Chemical Dependency Counseling
The Degree
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
The Outlook
An increased demand for professionals in the area of chemical dependency counseling and a greater emphasis on alcohol and drug abuse education has created positions in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and government and social service agencies. The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that employment opportunities in the field are expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate through the year 2010. Through the A.A.S. Chemical Dependency Counseling degree program at Finger Lakes Community College, you can prepare for entry-level positions in the field or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
The Program
By combining academic background with extensive field experience, the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in Chemical Dependency Counseling at FLCC educates and trains you to work as a counselor with alcoholics and addicts. The program prepares you to take the Chemical Dependency Counseling examination and utilizes the technically advanced Educational Technology Classrooms and videos.
Honors Courses: In addition, the College offers honors courses that provide enhanced educational experiences for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Enrollment in honors courses is open to qualified students in this degree program, as well as all other qualified FLCC students. Successful completion of honors courses or an Honors Certificate may increase student transfer options to four-year institutions.
The Experience
A required 300 hours of field experience in settings such as the Canandaigua Veteran's Administration Hospital, Geneva General Hospital, Finger Lakes Alcoholism Counseling and Referral Agency (FLACRA), Park Ridge Chemical Dependency (PRCD), Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic, and the Council on Alcoholism provide you with extensive experience in the field before graduating. Field trips to Tully Hill Treatment Center, PRCD and FLACRA, along with workshops and trainings in the area provide additional information and networking opportunities for students
The Graduates
Graduates from the program have found employment as entry-level substance abuse counselors at all area treatment centers, while others have successfully transferred to baccalaureate programs in counseling, health science, and social work at four-year institutions such as SUNY College at Brockport, Nazareth College of Rochester, and Syracuse University, to name a few*. Some graduates have completed Master in Social Work (M.S.W.) programs after earning their four-year degrees.
In addition, an alumni group for Chemical Dependency Counseling program graduates provides fellowship and networking opportunities.
Salary: According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, median annual earnings of substance abuse counselors in the year 2000 were $28,510. Those employed in the local government and hospital segments of the industry are reported to have the highest annual earnings of approximately $31,600.
* This is a sampling of some of the four-year colleges and universities to which our students have transferred. Please consult your advisor or the Center for Advisement and Personal Development for a complete listing of transfer agreements between Finger Lakes Community College and four-year institutions
The Scholarships
Students
who are interested in transferring to pursue a higher degree in chemical
dependency counseling or human services and who meet the specific criteria
may be eligible for the Ontario County Council of Social Agencies
Members (OCCSAM) Scholarship. Contact a member of the Chemical Dependency
Counseling Department or Financial Aid Office for more details.
The Faculty
The Chemical Dependency program includes a full-time faculty, all with a master's degrees in Public Administration and credentials in the field.
