for addicted individuals, their families or significant others in individual or group sessions.
• Demonstrate skills necessary to perform clinical evaluations, HIV/AIDS risk interventions and case management functions.