Human Services Technology A.A.S. - Substance Abuse Concentration
A4538E
The Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse concentration prepares students to assist in drug and alcohol counseling, prevention-oriented educational activities, rehabilitation with recovering clients, managing community-based programs, counseling in residential facilities, and pursuit of four-year degrees.
Course work includes classroom and experiential activities oriented toward an overview of chemical dependency, psychological/sociological process, the twelve Core Functions, intervention techniques with individuals in groups, and follow-up activities with recovering clients.
Graduates should qualify for entry level positions as substance abuse workers, DUI workers/assistants, halfway house workers, residential facility employees, and substance education specialists. With educational and clinical experiences, graduates may apply for certification by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board. Students should consult their advisor for information about course scheduling.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of legal issues in the human services field
- Apply a variety of treatment modalities in numerous settings
- Show adequate skills and knowledge in applying the principles of group dynamics
- Demonstrate effective communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills (GE I.1,9; GE II.1,9; GE V.1,2)
- Perform a formal intake interview
- Show an applied understanding of crisis management in a variety of settings
- Demonstrate understanding of behavioral and substance addictions and standard treatment modalities
- Demonstrate proficiency in the 12 core functions of addiction counseling
- Show a working knowledge of the available human services resources in our community
Program Progression Policy
Counselor training programs raise sensitive issues for both the client and the counselor. The counselor must be able to identify and deal with these sensitive issues in both the client and the self. Students must demonstrate growth in ethical and professional conduct, counseling skills and appropriate attitude. Faculty may conduct subjective interviews following the freshman year and prior to internship. Validation of emotional health may be required, and in that case the Dean of Business and Public Services, the Human Services Coordinator, Director of Admissions, and an outside clinician will serve as a review committee.
A student judged deficient in any area may be withdrawn from the program. A student may apply for readmission through the review committee after one year. Students receiving two “D”s in core or concentration courses will be immediately withdrawn from the program. Students may apply for readmission after one year. In addition, this program raises sensitive personal issues, and it is strongly recommended that students in recovery be chemical-free for one year prior to admission.
Each student in the Substance Abuse Technology Program must satisfactorily complete a two part Co-op work experience in order to meet degree requirements. Any conduct by a student which results in termination from their Co-op placement will result in course grades of "F" for both the Seminar and Co-op Work Experience. In addition, the student will be immediately terminated from the Human Services and Substance Abuse Technology Programs for a minimum of one calendar year. Students may apply for readmission after one year to either program.
A student must satisfactorily complete ("C" or higher) Work-Based Learning I (WBL 111) before he/she may enroll in Work-Based Learning II (WBL 121).
General Education
Required Courses
| BIO 140 | Environmental Biology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| BIO 140A | Environmental Biology Lab | 1 | FA, SP, SU |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| ENG 114 | Prof Research & Reporting | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| PSY 241 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
Humanities/Fine Arts
Select 3 SHC from the following
| ART 111 | Art Appreciation | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| DRA 111 | Theatre Application | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| DRA 126 | Storytelling | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| MUS 110 | Music Appreciation | 3 | FA, SP |
| PHI 240 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| REL 110 | World Religions | 3 | FA, SP |
Major Courses
Core Required Courses
Required Concentration Courses
Other Major Required Courses
Total Credit Hours: 69