The Chemical Dependency Certificate program is intended for students who are seeking the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) through the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. The Certificate program satisfies the 270 hours of classroom instruction and the 880 hour practicum (internship) required to obtain the LADC in Minnesota. (Practicum courses are 5 credits each) in a setting which satisfies MN Statute 148C.04). A bachelor’s degree is required to complete the LADC requirements. The bachelor’s degree can be completed through a number of different transfer degrees. Students can obtain the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Temporary (ADCT) qualification with the two-year degree which can lead to initial employment in the field.
The courses in the Chemical Dependency Counselor certificate program will provide students with the knowledge of the State of Minnesota requirements for the LADC including an overview of alcohol and drug counseling focusing on the transdisciplinary foundations of alcohol and drug counseling, an understanding of the theories of chemical dependency, the continuum of care, and the process of change; pharmacology and the dynamics of addiction, case management, screening, intake, assessment, treatment planning and counseling theory and practice; treating substance abuse disorders with culturally diverse and identified populations; co-occurring disorders and professional ethics.
The practicum will provide the student with the opportunity to develop clinical skills under the supervision of a qualified LADC clinical supervisor at an approved site. The practicum will provide the student with the opportunity to develop proficiency in the twelve core functions as defined by the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.
The Chemical Dependency Certificate is recognized by the Minnesota College System as a separate college degree and is therefore eligible for financial aid.
Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate Required Courses
The current degree program planner checklist of required courses is available for viewing and printing here.
Degree requirements and course are subject to change. Students should consult with an advisor/counselor when registering for courses.
Licensing Disclosure
FDLTCC’s Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate meets the course content educational requirements for the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) application in Minnesota. The State of Minnesota requirements for the LADC are a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school or educational program with 18 semester credits in approved Chemical Dependency Counselor preparatory courses plus 880 hours of academic Internship (practicum) in a setting that satisfies MN Statute 148C.04 plus a written exam (ICRC exam or NCC Level II exam). One can also be employed as a chemical dependency counselor for up to 6 years with the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Temporary permit (ADCT). The ADCT requirements are a two-year degree (AA, AAS, AS) plus completion of the Chemical Dependency Certificate. Under MN Statute 245G, an ADCT meets the State requirements for a Treatment Coordinator. For more information, visit the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy website at https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/.
It is important to know that in states other than Minnesota degree requirements might be different. Additionally, some states may have varying levels of licenses or certifications. If you are considering work in a state other than Minnesota, you can obtain more information about licensing requirements by contacting the relevant state agency overseeing behavioral health or by visiting websites such as https://www.addiction-counselors.com/.
For Further Information
To receive more information about the Chemical Dependency Counselor certificate or general
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College information, contact:
Admissions Office
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
2101 14th Street
Cloquet, MN 55720
218-879-0808