Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Degree

The substance abuse and addiction counseling program at El Paso Community College prepares students for careers as counselors in drug detoxification centers, half-way houses, correctional institutions, and more. The program focuses on preventing substance abuse, counseling individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and performing intervention and therapeutic services. Program courses include: psychology of addiction, sociology, crisis intervention, substance abuse identification methodologies, pharmacology and behavioral aspects of abused substances, professional standards and ethics, and applicable laws and regulations. Get more details below including other Texas colleges that offer substance abuse and addiction counseling degrees.

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El Paso Community College

801 Main Street, Dallas, TX

El Paso Community College (EPCC) is a two-year community college located in El Paso, Texas. EPCC offers 130 academic programs that lead to an Associate's of Applied Science, Associate's of Science, Associate's of Arts degree or a Certificate of Completion.  In addition to its degree and certificate programs, EPCC offers several innovative learning initiatives that include Early College High School (allowing high school students to earn an associate's degree while they earn their diploma), and Student Technology Services (a student-run technology training program).  EPCC also offers distance learning through online programs.

For students hoping to transfer to four-year institutions of higher education to earn a bachelor's degree, there are "2+2" options available.  These options guarantee admission to four-year colleges that offer the degree program of choice, with junior-level status.

EPCC offers modern facilities and many student and community services on its five campuses.  It has several workforce development programs, making it a leading provider of job training for local community businesses.  EPCC also offers a Leadership Development Academy to personnel who work in management/leadership positions in the El Paso community.  The Academy's aim is to foster the development of leadership qualities, characteristics and skills.

EPCC is involved in a national initiative for community colleges called "Achieving the Dream," which helps more community college students, particularly those who face challenges, to succeed. EPCC grants the most associate's degrees to Hispanic students in the U.S.

History

In 1969, the El Paso County Community College District was established.  In 1971, El Paso Community College opened its doors and more than 900 enrolled students.  By 1973, enrollment had grown to more than 5,000.  The college constructed various facilities and established five campuses over the years, providing a growing number of academic and workforce training programs. It is one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation.

Academics

The academic calendar for El Paso Community College follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters, a 10-week summer session, and two 5-week "summer mini" sessions.

Colleges and Schools

As a two-year community college, EPCC is not divided into colleges and schools, but has departments and programs through which students can earn Associate's Degrees and Certificates:

• Associate of Arts in Field of Study
• Associate of Arts in Teaching
• Technical Programs Certificate of Completion
• Technical Programs Associate of Applied Science
• Continuing Education
• Associate of Science
• Associate of Arts
• Health Occupation Associate of Applied Science
• Health Occupation Certificate of Completion

Student Life

EPCC has an Office of Campus Life at each campus, which provides students with the "EPCC Best Start" ID Card.  With this card, students can use EPCC facilities and services such as gyms, libraries, computer labs, discounts on and off campus at participating businesses, and more.

EPCC students are encouraged to join one of many student clubs, events or activities that are available to them on each campus.  There are community volunteer programs available, as well as student leadership and government associations.

Athletics

The EPCC athletics teams compete in intercollegiate sports at the Division I level in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).  Men's sports include baseball, cross-country and half marathon.  Women's sports include softball, cross-country and half marathon.

Satellite Campuses

El Paso Community College has five campuses in the El Paso area:

• Mission del Paso Campus
• Northwest Campus
• Rio Grande Campus
• Transmountain Campus
• Valle Verde Campus

Community Life

El Paso Community College has cultivated strong partnerships with local businesses to develop its workforce training programs. EPCC has also partnered with many local, regional and national universities to promote the success of its transfer students.

The city of El Paso has roughly 500,000 citizens and is one of the safest cities in the United States with a very low crime rate. El Paso offers good shopping venues, outdoor concerts, many museums, a zoo, hiking trails through its four State Parks, many music and dance festivals, and more.

Students Enrolled in the Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. El Paso Community College has offered the following program levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Description

Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors employment is expected to grow at a rate of 22.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 600
  • Average Hourly Rate: $21.32
  • Average Annual Salary: $44360
• Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 380
  • Average Hourly Rate: $19.73
  • Average Annual Salary: $41040

Mental Health Counselors

Description

Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, mental health counselors employment is expected to grow at a rate of 19.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 460
  • Average Hourly Rate: $25.24
  • Average Annual Salary: $52510
• Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 290
  • Average Hourly Rate: $24.93
  • Average Annual Salary: $51840

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).