Substance Use Disorder Professional, AAS

Program Requirements

Professional Technical Requirements

• HSER 101 - Introduction to Human Services
• HSER 102 - Physiology of Psychoactive Drugs
• HSER 104 - Relapse Prevention
• HSER 105 - Individual, Couple and Family CD Counseling
• HSER 106 - Chemical Dependency Case Management
• HSER 109 - Chemical Dependency Group Counseling
• HSER 113 - Adolescent CD Counseling
• HSER 119 - Laws, Professionalism, and Ethics
• HSER 222 - Introduction to Substance Use Disorders
• HSER 240 - Field Experience
• HSER 241 - Field Experience Seminar
• HSER 260 - Culturally Responsive Practices

Supporting Courses

• PSYCH 152 - Understanding AIDS
• HSER 108 - Community Mental Health
• HSER 251 - Family Violence
• HSER 100 - College Success Strategies
• PSYC& 200 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology
• PSYC& 220 - Psychological Disorders

Related Instruction

Total Program Credits: 90

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate general knowledge of the field of addictions treatment, including its history, pharmacological actions of drugs and alcohol, co-occurring disorders, prevention and treatment, societal impact and treatment resources.
• Describe current treatment models, interventions and effective practices for counseling individuals and families experiencing substance abuse.
• Establish an effective relationship with each client characterized by effective communication, shared responsibility, trust and empathy.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively educate and lead chemical dependency treatment groups.
• Develop and deliver an effective relapse prevention plan, including appropriate and proven cognitive, behavioral and pharmacological interventions.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and analyze the individual cultural context of clients (individual and family, and group and community) to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse disorders.
• Identify and practice all legal and ethical requirements and specific agency policies and practices specific to the field of chemical dependency.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of lifespan development and the application of effective treatments based on one’s developmental aspects, e.g. adolescents and elders.
• Utilize accurate and effective chemical dependency case management skills, including assessment, client advocacy, developing treatment plans, networking, referral and documentation.

Program Notes

• This information does not substitute for meeting with a faculty adviser.
• Students must achieve a cumulative 2.0 GPA to attain an AAS degree.
• AAS degree programs emphasize preparation in specific job skills required for entry-level employment.
• Not all classes are offered every quarter.
• Coursework is highly interactive and includes field-based internships.
• This program offers flexible registration and open-entry enrollment.
• Prospective students with a degree or credits may enroll in individual chemical dependency courses to complete certification requirements. For information about chemical dependency professional certification requirements, visit www.doh.wa.gov.
• The program allows you to earn an AAS degree in Human Services and complete the educational requirements needed to become certified as a chemical dependency professional in Washington State.
• Upon enrolling in the Chemical Dependency Professional Program and beginning your preparation to become a Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP), complete and submit an application to become a Chemical Dependency Professional Trainee (CDP-T).The Chemical Dependency Professional Trainee application can be accessed at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ .
• The curriculum is developed in collaboration with an advisory committee made up of industry experts and aligned with all required licensing requirements.
• Upon successful completion of the required coursework, students will earn an Associate of Applied Science in Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) degree from Highline College. By completing the AAS SUDP degree, students have satisfied one of the steps needed to be eligible for the SUDP license through the State of Washington Department of Health (DOH). The 90 credit AAS SUDP degree includes 45 credits of SUDP specific coursework, which fulfills the academic requirement for SUDP licensure. In addition, the State of WA requires students to complete 2,500 hours of supervised work with individual SUD clients and groups. (The required number of hours may be reduced for individuals who hold a prior human service -related degree.) Once students have met the education and supervised work requirements, students may sit for the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) level one (or higher) exam. After successfully completing the NAADAC examination, individuals may apply for the Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) license through the State of Washington DOH. Detailed information about the SUDP licensing process can be found at this web page: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/substance-use-disorder-professional/certification-requirements.
• NOTE: As students work toward completing the above requirements, they may need to obtain an SUDP Trainee license (SUDP-T). Please see the above link for more information.

General Requirements

Read the Associate Degree and Certificate Requirements.

Internal Coding