Addiction Services MHTCD.S.AAS
Associate of Applied Science - 63 Credit Hours
Division: Health Sciences
Department: Mental Health and Addiction Services
Effective as of Fall 2022
Become a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant, help create addiction service plans and complete clinical assessment documents.
Preparation for professional role in field of chemical dependency treatment and/or transfer to 4-year college or university.
What is the program about?
In the Mental Health and Addiction Services department, the Addiction Services degree program prepares entry-level professionals for employment working on an inter-disciplinary team with clinical supervision in chemical dependency treatment settings. Graduates of this program work directly with a diverse group of clients. The program can be taken full-time or part- time. If enrolled full-time, it is designed to be completed in five (5) semesters. It consists of open enrollment courses (general education and division specific) and program specific courses with limited enrollment. The open enrollment courses may be taken prior to entry into the limited enrollment courses. Second-year practicum hours can be submitted toward partial employment requirements of the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (OCDP). To qualify for entry to limited enrollment courses, please see the Applicant Information packet located on the web page. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required, as well as an initial faculty advising appointment during MHT 1101. A grade of C or higher is required in all program courses. The practicum portion of the curriculum provides 420 hours of supervised experience. Note: For students under age 18 there may be restrictions on participating in certain Health Sciences programs. Any student under age 18 must contact the program director/department chair to discuss whether he or she may enroll.
Program Outcomes
- Describe various theories of addiction.
- Demonstrate culturally relevant individual, relationship, and group intervention strategies.
- Identify major drug classifications including symptoms of abuse or dependency, levels of tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
- Identify and evaluate ethical issues and apply the code of ethics and standards of practice to promote the best interests of the client and profession.
- Perform and document all aspects of clinical assessment except diagnosis.
- Apply case-management roles, including service coordination, client advocacy, and linkage.
- Provide culturally relevant education raising awareness of substance use, prevention and recovery.
- Prepare accurate and concise clinical documents consistent with professional standards.
- Initiate service plan with client, formulating and prioritizing mutually agreed upon problems, goals, objectives and methods.
Career Opportunities
Mental Health and Addiction Services graduates can be hired into entry level positions as Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistants (CDCA). They can work in various positions at social services agencies, community mental health agencies, hospitals, addictions treatment centers, and numerous other field-related positions in the community. Graduates have completed the 180 hours of specific education required to sit for the LCDC II exam. The OCDP Board has other requirements for licensure.
Transferability
Formal articulation agreements with other colleges and universities indicate how Sinclair programs and courses transfer to other institutions.
Credentials
MHTCD.S.AAS graduates are eligible for registration as Social Work Assistants (SWA) through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board. The MHTCD.S.AAS program provides the educational hours required by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board for credentialing as Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistants (CDCA).
Additional Information
- State and federal background check required for participation in practicum (internship) courses.
- Students with felony backgrounds will not be able to work with certain populations or agencies.
- Completion of MHT 1130 leads to Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) Phase I credential.
- Graduation leads to Social Worker Assistant (SWA) credential.
- View the Master Syllabus - View the Course Schedule
This information is for planning purposes only. Sinclair College will make every effort to offer curriculum listed above but reserves the right to change, add and cancel curriculum offerings for unforeseen circumstances.
