Substance Abuse Studies Certificate Program (SASCP)
Substance abuse is a serious issue and causes problems for individuals, families, and communities nationwide. The toll can be seen in hospitals and emergency departments and is linked not only to physical and mental health problems but also to family stress, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and crime. The Department of Social Work offers a Substance Abuse Studies Certificate program that meets the educational requirements for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) credential administered by the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board. It is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the field of substance abuse practice and increase the number of qualified addictions specialists in western North Carolina.
Required Coursework
The Department of Social Work offers a 12-credit hour Substance Abuse Studies (Post Baccalaureate Certificate) for students who are enrolled in the MSW program or who hold an MSW from WCU. The program meets the 180-hours of substance abuse educational requirements for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) credential administered by the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board. Courses in the certificate program are also open as elective courses to graduate students who are not in the certificate program providing there is room. Students who choose this option may apply these courses towards licensure or certification in substance abuse practice at a later date.
Each course contains content on the 12 core functions and 12 core competencies of substance abuse counseling, and information on ethics, HIV/AIDs and other communicable diseases. MSW students must complete their concentration field placement in a substance abuse treatment setting under the supervision of a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Courses are taught in the evening during the spring, summer and fall semesters.
SOCW 520 – Addictions - Overview of complex issues related to addictions, including drug, alcohol, gambling, and eating addictions; examines addiction within the context of developmental life stages and culture Taught on Cullowhee Campus both Fall and Spring Semesters
SOCW 522 - Methods of Substance Abuse Treatment - Methods course that teaches knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in a variety of clinical settings specific to substance abuse PREQ SOCW 520 Taught in Asheville in Fall Semester
SOCW 524 - Cultural Competence in Substance Abuse Practice - Overview of unique problems and needs related to substance abuse treatment among diverse populations; application of culturally sensitive intervention strategies PREQ SOCW 520 Taught on Cullowhee Campus in Summer Semester
SOCW 525 - Science of Addiction - Biological basis of addiction; physiological and psychological effects of substance abuse PREQ SOCW 520 Taught in Asheville in Spring Semester
Registration
MSW students register for courses during their degree program.
Practitioners register for courses through the School of Social Work's Continuing Education Program. Each class offers 45 contact hours of continuing education credit. Completion of coursework in this certificate program does not waive other state board requirements for the LCAS credential.
Students interested in the SASCP must first submit an application of interest and a $25.00 administration fee
For More Information Contact:
Dottie Greene
dgreene@email.wcu.edu
Department of Social Work
HHS 316
Phone: (828) 227-2194
North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Certification Board