Addiction Recovery Proficiency Certificate
Description:
The Addiction Recovery Proficiency Certificate is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and therapeutic techniques needed to support individuals in overcoming substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. This multidisciplinary program integrates insights from psychology, counseling, social work, and healthcare to provide a comprehensive understanding of addiction's biological, psychological, and social aspects. Students explore evidence-based treatment models, interventions, and recovery strategies, learning how to assess, treat, and support individuals at different stages of recovery. Through a combination of classroom instruction, practical experience, and internships, students gain valuable hands-on experience, preparing them to work in a variety of addiction recovery services.
The Addiction Recovery Proficiency Certificate fulfills the complementary sequence option in the Behavioral Health & Human Services A.A.S. This program aligns with commonwealth and industry standards and students satisfy the education requirement for the Pennsylvania Certified Board’s (PCB) Associate Addiction Counselor certification. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to begin the application process for certification.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Addiction Recovery proficiency certificate, students will be able to:
- Apply evidence-informed models, theories, and practices central to the biopsychosocial aspects of addiction and recovery treatment with individuals, families, and groups.
- Practice the legal and ethical standards of behavior in the addiction recovery profession.
- Apply screening, assessment, and diagnostic tools used to develop person-centered addiction recovery treatment plans.
Program Entry Requirements:
This certificate is open to interested students. New students are normally required to take the College’s placement test at their time of entry. Students who are identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English courses as part of the certificate when applicable.
Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
To qualify for the Addiction Recovery proficiency certificate, a student must complete a minimum of 18 credits as described in the following course sequence. In addition, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
While enrolled in this certificate program, students agree to uphold the values and ethical standards embraced by addiction recovery practitioners in their interactions with students, faculty, and practitioners. Through self-reflection and feedback activities, students will consider their own readiness to plan for and facilitate treatment plans with support from their instructors and/or the program coordinator.
Students whose actions are repeatedly inconsistent with the values and standards of the field may be required to exit the program, and they will receive support and intervention from their instructors, program coordinator, and/or department head during this process.
Course Sequence:
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Number and Name BHHS 101 – Introduction to Behavioral Health & Human Services | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits 3 credits | Gen Ed Requirements |
| Course Number and Name BHHS 112 – Introduction to Helping Skills & Ethics | Prerequisites and Corequisites BHHS 101, which may be taken concurrently | Credits 3 credits | Gen Ed Requirements |
| Course Number and Name BHHS 120 – Biopsychosocial Aspects of Addiction | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits 3 credits | Gen Ed Requirements |
| Course Number and Name BHHS 151 – Family Violence, Abuse, and Trauma | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits 3 credits | Gen Ed Requirements |
| Course Number and Name BHHS 220 – Addiction Recovery Assessment & Treatment | Prerequisites and Corequisites BHHS 120, completed with a "C" or better | Credits 3 credits | Gen Ed Requirements |
| Course Number and Name BHHS 195 – Behavioral Health & Human Services Practicum I | Prerequisites and Corequisites BHHS 112, with a grade of "C" or better | Credits 3 credits | Gen Ed Requirements |