Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse Concentration A.A.S.
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 knowledge of legal and ethical issues in the human services field
- Apply skills and knowledge of the principles of group dynamics
- Perform a formal intake interview
- Practice crisis management skills in a variety of settings
- Identify behavioral and substance addictions and associated standard treatment modalities
- Demonstrate proficiency in the 12 core functions of addiction counseling
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A student judged deficient in any area may be withdrawn from the program.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 Students receiving two “D”s in core or concentration courses will be immediately withdrawn from the program.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 Work-based Learning Experience in order to meet degree requirements. Any conduct by a student which results in termination from their Work-based Learning placement will result in course grades of "F" for both the Seminar and Work-based Learning 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).
In order for a Substance Abuse Technology program student to enroll in a Work-based Learning course (WBL 111, 115, 121, 125), the student must first meet several requirements: 1) complete a minimum of 18 semester hours in core program courses; 2) have a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA; 3) meet with the Human Services/Substance Abuse Technology Programs Coordinator for site approval; and 4) register with the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB). Registration with the Board is subject to currently established NCSAPPB fees. These fees are separate from WPCC student tuition and the charges are paid directly to the NCSAPPB. Work-based Learning experience work sites may require background checks, drug screens, physicals, or immunizations prior to final agency approval.
General Education
Required Courses
| 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 |
Mathematics
Select 3-4 semester hours credit from the following courses
| MAT 110 | Math Measurement & Literacy | 3 | FA, SP |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| MAT 152 | Statistical Methods I | 4 | FA, SP, SU |
Humanities/Fine Arts
Select 3 semester hours credit from the following
| ART 111 | Art Appreciation | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| DRA 111 | Theatre Appreciation | 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
| SAB 110 | Substance Abuse Overview | 3 | FA |
| SAB 120 | Intake and Assessment | 3 | SP |
| SAB 125 | Substance Abuse Case Management | 3 | FA |
| SAB 135 | Addictive Process | 3 | SP |
| SAB 240 | Sab Issues in Client Serv | 3 | SP |
| WBL 111 | Work-based Learning I | 1 | FA, SP, SU |
| WBL 115 | Work-Based Learning Seminar I | 1 | As Needed |
Other Major Required Courses
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| SOC 213 | Sociology of the Family | 3 | FA |
| WBL 121 | Work-based Learning II | 1 | FA, SP, SU |
| WBL 125 | Work-Based Learning Seminar II | 1 | As Needed |
Total Credit Hours: 65