Substance Use Disorders Counseling

To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/substance-use-disorders-counseling/

Program Number: 10-550-1
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Campus: Fond du Lac
This program is eligible for financial aid

Prepare to evaluate and counsel clients with substance use disorders with the Substance Use Disorders Counseling associate degree program at Moraine Park.

About the Program

Substance abuse impacts roughly 1 in 10 people in the U.S., people who need help learning healthy lifestyles and coping mechanisms.

Substance Use Disorders Counselors, also known as Alcohol and Other Drug (AODA) Counselors, help clients and their families develop new lifestyles and coping methods to resolve personal conflicts. The Substance Use Disorders Counseling field has a positive job outlook and is growing much faster than average.

What You'll Learn

Students gain foundational knowledge, skills and experience necessary to treat and counsel clients. Graduates are prepared to evaluate clients and develop treatment plans. Successful Substance Use Disorders Counselors are excellent listeners, writers and negotiators. They also have a passion for helping and assisting others.

The program meets all educational requirements for counselor certification and prepares graduates for the counselor certification examination.

After completing Moraine Park’s associate degree in Substance Use Disorders Counseling, students are awarded 500 hours for being an approved program and an additional 468 hours of clinical experience. This totals 968 hours toward the required 3,000 hours of clinical experience needed for counselor certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor with the Department of Safety and Professional Services of the State of Wisconsin.

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

Additional Information

State Licensure Disclosure: Moraine Park’s Substance Use Disorders Counseling program prepares students to obtain the educational requirements for licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. No determination has been made if the curriculum matches the educational requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure for other states. Visit the Accreditation page for more details about accreditation.  

Licensing Organization: Department of Safety and Professional Services

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

This program also requires:

  • Criminal Background Check

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

Fees shown are 2023-2024 fees; 2024-2025 fees will be available as soon as they are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $146.20 per credit (resident)
  • $219.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $188.90 per credit (resident)
  • $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $4.50 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $12.50 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $10 minimum per credit Online Course Fee (Fee suspended for 2023-2024)
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.

While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.

Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
550-200 Introduction to the SUDC Profession 3
550-201 Understanding Substance Use 3
550-210 Boundaries and Ethics - Helping Professions 3
801-136 English Composition 1 3
809-198 Introduction To Psychology 3
890-101 College 101 2
 Credits18
Semester 2
550-203 Overview of Mental Health Disorders 3
550-205 Counseling Theory 3
550-206 Introduction to Interviewing and Counseling Skills 3
550-207 Psychopharmacology 3
809-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies 3
 Credits15
Semester 3
550-202 Foundations of Case Management 3
550-204 Group Facilitation 3
550-208 SUDC Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment 3
550-209 Family Systems 3
Communication Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 4
550-161 Motivational Interviewing 3
550-211 Clinical Experience I 3
550-212 Clinical Experience II 3
Mathematics Course or Natural Science Course 3
Behavioral Science Course 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits63

Program Outcomes

  • Evaluate client for SUD treatment
  • Develop individualized treatment plans
  • Facilitate client referrals
  • Counsel Clients
  • Provide education relevant to substance use and recovery
  • Produce professional SUDC documentation
  • Manage Client Case(s)
  • Display professional conduct in the clinical setting
  • Develop professional relationships with client(s)
  • Apply personal wellness strategies for the helping professions

Pathways 

Earn a certificate and associate degree along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Career Opportunities

  • Substance Abuse Counselor (in training)
  • House Manager CBRF
  • Project Coordinator/County Substance Abuse Council
  • Substance Abuse Intake Worker
  • Crisis Worker
  • Relief Worker
  • Counselor Aide
  • Human Service Worker
  • Case Manager

Statewide Median Salary for Recent Graduates

$43,676