Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Degree

The substance abuse and addiction counseling program at Reading Area 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 Pennsylvania colleges that offer substance abuse and addiction counseling degrees.

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Reading Area Community College (RACC)

415 D Orchard Avenue, Altoona, PA

Located in Berks County near Reading Pennsylvania, Reading Area Community College provides higher learning that leads to either a two-year associate’s degree or a certificate. In some of the certificate curriculums, students are permitted to work online or learn a new occupational skill in as little as six weeks’ time.

By obtaining degree or certificate training at the college, students can embark on the following careers:

• Accountant
• Chef (culinary arts)
• Legal secretary
• Medical transcriptionist
• Website developer
• Computer specialist (computer technology)
• Accountant
• Nurse
• Communications specialist
• Medical lab technician
• Teacher’s Aide (early childhood education)

A transfer center at the college enables students to meet specific college requisites so they can eventually transfer to a four-year university. The college also sponsors career fairs as well as on-campus recruiting and career counseling. Students interested in obtaining employment have resources available to them that help them prepare resumes and develop their interview skills.

Scholarships are available for eligible candidates at the school, one of which includes the American Sign Language scholarship. The yearly tuition rate for out-of-state students is just over $9,600 while in-state students spend about $7,000 per year. Approximately 5,000 students are currently enrolled at the two-year college.

Students Enrolled in the Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. RACC 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

• Altoona, PA
  • Average Hourly Rate: $18.54
  • Average Annual Salary: $38570

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

• Altoona, PA
  • Total Employment: 80
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.41
  • Average Annual Salary: $42460

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