Online Post-Bachelor's Certificate in Addiction Treatment

The Online Post Baccalaureate Certificate (P.B.C.) in Addiction Treatment provides the foundational knowledge to become an addiction professional.

The P.B.C. includes five online synchronous and asynchronous courses teaching students how to conceptualize and work with individuals with addictions. They learn about different models of addiction, drug classifications, and the neurobiology of addiction. They learn to develop and implement treatment plans and interventions, and how to handle legal, ethical, and professional issues in addiction.

Who is the Online Certificate in Addiction Treatment For?

The P.B.C. provides the educational requirements set forth by the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB) to apply for the Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) and the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC, formerly known as CSAC).

The certificate is also open to individuals interested in gaining knowledge concerning addiction and addiction treatment. Individuals can enroll in individual classes or elect to enroll in the certificate program. A certificate cannot be received unless an individual has applied for and been accepted into the certificate program.

Why an Addiction Treatment P.B.C. Matters

The mission of the Addiction Treatment program is to provide concentrated education in addiction treatment for post-bachelor level, helping professionals working with clients diagnosed with an addictive disorder, and others seeking to gain knowledge related to addiction treatment.

• The P.B.C. is housed within UNC Greensboro’s Department of Counseling and Education, the #4 graduate counseling program in the nation according to the U.S. News and World Report.
• The courses align with the educational requirements set forth by the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.

Students earning their Addiction Treatment P.B.C. will leave with advanced level of knowledge of addiction treatment and evidence-based practices. They will learn culturally responsive practices when working with members of the addiction population.

The Online Certificate in Addiction Treatment Student Experience

The Addiction Treatment P.B.C. consists of five, seven-week courses facilitated by an instructor to provide learner support and elevate a wide range of opinions and life experiences.

• Legal, Ethical, and Professional Considerations in Addiction Treatment
• Addiction Treatment
• Treatment Planning and Evidenced-Based Practice in Addiction
• Multicultural Foundations of Addiction
• Special Issues in Addiction

Courses are offered online, so they can be taken at the students’ convenience. The mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses provides flexibility. Learners may set the pace of the program to align with their schedules. It can be completed at the earliest within 12 months on a full-time schedule or can be completed within 18-24 months on a part-time schedule.

After Receiving a P.B.C. in Addiction Treatment

Graduates of the Addiction Treatment P.B.C. are well-prepared to seek a career as an addiction professional. They will have advanced and foundational knowledge to seek licensure or certification as addiction professionals. They will be able to work with members of the addiction population.

• Addiction professionals can work in a variety of settings and employers:
• Inpatient and outpatient treatment centers
• Private counseling practices
• Hospitals
• Veterans Administration
• Community mental health centers
• Non-profit agencies
• Correctional facilities

Applying to Enter the Addiction Treatment Certificate Program

The P.B.C. has rolling admission throughout the year. The Admissions Committee consisting of program faculty reviews applications on an ongoing basis. Interested students may submit applications at any time but be mindful of deadlines for their preferred semester:

• Fall admission: July 1
• Spring admission: Dec. 1
• Summer admission: April 1

This is a completely electronic application process. Review the UNCG Admissions website for more information on deadlines and requirements.

All applicants should include the following supplemental documents as attachments to their online application:

• Personal Statement that includes why you wish to pursue this program, how it connects with your personal/professional goals, academic or career achievements, and what life experiences and/or skills prepare you for this program.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Transcript providing evidence of a minimum of 2.7 GPA and a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in any field.

State and Out-of-State Qualifications for Addiction Professionals

Applicants need to be aware that the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB) licensure/certification process for addiction counselors in North Carolina is a separate process from this certificate program. If an applicant wants to be a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) in North Carolina or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), the applicant will need to contact the board directly. The Addictions Certificate PBC provides the educational requirements, and all students would need to retain their own internship experience in addictions on their own, outside of program requirements in order to be eligible for the LCAS or the CADC.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the initial license.

Please note whether the program either “meets”, “does not meet”, or if there “has not been a determination” of the program’s status in the state for which you plan to practice (this refers to the educational requirement; we do not provide supervision or the actual license or certification).

To check the specifications:

• Go to the Licensure Reciprocity Information.
• Search “By Program.”
• Enter “Counseling, MS, Addiction Treatment, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.”

If an applicant wants to be an LCAS or CADC in the State of North Carolina or any other state, the applicant must contact the state board directly. It is recommended they ask the board if their certificate will meet the educational requirements for licensure of certification.