Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
Why study to be a CADC at Aurora University?
There is a high rate of co-occurrence between mental health and substance abuse disorders. If you hold or are pursuing a social work degree and you envision a career counseling others who struggle with addiction, this is the program for you. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for CADC professionals will grow at a very high rate.
The program can be completed as a track within the Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs. Additionally, the program can assist those who hold a current degree to advance their career in the field of addictions by providing the educational and experiential requirements needed to pursue certification through the Illinois Certification Board. This program is offered on the main AU campus and through AU Online.
- Program length: Varies depending on experience and status; can be completed full time or part time
- Tuition: View current rates
- The certification requires a course in psychopharmacology of substance use disorders.
- Additionally, students will take two courses in addictions counseling.
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Field instruction is a vital part of the curriculum, and our faculty will work with you to select experiences that prepare you for professional work in the addictions field.
annual median salary for substance abuse and mental health counselors
2023-2033 projected job growth rate
Scholarships address the shortage of certified addiction counselors
Aurora University has awarded 25 social work students $520,000 in scholarships and other support to pursue their substance abuse counselor credentials, as the demand rises for social workers trained to address the ongoing overdose crisis in Illinois.
Experiential learning opportunities
Students will complete experiential learning in the field through an internship. Depending on status, students will complete either 500 or 600 hours in an approved substance use disorder treatment setting.
Career opportunities
- Treatment centers
- Community mental health agencies
- Hospitals
- Residential programs
- Outpatient programs
- Criminal justice settings
Get hired by the best
- Gateway
- Soft Landing Recovery
- Rosecrance
- Hines VA
- WestCare