This is an accelerated training to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) for Behavioral Health Professionals who are currently working towards or have earned a master’s level degree. The 15 credits are entirely online for eligible students who are interested in becoming an SUDP through the Alternative Training pathway. Students must hold an active license in good standing in the areas of the WAC 246-811-076.
The five courses are designed to meet the education requirements of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-811-077) for alternative training. The courses teach to the TAP 21 addiction counseling competencies and are focused on preparing students to pass the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) credentialing exam. In addition to coursework, students must complete supervised experience hours as required by the state to receive full SUDP credentialing.
- $113.04 per credit (may vary)
- $45 technology fee per 3-credit course
- 15 credits including technology fees: $1,920.60 estimated total tuition cost of program. This does not include textbook fees.
- If you are a bilingual/bicultural behavioral health professional, you may qualify for a scholarship. Complete the survey here. You will receive a response within two weeks.
Program Yearly Schedule
Fall Quarter:
- HSER 222-- Introduction to Substance Abuse (3 credits)
- HSER 119-- Laws, Professionalism and Ethics (3 credits)
Winter Quarter:
- HSER 102-- Physiology of Psychoactive Drugs (3 credits)
Spring Quarter:
- HSER 220-- ASAM Criteria and Treatment Placement (3 credits)
Summer Quarter:
- HSER 225-- Individual, Family and Group Addiction Counseling (3 credits)
Textbooks Required
Fall Quarter:
HSER 222: Intro to Substance Abuse
Basics of Addiction Counseling Desk Reference: Module 2- Addiction Counseling Theories, Practices and Skills
HSER 119: Laws, Professionalism, Ethics
Basics of Addiction Counseling Desk Reference: Module 3- Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling
HSER 119: Laws, Professionalism, Ethics
"When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection", Mate, G. (2003). ISBN: 978-0470923351
Winter Quarter:
HSER 102: Physiology of P/A Drugs
Basics of Addiction Counseling Desk Reference: Module 1- Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders
Spring Quarter:
HSER 220: ASAM Criteria and Treatment Placement
"The ASAM Criteria: Treatment Criteria for Addictive, Substance-Related and Co-Occurring Conditions" (3rd Edition), American Society of Addiction Medicine (2013). ISBN: 978-1617021978
Summer Quarter:
HSER 225: Individual, Family, and Group Addiction Counseling
Online Resources Provided
Textbook Information:
To get the best pricing for the NAADAC textbooks, students are encouraged to obtain the NAADAC manuals directly. Student membership is currently $42.50 annually. To apply for student membership, please click on this link https://www.naadac.org/membership-dues
The three-part NAADAC manuals will be used for three of the five fast-track courses. With student NAADAC membership, the manual-only option (I, II, and III) is currently $158.00. The nonmember price is $225.00. If you are interested in obtaining CEUs in the future, you can look at the independent study course package.
The NAADAC manuals and the materials will greatly assist students in their study for the licensing exam as one of the requirements to become fully licensed in the State of Washington.
How do I register?
Step 1
Step 2
- Once you have completed the Application for Admission and received your ctcLink ID number, please activate your myHighline account.
Step 3
- Once your myHighline account is activated, please contact the Continuing Education department at 206-592-3785 to register and pay for your class.
FAQs
What other costs will there be?
Additional expenses for student:
How much work/how much time does it take?
Credit Load and Course Work.....What Is a Credit?
1 credit = 1 online class hour (50 min) per week + up to 2 hours of study time outside of class
Do I have time for this?
Consider your work/life balance and availability to schedule time for online courses. Each credit equals 1 hour of time reviewing course content on the computer, not including additional homework time.
How does online learning look like?
Highline College’s online courses are hosted through Canvas learning platform. These online classes are not self-paced and require students to participate several days of the week. Review the following questions and consider your personal learning style and situation prior to signing up for an online course.
Are you able to schedule time to complete online work multiple times a week?
Are you able to learn without face-to-face interaction with your instructor and other students?
- Can you create, save, and manage files on your computer?
- Do you have reliable and consistent access to a computer and the internet?
How do I get help with the online aspect of this?
Learn how to use Canvas before classes start: https://canvas.highline.edu/courses/898400. For ITS assistance and support, please contact the Help Desk at (206) 592-4357 or email at helpdesk@highline.edu.
Who can take this program?
Eligible Students for Alternative Training (WAC 246-811-076)
A practitioner listed below who holds an active license in good standing may apply for certification as a Substance Use Disorder Professional using alternative training under WAC 246-811-077 or 246-811-078:
• Advanced registered nurse practitioner under chapter 18.79 RCW
• Marriage and family therapists, mental health counselor, advanced social worker, or independent clinical social worker under chapter 18.225 RCW
• Psychologist under chapter 18.83 RCW
• Osteopathic physician under chapter 18.57 RCW
• Osteopathic physician assistant under chapter 18.57A RCW
• Physician under chapter 18.71 RCW
• Physician assistant under chapter 18.71A RCW
How about accommodations for a disability?
Access Services
We want to make sure you have access to programs and facilities here at Highline College. The office of Access Services will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified students in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Federal Rehabilitation Act.
Is there any funding assistance?
It is possible that students may qualify for Financial Aid, Worker Retraining or Work First Funding. Use this as a starting point to check eligibility: https://www.startnextquarter.org/Survey/snqsurvey.aspx.
If you are bilingual, click here for more information and contact Morgan Rudley mrudley@highline.edu to see if you qualify for funding assistance.
Is online learning right for me?
Check out the guidance on technology and computer skill requirements, as well as Canvas introduction here: https://distanceed.highline.edu/index.php
What are the credentialing requirements?
Students are encouraged to read the Washington Administrative Codes (WAC 246-811) to become familiar with the full requirements to become a Substance Use Disorder/Substance Use Disorder Professional. Students may apply to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee while completing supervised experience hours.
Education Requirements: (WAC 246-811-077)
To apply for Substance Use Disorder Certification with Alternative Training an applicant credentialed according to WAC 246-811-076 may meet the educational requirements for Substance Use Disorder Professional certification by demonstrating successful completion of fifteen quarter or ten semester college credits in courses from an approved school.
Course work on each of the following topics specific to alcohol and drug addicted individuals is required:
- Survey of addiction;
- Treatment of addiction;
- Pharmacology;
- Physiology of addiction;
- American Society of Addiction Management (ASAM) criteria;
- Individual group, including family addiction counseling; and
- Substance use disorder law and ethics.
- Course work must be completed for credit.
- An applicant shall verify course completion by submitting official transcripts to the department. If the course title does not clearly identify the content area, the applicant shall provide the course syllabi.
- An applicant who meets the educational requirements of this section is considered to meet the educational requirements of WAC 246-811-030.
Supervised Experience (WAC 246-811-046)
Students eligible for Alternative Training must complete supervised substance use disorder counseling to be credentialed through the DOH.
Examination (WAC 246-811-060)
Students must take and pass the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (NAADAC) National Certification Examination for Addiction Counselors or International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC) Certified Addiction Counselor Level II or higher examination.
Questions?
For more information, please call Continuing Education at (206) 592-3785.