Substance Use Disorder Professionals Program

The Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) program at Columbia Basin College is an in-depth pathway within the Health Science Associate in Science (AS) degree specializing in substance use disorders. It is designed to align with the Washington State Department of Health's stringent requirements for SUDP certification and licensure, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their roles in healthcare and social services.

SUDPs are crucial professionals who address the challenging and complex issues of addiction. They provide assessment, treatment, and recovery services to individuals, groups, and families, playing a pivotal role in fostering public health and community wellness. This program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of addiction, including its pharmacological, psychological, and social aspects. It covers a wide array of subjects like treatment methods, cultural competence, ethical practice, and case management. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, students will develop the necessary skills to become compassionate, competent professionals in substance use disorder counseling.

Graduates of this program will complete the educational requirements needed to become Certified as a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee in Washington state. They will be well-prepared to embark on a fulfilling career, helping individuals overcome dependencies and achieve self-sufficiency, thereby contributing significantly to the field of healthcare and social services.

Washington State Credentialing

Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP)
Trainee Certification
Education and Training

Washington State issues a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Trainee certification to applicants who are working toward the education and experience requirements for certification as a Substance Use Disorder Professional. An SUDP Trainee can provide substance use disorder assessment, counseling, and case management to patients consistent with their education, training, and experience as documented by an approved supervisor within the treatment setting.

A minimum of 45 quarter credits of courses in DOH required substance use disorder counseling topics must be completed before applicants are eligible for SUDP certification beyond the trainee designation. Proctored substance use disorder counseling hours are also required.
 
Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Certification 
Education and Training

Certified SUDP Trainee applicants must have completed a minimum of an associate’s degree or higher in human services or a related field from an approved school or provide official transcripts showing proof of successful completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in courses from an approved school. Applicants with an associate degree must also provide proof of 2,500 hours of substance use disorder counseling. Applicants with higher levels of education must provide documentation of 2,000 hours for a bachelor’s degree or 1,500 hours for a master’s or doctoral degree in a human services or related field.
 
Examination 
Applicants must provide proof of successful completion of the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (NAADAC) National Certification Examination for Addiction Counselors or International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC) Certified Addiction Counselor Level II or higher examination.

A person certified through NAADAC or the ICRC as an alcohol and drug counselor (ADC) or advanced alcohol and drug counselor (AADC), is considered to have met all of the experience requirements of WAC 246-811-046.

Washington State Department of Health

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Enrollment Information

This program is open to all CBC students interested in pursuing a career or educational pathway in the health sciences. Although students must be admitted to CBC as a student and meet other college requirements. There is no formal application required for the SUDP program. Please meet with your Completion Coach for additional information and to ensure you are on the correct pathway for program or degree completion. 


Program Options

The SUDP program offers two pathways to accommodate different student needs and backgrounds. Washington State requires a minimum of an associate degree in a field related to substance use counseling or addiction studies to earn a license in the field. 

•  1-Year Certificate: A 45-credit program designed for students who already possess an associate degree or higher.

•  Associate Degree (Health Science Associate in Science with SUDP emphasis): For students who do not yet have an associate degree, this program integrates SUDP training into a broader health sciences curriculum and is designed to meet WA State SUDP credentialing requirements. 

Certification and Licensure

SUDP Credentialing Information
Credentialing of SUDPs is governed by Chapter 246-811 of the Washington State Administrative Code (WAC) and administered by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). To meet credentialing requirements, candidates must complete educational, experience, and examination requirements. 

Students and graduates of the SUDP program can apply for a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee Certification from DOH. This certification is necessary to engage in the clinical experiences required for full SUDP licensure. Information related to trainee certification can be found by visiting DOH here.

SUDP Credentialing Requirements
 
Education Requirements:
CBC’s SUDP program includes all topics required by WAC 246-811-030. Instruction in these topics is required for professional credentialing.

Supervised Experience:
Program graduates with a state SUDP Trainee Certification who have earned an associate degree as their highest level of education need to complete 2,500 hours of supervised experience in a licensed treatment facility. This experience must be obtained through employment, as CBC does not proctor these hours and the SUDP program does not include a clinical component. Additional DOH experience requirements and hours for higher levels of education can be found here.

Examination:
Credentialing applicants must pass an SUPD examination administered by DOH.

Program Standards
All students in Columbia Basin College's Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) program, or enrolled in its courses, are expected to adhere to the following standards:

•  Abstain from the misuse of alcohol and/or other chemical substances.
•  Refrain from alcohol and non-prescribed drug use.
•  Individuals in recovery from substance use must remain free of alcohol and non-prescribed drugs at all times.

Background Check
Employers in this field often require a background check as a condition of employment. Information obtained from the background check may impact employment eligibility. If you are concerned about how information on your background check may impact your ability to achieve an SUPD Trainee Certificate or SUPD License in WA State, you are encouraged to contact DOH for additional information. 

The Washington State Department of Health can be reached at:

Department of Health
Substance Use Disorder Professionals Program
P.O. Box 47869
Olympia, WA  98504-7869
Phone: (360) 236-2991

 

 

Program Learning Outcomes


1. Mastery of Addiction Knowledge: Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of addiction, including its biological, psychological,
and social dimensions.

2. Effective Counseling Skills: Graduates will demonstrate effective individual and group counseling skills, tailored to treat substance use disorders.

3. Cultural Competence: Graduates will exhibit cultural competence in treatment settings, effectively addressing diverse needs, including those of
individuals with disabilities.

4. Ethical and Legal Proficiency: Graduates will apply ethical and legal standards to substance use disorder counseling.

5. Integrated Treatment Planning: Graduates will be adept at creating and implementing comprehensive treatment plans, including assessment,
intervention, and evaluation.

6. Professional Readiness: Graduates will be prepared for SUDP certification and capable of contributing positively to the field of healthcare and social services as competent professionals.

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