Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Degree

The substance abuse and addiction counseling program at Genesee 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 New York colleges that offer substance abuse and addiction counseling degrees.

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Genesee Community College (GCC)

440 West 21st Street, New York, NY

Genesee Community College, located in Batavia New York, was founded in 1966 as part of the multi college State University of New York (SUNY) system. The school was given a permanent home in 1972 and experienced growth in both facilities and enrollment in the following years, including the addition of a theater and technology building in 1991 and 2000 respectively.

The school maintains multiple branch campuses located in Albion, Warsaw, Medina, Arcade, Lima and Dansville. The Lima campus replaces one previously located in Lakeville. The school has a wide service area that exceeds the boundaries of Genesee County.

Academics

Students at Genesee Community College are able to pursue an educational track that allows for academic transfer or prepares one for entry into the workforce. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education, mirroring curriculum and requirements for those years.

Upon completion, students will apply to four year institutions to transfer their earned credits and continue the remainder of their education, eventually earning their bachelor's degree. Schools in the SUNY system will provide easier transfer opportunities due to intra-system agreements in place that allow for reduced requirements or guaranteed admission if certain academic criteria are met.

Career programs allow students to pursue an education and training in one of multiple areas of study available for students with the purpose of preparation for entry into the workforce after completion.

Courses are taught by professionals with industry experience as well as traditional professors with the intention of providing students with a complete education in their chosen area, including practical courses if necessary in order to impart skills and abilities necessary for success in a safe and supervised environment. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a degree or certificate upon completion.

Programs offered include:

• Biotechnology
• Accounting
• Communications
• Nursing
• Liberal Arts

Admissions and Financial Aid

Individuals interested in enrollment at Genesee Community College may enroll if they are at least 18 years of age or have an equivalent of a high school diploma by submitting a completed application and pay tuition and fees. Students are asked to provide previous transcripts and standardized test scores if available.  In addition, new students are highly encouraged to participate in new student orientation and visit with a GCC counselor prior to registration.

Taking the time to complete orientation will help new and transfer students become familiar with the campus.  Meeting with an advisor will help students properly choose an education track that best suits their goals.  Students may be asked to take a placement exam prior to their first semester.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, work study programs, and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school's financial aid department to determine need and aid program eligibility when constructing an individual's aid packet. Aid must be applied for prior to each academic year and should be submitted well in advance of any posted due dates to ensure that funds are disbursed in a timely fashion.

Students Enrolled in the Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Genesee Community College offers an associate's degree program in substance abuse and addiction counseling.

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

• Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 830
  • Average Hourly Rate: $25.78
  • Average Annual Salary: $53630
• Newark, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 830
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.82
  • Average Annual Salary: $49550

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

• Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 700
  • Average Hourly Rate: $19.83
  • Average Annual Salary: $41260
• Newark, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $24.93
  • Average Annual Salary: $51860

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