Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Alternative Training Pathway
The Fall 2024-2025 Cohort is full. Please review the "how do I apply for the program" section below to add yourself to the interest list.
This online accelerated training program is for students 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.
Program Highlights
- Expedited educational pathway for dual credentialing, only 15 credits required
- Courses offered entirely online, weekly assignment, you can complete the program around your schedule
- Complete the program in only 4-quarters
- Courses designed specifically for masters and doctoral level licensed professionals
- There is no tuition cost for the Fall 2024 to Summer 2025 SUDP Fast-Track Cohort. If a student does not complete the program by the end of Summer Quarter, the student is responsible to pay full tuition cost for any classes not completed. It is not guaranteed that the SUDP Fast-Track classes will be offered after Summer 2025 Students are required to purchase their own textbooks.
How do I apply for the program?
Step 1: Add yourself to the interest list at the bottom of the page. Then apply for Admissions. (Note being admitted to Highline College does not guarantee a spot in the class. We register students based on the order of the interest list)
Step 2 : After receiving your ctcLink ID, activate your myHighline account.
Step 3: Once your myHighline account is active, the program staff will contact you when a space becomes available. If you have any questions, please call 206-592-3214.
Textbooks Required: Manuals/Modules can be purchased through the NAADAC Website.
- Fall Quarter: (manual) Basics of Addiction Counseling Desk Reference: Module 2: Addiction Counseling Theories, Practices and Skills & Module 3: Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling.
- Winter Quarter: (manual) Basics of Addiction Counseling Desk Reference: Module 1: Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders
- Spring Quarter: (textbook) The ASAM Criteria:Treatment Criteria for Addictive, Substance Related, and Co-Occurring Conditions. 4th Edition
- Summer Quarter: No textbooks required to purchase
Program Yearly Schedule
- Fall Quarter: HSER 119-- Laws, Professionalism and Ethics (3 credits) and HSER 222-- Introduction to Substance Abuse (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)
FAQs
What other costs will there be?
How much work/how much time does it take?
Each 1-credit course includes about 1 hour of online instruction per week and up to 2 additional hours of study time outside of class. For example, a 3-credit course may require 3–9 hours per week to complete all coursework.
What to Expect from Online Learning
Highline College’s online courses are delivered through the Canvas learning platform. These classes are not self-paced—you’ll need to participate several times a week and meet weekly deadlines.
Before enrolling, ask yourself:
- Can I schedule time to complete assignments multiple times each week?
- Am I comfortable learning without in-person interaction?
- Can I create, save, and manage digital files?
- Do I have reliable access to a computer and internet?
If you can answer “yes” to these questions, you’re likely ready for online learning. Get started with Canvas here. Need help? Contact the Help Desk at (206) 592-4357 or 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
Accommodations for disabilities?
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.
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) 592-3214.