Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Degree

The substance abuse and addiction counseling program at Wenatchee Valley 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 Washington colleges that offer substance abuse and addiction counseling degrees.

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Wenatchee Valley College (WVC)

1400 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA

About

Wenatchee Valley College, located in Wenatchee, Washington, was founded in 1939 and was originally a private institution supported by fifty one local residents. Two years later the school became part of the Washington State public education system.  Soon thereafter the school began a period of movement and expansion, until a permanent campus was formed in 1949.

WVC has since expanded its facilities in subsequent years to meet growing demand. In addition to the main campus, the school operated two more campuses in Omak and downtown Wenatchee (known as the Downtown Learning Center).  The school also offers dual enrollment for high school students through the states Running Start Program.

Academics
As a comprehensive community college, WVC offers a variety of programs that allow for academic transfer or career opportunities. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying for transfer to a four year institution in order to continue their education to complete a bachelor's degree.

Training programs at Wenatchee Valley offer education and training in a high demand field or industry for students who plan to pursue long term employment upon completion. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a degree or certificate.

Programs offered include:

• Communications
• Nursing
• Liberal Arts
• Drafting and Design
• Business Administration

Admissions and Financial Aid

Wenatchee Valley College is an open enrollment institution that admits any individuals that pay their fees and have a high school education or are at least eighteen years of age. Students should supply transcripts and standardized test scores if available and may be required to take a placement exam.

Meeting with a counselor and participating in new student orientation are encouraged. Financial aid is given in the form of loans, grants and scholarships, based on need as determined by the information a student provides on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students Enrolled in the Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Program

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

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $18.65
  • Average Annual Salary: $38790
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 170
  • Average Hourly Rate: $21.19
  • Average Annual Salary: $44070

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

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.60
  • Average Annual Salary: $42850
• Tacoma-Lakewood, WA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 400
  • Average Hourly Rate: $22.93
  • Average Annual Salary: $47690

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