Overview

California law requires individuals who provide substance use disorder counseling services in licensed treatment programs to earn certification through a Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) approved certifying organization.

Palomar College’s Alcohol and Other Drug Studies (AODS) Program prepares students for a rewarding career in the substance use disorder counseling field. The program consists of 11 academic courses and two field experience courses, providing students with both the knowledge and practical experience needed to enter the workforce. Students may earn either a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate of Science (AS) Degree in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies (AODS).

The curriculum is designed to develop the competencies required for employment in substance use disorder treatment settings while preparing graduates to pursue certification through California-approved certifying organizations, including the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP).

For additional information about California’s substance use disorder counselor certification requirements, please visit the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) website: Counselor Certification | DHCS.

Job Growth

Did you know that if you are considering a career as a Substance Abuse Counselor, you have chosen a field that has been identified by the United States Bureau of Statistics (BLS) for outstanding growth projections? According to the BLS, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 48,300 openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.