Substance Use Disorder Counseling

Certificate of Proficiency

Career Potential

SUDC certificate earners have the opportunity to enter an in-demand and growing career. Substance use disorder counselors work in a variety of different settings, from rehabilitation clinics and healthcare facilities to employee assistance programs and community health centers. SUDC counselors help people who have alcohol and other drugs related issues. They counsel addicts, those who are concerned they may become addicts, and on occasion their loved ones. A SUDC does not prescribe medication or provide medical or psychological therapy. They usually help with practical problems, for example, helping a client find a job. In individual or group counseling settings a SUDC would help clients:

  • identify behaviors and problems related to their substance use
  • talk about, understand, and cope with problems
  • develop personalized recovery programs
  • establish healthy behaviors and coping strategies

Program Information

  • The program is entirely online, and takes two to three semesters to complete depending on licensure goal. The program is part time, meaning students never are required to take more than three SUDC courses at a time. 
  • Students apply in the summer, begin courses in the fall, and finish in spring or summer depending on their licensure goal. Consult the table below for more on regarding course sequencing. 
  • A personal history of alcohol and/or substance abuse or conviction for past criminal activity or conduct does not affect the chances of a student being admitted to the program. Students, however, must be advised that past or future substance abuse or criminal activity may limit or inhibit them from securing an internship, which is required for completion of the SUDC certificate program. 

Program Schedule

SUDC (Basic License)

ASUDC (Advanced License)
Fall Semester

SUDC 4710: Introduction to Professional Development 

SUDC 4300: Introduction to Substance Use Disorder Counseling

SUDC 3470: Dynamics of Addiction

SUDC 4710: Introduction to Professional Development 

SUDC 4300: Introduction to Substance Use Disorder Counseling

SUDC 3470: Dynamics of Addiction
Spring Semester

SUDC 3430: Psychopharmacology for SUDC

SUDC 481R: Internship (200 hours)

SUDC 3430: Psychopharmacology for SUDC

SUDC 4400: Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counseling

SUDC 481R: Internship (200 hours)
Summer Semester
No courses required

SUDC 4720: Advanced Professional Development

SUDC 481R: Internship (150 hours)

man standing on mountain in the morning

Please be advised that completing the certificate program does not guarantee students will be become licensed. However, the certificate of proficiency students earn in the program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a SUDC in Utah. For other states, please consult the UVU Professional Licensure page or contact the appropriate licensing body. Licensure is determined on a case-by-case basis by the state.

For more information on licensure requirements, please consult the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. 

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Professional Knowledge of Substance Abuse Students will be able to identify behaviors and problems related to substance use.
  • Proficiency in Counseling by Applying Content Knowledge Students will be able to develop personalized recovery programs for their clients that establish healthy behaviors and coping strategies and they will do so in strict adherence to professional ethics.

Programs

Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Certificate of Proficiency.Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Certificate of Proficiency

SUDC Application Information

Application for the 2023-2024 school year will open April 7, 2023. 

 

 

Practical Information

  • The 2023-2024 application for the SUDC program will be available online on April 7, 2023. The application deadline will be June 2, 2023 . Accepted students begin courses the succeeding fall semester.
  • Prospective students cannot apply for the SUDC program without first being a student at UVU. For general admission information, visit UVU admissions.
  • There are two tracks in the program: a basic SUDC licensure track and an advanced SUDC licensure track. Both levels require students to pass the appropriate licensing exam and complete the required supervised field hours. Contact the state of Utah’s Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) for more information.
      • The Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) license requires completion of UVU’s two semester SUDC program which includes a 200-hour internship. Students must also complete 60+ semester credit hours (SUDC courses count toward this credit total), among other licensing standards.
      • The Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (ASUDC) license requires completion of UVU’s three semester SUDC program which includes a 350-hour internship. Students must also complete a bachelor's degree (in any major), among other licensing standards.

SUDC Application Requirements

  • Prerequisites:
    • ENGL 2010 Introduction to Academic Writing
    • PSY 1010 General Psychology
    • PSY 1100 Human Development Life Span 
    • PSY 2300 Abnormal Psychology
    • Recommended prerequisite: At least two (2) years of college level course coursework. Students with prior college experience are generally more successful in the program.
  • A current resume that includes three (3) most recent employment experiences and educational experience.
  • A 2-3 personal statement. In addition to any relevant information, the statement must include: 1) Brief autobiographical information, including any experiences that influenced your interest in the field. 2) Skills you would bring to this program/field. 3) A personal philosophy regarding substance abuse treatment, listing skills a substance abuse counselor should possess.
  • Contact information for two (2) references. References will be contacted for a letter of recommendation. It’s recommended that applicants inform their references before applying.
  • Payment of a $40 application fee is required.

 

Advisors

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Faculty Contacts

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