AA and AS Transfer Concentrations

Chemical Dependency Counseling

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Montana has a growing need for Licensed Addiction Counselors. Dawson Community College’s Chemical Dependency Program is designed to meet the educational requirements needed to obtain licensure through the State of Montana. The specialized addiction studies classes are only offered online which offers flexibility to any individual across the state.

Program outcomes include, but are not limited to:

  • Administering, scoring, and interpreting the results of screening and assessment instruments.
  • Understanding the importance of a diagnosis and its role in the treatment process.
  • Gathering knowledge pertaining to the pharmacology of drugs.
  • Understanding the basic principles of individual and group counseling for addictions.

Students who earn the designated Associate of Arts Degree in Chemical Dependency may also desire to transfer to a university to gain a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Dependency studies.

For more information about this program and plan of study, please refer to the current catalog. 

Suggested Plan of Study

After graduating from DCC with an AA in Chemical Dependency Counseling, the graduate will need to find placement at a state licensed substance abuse program and secure a supervisor. Then, they will submit an LAC Candidate application to the State of Montana. Once the state has received and approved this application along with the supervisor, the graduate can start working toward earning their 1,000 hours of work experience. After the hours are completed, the individual will submit proof of hours and their LAC application to the state. Once the state approves the application, hours worked, and acknowledged that the individual has met all requirements, the student can schedule a time to take the NCC Level I or II exam at an approved testing center. Once they pass their exam, they will receive notice from the State of Montana that they are officially a Licensed Addiction Counselor.

Licensed Addiction Counselors are required to renew their license on an annual basis. Every year, the individual needs to complete 20 continuing education credits (CEU’s) and pay $128.00 by June 30th.

Career Options:

  • Licensed Addiction Counselor
  • Peer Support Specialist
  • Community Health Worker
  • Care Coordinator
  • Clinical Supervisor
  • Case Manager

*This program is designated to equip students as an Addiction Counselor ONLY in the State of Montana. https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/bbh/aclc-app-checklist.pdf

*Image courtesy of Urine Drug Test HQ.