Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Degree

The substance abuse and addiction counseling program at Niagara County 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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Niagara County Community College

70 Washington Sq South, New York, NY

Niagara County Community College, located in Sanborn, New York, was founded in 1962 and was named after Niagara County, the local sponsor of the school. The school originally made its home in the former Nabisco Shredded Wheat plant, the iconic building once being part of the Nabisco logo and giving the school the nickname “Nabisco Tech”. When the school originally was established it lacked any facilities, staff, students or programs, but rapidly put together all that was necessary to become a junior college in a relatively short time, an impressive feat noted by the American Association of Junior Colleges. Due to increased enrollment and need for new facilities the school left the old Nabisco plant in favor of a new site more central to Niagara County, and over the years the school has grown steadily, providing education and opportunity for residents of the region. NCCC is a member school of the State University of New York System (SUNY).

Academics

Niagara County Community College offers programs and degrees in many areas of study, allowing students to choose the academic or career path that best suits his or her needs. Academic programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying for transfer to a four year institution to complete a bachelor's degree. Transfer to schools within the SUNY system will be easier based on the relationship the member schools share, as may transfer to a City University of New York System (CUNY) school through agreements in place. Transfer to public or out of state schools will require the student meet the criterion put forth by those institutions for transfer of credits and admission.

Career training programs provide one to two years of study in a technical or vocational field, providing the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce as a professional upon completion. Students will take a mixture of theoretical and practical courses that allow students to apply methodologies and techniques learned in a real world setting in order to garner experience useful for future employment. Students will earn a certificate or diploma upon completion and be ready to seek employment at the entry level.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Culinary Arts
• Criminal Justice
• Liberal Arts

Admissions and Financial Aid

As an a two year open enrollment institution, any individual wishing to attend Niagara County Community College may do so if they meet the minimum criterion for admission and submit an application along with payment of tuition. Students are required to submit transcripts and test scores if available, and may have to take a placement exam prior to registration. Participation in new student orientation is encouraged, as is meeting with a counselor to help identify goals, program enrollment, and curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to the start of each academic year. The information provided by the FAFSA will be used by the school's financial aid department to determine the student's needs and aid program eligibility, developing an aid packet that most benefits the student. Recipients of aid must maintain the school's minimum academic standard or risk losing aid eligibility.

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).