2026-2027 Course Catalog

Technical Certificate

CIP Code

51.1501

Overview

About the Program

Assess client needs; plan and implement direct and indirect services for individuals and families; make referrals and enable linkage to social service agencies; advocate for client rights and services; and provide case management within the context of a multidisciplinary team. Graduates will be able to complete state requirements for CDCA and work directly with clients in treatment, recovery and as part of the support team.

Graduates who have successfully completed the Certificate of Addiction Studies will be able to apply to the Ohio Chemical Dependency Board for the Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) certification.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of counseling and interviewing strategies which includes the use of active listening skills.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of ethnic and cultural diversity.
  • Display fundamental knowledge of addictions and the ethical guidelines that are a part of working in the field of dependency treatment.
  • Demonstrate professional behavior in accordance with best treatment practices.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of psychopathology, case management, community resources, addictions theories, and family systems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the development of addictions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of case management and service coordination in prevention, treatment and the referral process in addictions.
  • Describe various substances, their classification and long-term effects.

Occupational Certification Opportunities

  • Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board - Meets the educational requirements for CDCA Phase I & II (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant, Phase I & II)
  • The Addictions Studies Certificate provides the coursework required for students to qualify to apply for both CDCA Preliminary Certification and CDCA Renewal Certification through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (OCDPB).
    • Students in the SWA degree program can stack the Addictions Studies Certificate to earn both the certificate and degree simultaneously. Two of three specific Chemical Dependency courses taken in the certificate may count as SWA electives, meaning most SWA students need only one additional SWA course to complete both the Addictions certificate and the degree. Required certificate courses that are electives in the SWA degree are: SWA2630 CD: Ethics, SWA2640 CD: Introduction to Pharmacology, and SWA2660 CD: Etiology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Modalities.

Application Requirements


  • Final high school transcript (or GED results) and college transcripts (if applicable).
  • Demonstrate college-readiness by achieving the required minimum score on a placement test, successfully completing any required college foundation courses, or satisfying other measures including but not limited to high school coursework, previous college coursework, samples of work, etc.

  • Minimum 2.0 GPA for entry and to remain in good standing in the program.

Career Opportunities

  • Case Manager
  • Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant
  • Human Services Employee
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Peer Recovery Supporter
  • Care Management Specialist
  • Recovery Coach

Curriculum

The following is a typical course sequence for completing this program. The actual time needed to complete the program will vary according to each student’s individual needs.

Note: Per program policy, a minimum grade of "C" is required to pass all SWA courses.

All SWA courses require a demonstration of college-readiness by achieving the required minimum score on a placement test, successfully completing any required college foundation courses, or satisfying other measures including but not limited to high school coursework, previous college coursework, samples of work, etc.

Minimum 2.0 GPA for entry and to remain in good standing in the program.



First Semester

ENG1000English Composition I

3

SWA1000Introduction to Addiction Studies

3

SWA2010Introduction to Counseling

3

SWA2030Introduction to Case Management

3

SWA2640Chemical Dependency: Intro Pharmacology

3

FYE1000Academic and Career Success

1

Second Semester

PSY1100Introduction to Psychology

3

SWA1030Interviewing Techniques

3

SWA2022Multicultural Perspectives

3

SWA2660Chemical Dep-Etlgy,Assmnt,Diagnosis

3

Third Semester

SWA2630Chemical Dependency: Ethics

3

Total Credit Hours: 31