Upon completion of the WVC Addiction Studies Program (ASP), students will have completed the Department of Health education requirements (per WAC 246-811-030) to obtain their initial Substance Use Disorder Professional - Trainee license in the state of Washington. To meet the WAC requirements for full credentialing as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) in the state of Washington, students must have a two-year degree in a Human Services-related field from an accredited college or university as well as a 2,500 hour supervised internship. Once these two requirements are met the individual must pass a certification exam. Completion of these three steps (education, internship, certification exam) is necessary for the final SUDP credential. This program provides the critical first step in this process.
The Addiction Studies program is designed for those already working with substance use disorders, those aspiring to become Substance Use Disorder Professionals, and those who desire this education to enhance other areas of human services such as educators, social workers, school counselors and mental health workers. The ASP program also provides opportunities for professional development studies for practitioners to review and expand their skills.
Addiction Studies courses are only for students enrolled in the ASP program, unless otherwise noted. To enroll in the program, complete the Addiction Studies program application (email Bev Warman for application at bwarman@wvc.edu) and return it to the ASP program director. Students must provide a completed application for admissions to Wenatchee Valley College and provide high school, GED certificate and/or other college transcripts.
Students must have MATH 99 completed as a pre-requisite for admission to the ASP program (students who are are ready to apply to the ASP program but do not have this completed yet should contact the ASP director).
Students must be eligible to enroll in the following courses (see course descriptions for pre-requisites):
- CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communications
- ENGL& 101 Composition: General
ASP 100: This course is a general elective and may be taken by any WVC student.
Content delivery between campuses may include instructions via online.
Program outcomes
Graduates of the WVC Chemical Dependency Studies program should be able to:
- Demonstrate professional communication in classroom and practicum sites.
- Understand the professional and ethical responsibilities of SUD counselors.
- Articulate the importance of understanding individual differences in SUD counseling (age, race, ethnicity, gender/sexual identity or disability).
- Understand the major psychological theories and current research/literature commonly used in SUD counseling.
- Develop meaningful Individual Service Plans based on a thorough understanding of ASAM dimensions and levels of care.
- Articulate the impact of addiction issues on the individual, family and community.
- Demonstrate the importance of self-care to promote personal health and prevent burnout.
Employment Opportunities
People with training in addiction studies find employment in many areas including traditional treatment settings (residential and outpatient facilities), schools, probation offices, corrections departments, mental health agencies, prevention programs and other social and human services organizations. Due largely to the integration of mental health, physical health and substance use disorder treatment, the state of Washington is currently experiencing a workforce shortage of credentialed Chemical Dependency Professionals (CDP). The first step in becoming a SUDP is education and the ASP program at WVC meets Washington state requirements.