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Programs & Courses > Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

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Learning Options Pathways Additional Info

The Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) program is designed to prepare students to work with individuals with substance use disorders. Students will explore areas of assessment, case management, counseling, education and professional responsibility. Students will also develop and apply the skills necessary to work in a variety of agency settings offering substance abuse treatment and recovery services.

The program includes internship experiences over the last two semesters at clinical sites and treatment-providing agencies where students observe and integrate knowledge and skills acquired earlier in semesters with the guidance of a clinical supervisor. 

In addition, the SUDC program satisfies the 100-hour educational component for licensing as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Training and the 360-hour educational component for licensing as a Substance Abuse Counselor and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor as required by the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). A student may apply for their in-training license through the State of Wisconsin DSPS as soon as the 100 hours of education are completed in this program at Blackhawk Technical College and start working in the field to gain hours of experience needed for licensure as a Substance Abuse Counselor or a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor.

Tuition & Potential Earnings

Estimated Tuition Cost

$9,556

Paying For College

Median Wage

$54,800

Based on Lightcast Occupational Employment Statistics

Academic Plan

  • Introduction to Human Services
  • Community Resources and Services
  • Boundaries & Ethics in Substance Use Treatment
  • Mathematical Reasoning or Intermediate Algebra with Applications
  • English Composition 1
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Intro to Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorders
  • Interviewing Principles & Documentation
  • Professional Practices in Human Services
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Introduction to Psychology
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Substance Use Assessment, Diagnosis & Treatment
  • Understanding Addiction
  • Substance Use Disorder Counseling
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Substance Use Disorders Internship 1
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

  • Group Facilitation
  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Substance Use Disorders Internship 2
  • Speech
For course credits and descriptions, visit the Blackhawk Catalog.

Flexible Learning Options

Many courses at Blackhawk are offered in one or more of these formats:

  • In-Person
  • Live Online (synchronous)
  • Online Anytime (asynchronous)
  • FlexLab (in-person when it fits your schedule)

For some courses, we offer a MyEdChoice option, allowing you to choose how to attend each class session. You can switch between online and in-person formats from week to week or even day to day, depending on your needs and schedule. More Information

In Person
MyEdChoice
Hybrid
FlexLab

Get Credit For Your Experience!

Have you acquired relevant education or work experience? You might qualify for credits based on your prior learning.

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Get in touch with an advisor to discuss program details, curriculum, credit transfer options, and financial aid opportunities.

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Additional Program Information

You may be required to complete a Caregiver Background Check prior to any internship or clinical experience.

Criminal activity reported will be communicated to healthcare agencies that provide student clinical and internship opportunities. Healthcare agencies have the legal right to deny a clinical or internship experience based on crimes committed. Completion of your program cannot be guaranteed if your criminal history precludes you from completing any clinical or internship experience.

Optional: Application for Predetermination

For help determining if your conviction record would disqualify you from obtaining a credential, it is recommended that you complete the Application for Predetermination (Form #3085) through the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Students must obtain a "C" grade in each required general education and core course. If a "C" grade is not obtained, you will be required to repeat the course.

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

  • Clinically evaluate for substance use disorders and treatment needs
  • Develop treatment plans
  • Facilitate referral to meet needs
  • Demonstrate service coordination skills
  • Demonstrate counseling skills with individuals, groups and families
  • Provide education relevant to substance use
  • Maintain clinical records according to agency, federal and state guidelines
  • Adhere to accepted culturally competent, ethical and behavioral conduct
Students in the Commons

Highlights

Associate Degree

60 Credits

Beloit-Janesville Campus

6004 S. County Road G, Janesville, WI 53547

Related Offerings

Substance Abuse Education

Potential Careers

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Substance Use Disorder Counselor Aide

Residential Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Treatment Counselor

Resident Manager

Career Pathways

A Career Pathway is a step-by-step plan designed to lead you to career success and advancement.

1

Embedded Technical Diploma

Substance Abuse Education

2

University Transfer

Earning a bachelor’s degree has never been more convenient and affordable! We offer a variety of options for students who want to achieve a four-year degree.

Learn More